Cullen to Portknockie
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 6 kms | 01:30 (hrs:mins) | 30 metres | Explorer 425 - Huntly & Cullen |
Description
Start at the Square and walk up Grant Street. Turn right into North Deskford Street and follow this road down to meet the trackbed of the former railway line. The railway was opened in 1886, and the superb viaducts were made so that the line would not pass through the grounds of Cullen House.
Continue along the line, walking over the viaducts, with the golf course on your right. You will find some great viewpoints along the way, looking over the broad sweep of Cullen Bay with its lovely golden sand. After about 1 mile you will reach the village of Portknockie. Leave the railway line path, turn left then right to take you onto Bridge Street, the main road through the village, and head towards the War Memorial. Take a left along Church Street, passing the Millennium Garden. At the end of Church Street take a right down onto Cliff Terrace and follow the road round above the small harbour. Continue along Harbour Road onto Harbour Terrace and turn right into Patrol Road, following the signs for Moray Coastal Trail. At the road end, continue onto the clifftop path, sign-posted Bow Fiddle Rock - a curiously shaped rock formation - and past the opening known as the Whale's Mouth.
Further along follow the steps leading down to the shore and past Jenny's Well, from which clear, cold water still flows. An opening in the rocks next reached is known as the Preacher's Cave. Reach the beach and walk along the firm sand. There is usually a good variety of birdlife including gulls and oystercatchers. You may even spot some dolphins, frequent visitors to the Moray coastline. Take your time wandering along by the sea, perhaps exploring rock pools, until you return to the outskirts of the town. Walk through the old Seatown area, where the fisherfolk lived, and along past the picturesque harbour. Many of the houses here are in the old 'clay and dash' style. Continue on up Seafield Street back to the Square.
Access Info
Cullen is settled halfway in-between Buckie and Portsoy, off the A98. Parking and the start point to this walk is at The Square, Cullen.
Additional Info
Cullen, was first established in 1189 however a church was not built in the Town until 1236.
Cullen is well known for its fishing heritage with the dish 'Cullen Skink' (smoked haddock, potato and onion soup) named after the town. This unusual name is derived from the Gaelic word meaning 'essence'.
