DAY 25
THURSDAY 12TH FEBRUARY, 2009
BUCKIE TO LOSSIEMOUTH – 16 MILES, 7 HOURS
MORRIS, PHIL AND DOUGLAS
TOTAL DISTANCE WALKED SO FAR 398.2 MILES
After a good night sleep and hearty breakfast we were ready for today’s walk to Lossiemouth. The weatherman forecast snow showers and when we set off there was already a covering on the ground. We made our way back towards the sea and picked up the Moray Coastal path out of town through Buckpool where we joined the route of the Speyside Way. We followed the seaside path through Portgordon (where we parted company with the Speyside Way) and on towards Spey Bay. It had started to snow again and we were subjected to intermittent showers throughout the day. A pebble beach runs all the way along this stretch of coast and is difficult to walk on and we were grateful for the relief of walking along the edge of Spey Bay golf course. At Spey Bay we rejoined the Speyside Way walking south down the east bank of the river to cross on the disused railway bridge for the walk into the lovely village of Garmouth. We were in need of some form of refreshment and although the Garmouth Hotel was not open the proprietor Grant Spence very kindly invited us in and made us a very welcome pot of hot tea. Walking on we were able to buy food and drinks at the village shop. On leaving the village we took the ‘school brae’ path passed the water tower and onto Kingston where we made our way to the sea front. The last seven miles of the walk into Lossiemouth was on a good, distinctive path between the pebble beach and the World War 2 sea defences which border the forest. There is a rifle range on this stretch and if in use (red flags flying) a detour through the forest would have to be taken. The line of anti tank concrete blocks and pill boxes stretch unbroken for almost six miles, are almost intact and show little sign of nearly 70 years of erosion. On nearing Lossiemouth the pebble beach was replaced by beautiful sand making the walk into town over the wooden pedestrian bridge an enjoyable end to our three days walking. From Lossiemouth we used the local bus service for the 15 minute journey back to Elgin and our drive home to Edinburgh.
Summary; A very comfortable days walking on very flat terrain. Walking on the pebble beaches would be slow and exhausting.
Highs; In general a great days coastal walking in snow. The hot pot of tea at the Garmouth Hotel. Thanks again Grant!!
Lows; None.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE
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- Douglas and Phil ready to go at the war memorial in Buckie.
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- The clearly marked Moray coastal path our route out of Buckie.
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- Not too far from the sea towards Buckpool.
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- On the coastal path towards Portgordon.
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- A snowy Portgordon.
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- A snow covered Spey Bay golf course.
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- Approaching Spey Bay.
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- Looking back down the pebble beach from near Spey Bay
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- Looking ahead up the pebble beach to Spey Bay.
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- Phil and Morris well wrapped up for the cold conditions.
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- The path from Spey Bay down the side of the river to the bridge over to Garmouth.
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- Crossing the old railway bridge to Garmouth.
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- The Moray coastal path is well marked.
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- Grant Spence the very welcoming manager of the Garmouth hotel.
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- The water tower , Garmouth.
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- Looking back over Kingston towards Spey Bay
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- On the coastal path towards Lossiemouth.
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- More pebble beach on the way to Lossiemouth
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- The start of an amazing pristine line of WW2 sea defences.
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- The long pebble beach goes on and on.
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- The WW2 sea defences seem to go on for miles.
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- Easier walking near Lossiemouth.
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- On lovely sands at last with Lossiemouth ahead.
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- Looking back down the beach towards Spey Bay.
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- Lossiemouth ahead.
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- Lossiemouth.
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- The long pedestrian bridge over the river Lossie at Seatown, Lossiemouth
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- Another view of the bridge.
ROUTE MAP – CLICK TO ENLARGE
DAY 25 ROUTE MAP