MORAY Welcome to Moray! MorayCyclerides 1490/0698 MORAY has a distinctive character, with an excellent climate boasting some of the lowest rainfall amounts and highest sunshine totals in Britain. The landscape is an unspoilt mainly rural environment, with a superb range of countryside features from Highland hills and moors down to a rocky and sandy coastline. The diversity of landscape makes Moray ideal for quiet country pursuits such as hill and coast walking, birdwatching and cycling as well as the more adventurous watersports such as sea surfing. One of the many things that makes the Moray Firth so special is the abundance of bird and marine life, with the local bottlenosed dolphins and harbour porpoises often spotted from the shore. The diversity of bird life includes many native species which live here all year round as well as the visitors who join us in spring and autumn. Thousands of geese, swans, ducks and wading birds arrive from the frozen north every autumn, making the area a wonderful place for "twitchers". Ospreys are also seen catching fish in the Spey from April through to September. Moray is "Malt Whisky Country" with the famous Whisky Trail offering the chance to visit working distilleries and sample some of the best malts in Scotland. Although famous for its more traditional background in food processing, whisky distilling and farming, Moray also has a vital role to play in the modern world, with two major RAF establishments situated along the coast at Kinloss and Lossiemouth. Moray has good road links to the central Scotland motorway network, either on the A9 via Perth and points north, or by the improving A96 to Aberdeen, little over one hour from Elgin. From Aberdeen and Perth, dual carriageway connects to the central belt and beyond. Moray is also well served by rail, with stations at Keith, Elgin and Forres, linking travellers to the rail network south at Aberdeen and Inverness. Moray has two airports (with international connections) within easy distance: Inverness only 40 minutes from Elgin with Aberdeen (Dyce) just over an hour. Both trains and planes now offer a carriage system for bicycles, making it even easier to bring your own bicycle to use on the routes.
TOWNS ALONG THE ROUTES ELGIN - ROUTE 1 ~ The thriving capital city of Moray, Elgin has been transformed in recent years into an attractive shopping centre with large areas "traffic free". The medieval street plan survives in part, with narrow lanes leading away from the Old High Street and the former market place. Elgin Cathedral was founded in 1224 as the seat of the Diocese of Moray and burned in 1390 by the notorious Wolf of Badenoch after a quarrel with the bishop. The remains of the Cathedral are looked after by Scottish Heritage. The Cashmere Visitor Centre (Johnston s of Elgin), the Moray Motor Museum, the Elgin Museum and the Moray Leisure Centre are worth a visit and are well signposted throughout the City. There is also the beautiful Cooper Park containing the Library, Biblical Gardens and plenty of other amenities to be enjoyed. Telephone Numbers : Moray Leisure Centre (01343) 550033, Library (01343) 562600, Tourist Information Centre (01343) 542666 LOSSIEMOUTH - ROUTE 2 ~ Originally the port for Elgin, later a traditional holiday and golfing resort as well as a fishing port and RAF Lossiemouth base. The caves and cliffs of the beautiful rocky coastline between Lossiemouth and Hopeman are a scenic walk as are the unspoilt sand and shingle beaches that stretch to the east towards Kingston. Telephone Numbers : Swimming Pool (01343) 815299, Library (01343) 813334 FORRES - ROUTE 3 ~ Forres is a well established community which over the last few years, has been consistently successful in the annual Britain in Bloom competition and the extensive parks add much to the town s floral setting. Features of interest include Sueno s Stone at the east end of the burgh, Falconer Museum in the centre of Forres and Nelson Tower. Telephone Numbers : Swimming Pool (01309) 672984, Library (01309) 672834 Tourist Information Centre (01309) 672938 BUCKIE - ROUTE 4 ~ Buckie comprises of several communities strung along the coast, mostly owing their origins to fishing. It is still an important fishing port with a daily fish market. Well worth a visit is the Buckie Drifter, a Heritage Centre with exhibitions telling the tales of the old fishing fleets and the chasing of the herring. Telephone Numbers : Swimming Pool (01542) 832841, Library (01542) 832121 FOCHABERS - ROUTE 5 ~ Though a burgh of barony by 1598, the original settlement near Gordon Castle was removed and rebuilt on its present site to the plans of the 