It is metres from the largest shingle beach in Scotland as well as the mouth of the River Spey. This is part of a 450 hectare nature reserve and is a breathtaking and truly unique part of Scotland. In Spey Bay itself is a Wildlife Centre and Ice House, both are a short walk along the beach path and play host to an amazing variety of wildlife and birds. The osprey can regularly be seen fishing in t
he River Spey alongside otter, grey seal, an abundance of sea birds and bottlenose dolphin frolicking in the waves. There are a variety of local cruises available from Buckie for a closer encounter with the wildlife. Tugnet Ice House beside the Wildlife Centre is open for tours and was the largest ice house in Scotland when it was built in 1830. A few miles along the coast the town of Buckie is a vibrant fishing harbour where you can watch fishing boats going about their business and also buy some fresh produce. Also in Spey Bay there is an 18 hole links golf course while nearby in Lossiemouth there is Moray Golf Course and surrounding villages provide several very good local courses. With the mouth of the River Spey on your doorstep it is no surprise that fishing is on hand at the cottage and permits for trout and salmon fishing are available locally, depending on the season. Cyclists and walkers too are catered for with the Moray Coastal Cycle route nearby and the Speyside Way which passes through the village. Just outside Fochabers The Baxters Visitors Centre and Christies Garden Centre are both child-friendly and offer a great day out for lunch combined with some shopping. The nearby cathedral city of Elgin has all the main high street shops as well as a cinema, swimming pool, ice rink and ten pin bowling. Scotland has many castles and Moray is no exception, ranging from towers to keeps and ruins. The nearby ruin of Findlater Castle occupies a stunning perch overlooking the sea 2 miles east of Cullen, while Duff House in Banff is a Cultural Arts Centre. Speyside has the greatest concentration of malt whisky distilleries in the world and no visit to the area is complete without a visit to at least one of the distilleries on the only Malt Whisky Trail in the world. The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival takes place in May and September and attracts visitors from across the globe. This is an opportunity for the local whisky community to show off its produce against the stunning backdrop of where it is actually distilled. Away from whisky itself the Speyside Cooperage gives a fantastic insight into a traditional craft which is still active today building casks for the distilleries. Ard Mhuire and the Moray Firth have something for all ages and interests as well as being the perfect place to relax and enjoy a break.