4th Duke of Gordon. Attractions in the town include Christie s Nurseries and Fochabers Folk Museum. The famous Baxter s of Speyside is also situated just on the edge of the town. Telephone Numbers : Library (01343) 821434 MorayCyclerides OTHER PLACES IN MORAY YOU MAY LIKE TO VISIT ABERLOUR is an attractive planned town built on the river flats of the Spey and founded by the local laird Charles Grant in 1812. The local Alice Littler Park has beautiful views and walks to be enjoyed. Aberlour is also noted as the headquarters and manufacturing base for the world famous Walkers Shortbread. Telephone Numbers : Swimming Pool (01340) 871641, Library (01340) 871693 BURGHEAD is the former location of the largest Iron Age fort in Scotland and a number of Pictish carvings have been found in the locality. The famous "Burning of the Clavie" ceremony still takes place here every January. CRAIGELLACHIE is a village built on terraces at the confluence of Rivers Spey and Fiddich. The graceful single arch of Craigellachie Bridge was built by Thomas Telford in 1814. The village is also noted for the construction of barrels for the whisky industry, open to view at the Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre( situated just outside of the village). CULLEN is one of the most impressive coastal settings of any Scottish community. The colourful seatown, hard by the beach, dates in part from the 17th century. Above the impressive railway viaducts lies the town of Cullen. Telephone Numbers : Library (01542) 841140 DUFFTOWN is home to the famous Glenfiddich Distillery. Dufftown Museum is housed in the Clock Tower (formerly the town jail) which stands tall over the town. There are also many shops, typical of a small town, to browse round. Telephone Numbers : Library (01340) 820272, Tourist Information Centre (01340) 820501 KEITH has a long manufacturing tradition, formerly in linen and tobacco processing, today mainly in woollens and whisky. Places of interest include the Strathisla Distillery (one of the oldest in Scotland), the Auld Brig - a picturesque packhorse bridge built in 1609, and a number of fine churches. Telephone Numbers : Swimming Pool (01542) 882222, Library (01542) 882223 ROTHES was founded on the banks of the River Spey in 1766 as a crofting township, industry came to Rothes in the form of the Glen Grant Distillery in the mid-19th century which now has an established visitor centre with Victorian Gardens. Telephone Numbers : Library (01340) 831281 TOMINTOUL is one of the highest villages in the Highlands at 1,150ft (345m) above sea level. Tomintoul Museum - in which the local tourist information centre can also be found - has an exhibition on local history. Whisky distilling and peat moss working are the main local industries. Telephone Numbers : Library (01807) 580271, Tourist Information Centre (01807) 580285
Safe Cycling Look after yourself When in groups, ride in SINGLE FILE. Take special care when cycling downhill - this is when most accidents occur. Wear BRIGHT CLOTHING, always carry lights and waterproofs. Make sure your bike is fully roadworthy before you set out - especially brakes and tyres. Always fit proper panniers as heavy luggage on your back will cause instability. Take a companion in remote areas. Watch your speed on loose surfaces. Always dismount and walk through congested areas. Carry refreshments, tool kit, puncture repair kit and first aid kit. Follow the HIGHWAY CODE and wear a HELMET always. Look after the environment Do not take bikes on to mountain tops and plateaux where vegetation is easily damaged. Keep to the tracks and don't cut short corners. Leave nothing behind - in particular, take all litter home. Follow the COUNTRY CODE. Think about others Cycle with consideration for other users, always giving way to walkers and horse riders. Acknowledge the courtesy of those who give way to you. Respect other land management activities. MorayCyclerides 1490/0698 Please remember to use local services Use village shops and pubs. Buy local produce. Take a guided walk - contact Libraries for information. Support local arts and crafts. Use the local Tourist Information Centre, they will give you information on places of interest and accommodation. For more information Moray Coast Ranger, telephone 01343 563469 Speyside Way Ranger, telephone 01340 881266 Community Leisure team, telephone 01343 563400 Library Service, telephone 01343 562600 Elgin Tourist Information Centre, telephone 01343 542666 The Moray Council s website : www.moray.org
Elgin Experience Distance-13 miles Difficulty-Fairly easy cycling, no major hills. 0rdnance Survey Map 28 ROUTE DESCRIPTION This route is just under 13 miles, starting and finishing in Cooper Park, the centre of Elgin. Within Cooper Park there are the Biblical Gardens, a new Library with cafeteria and secure stands for your bikes, peaceful walks down by the river, tennis courts and a well equipped childrens play area. The ruins of Elgin Cathedral are also within 5 minutes walk. The route tries to avoid too many busy junctions but where this has been unavoidable, the sections marked in bold indicate where it may be advisable to dismount and walk, particularly during heavy traffic flow or if there are youngsters in the group. Elgin s NEW Library MorayCyclerides route 1 1490/0698 Meeting the information, leisure, educational and business needs of the community. Secure Cycle Storage Art Gallery Internet Facilities Books Cassettes C.D. s Videos Art Prints Children s Area and Activity Room Reference and Study facilities Flexible Learning Centre Community and Business Information Facilities for people with disabilities DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL & LEISURE SERVICES A NEW CONCEPT IN HEALTH Secure Cycle Storage Ice Rink Pools Relaxation Suite Health & Wellness Suite Studio Squash Dry Sports Centre Creche Rainbow Castle Soft Play Centre Exhibition & Hospitality Facilities Cafe Bar The Sports Kabin Disabled Access & Facilities BOROUGH BRIGGS ROAD, ELGIN, IV30 1AP TELEPHONE 01343 550033 FAX 01343 551769
Elgin Experience PLEASE NOTE: Bold text means Take Care Take Care! This route follows part of the National Cycle Network Route One. The signage for both the routes is very similar - so follow the written directions carefully to avoid a very lengthy detour! MORAY LEISURE CENTRE DIRECTIONS MorayCyclerides route 1 1 Starting from the Library in Cooper Park facing the pond, turn left and cycle along the wide path around the park until you come to the footbridge over the River Lossie. 2 Cycle over the bridge, turn left along the path and right at the junction. 3 Turn right at the junction, along Brodie Place, passing Seafield School on the right. 4 Turn left at the next junction, into Munro Place and cycle till you reach the main road. Dismount here and cross the main road in front of The Bonnie Earl pub using the traffic island. 5 Take the first left into Covesea Road and cycle for approximately 1 mile. Crown Copyright LA 09039L/97/01 6 Turn left at the signpost for Findrassie and cycle through the woods and open country until you come to a crossroads, where you cross straight over. For approximately 2 miles admire the views over the Moray Firth on the right and Quarrelwood Woodland Park on the left. 7 Joining the busy trunk road at the junction, turn right and travel for approximately 500 yards before turning left towards Miltonduff and Pluscarden Abbey. Cycle for approximately 2 miles, through farm and woodland, until you reach a T junction. 8 Turn left here and immediately right at the War Memorial, past the Miltonduff Distillery on the left. (6.5 miles, halfway). 9 Turn right at the next T junction, signed to Kellas and Dallas. 10 Turn left towards Birnie and New Elgin. 11 After approximately 1.5 miles, turn left at the next T junction and travel towards New Elgin, passing the Elgin Golf Club House on your left and the Glassgreen Range on your right. 12 At the junction with the busy main road, turn right and immediately left, signed Linkwood (Thornhill Road). 13 Turn left at the junction by the Cottar Hoose, passing the cemetery and the Moray College Linkwood Annexe building on your right (11.8 miles). 14 Turn right immediately past the Annexe, over the railway bridge and into Ashgrove Road. This road leads to the very busy A96, so take great care. 15 At the junction, turn right and cycle to the roundabout, where you take the first exit left, then left again at the T junction. 16 Turn right at the junction, then immediately left down North College Street. 17 Turn right immediately past the Cathedral and then left between the stone pillars opposite the Cathedral entrance. This takes you back into Cooper Park - cycle straight ahead until you come to the Library.
Lossiemouth Loop Distance-14 miles Difficulty-Fairly easy cycling, no major hills. 0rdnance Survey Map 28 ROUTE DESCRIPTION Just under 14 miles in total, this loop takes you from the West Beach car park in Lossiemouth, round the perimeter of the airfield via Duffus Castle and back. The whole route is relatively flat and passes through fertile farming country. Watch out for the low flying jets during the first 2 miles, as you pass close to the end of the RAF Lossiemouth runway (Tornados and Jaguars). MorayCyclerides route 2 1490/0698 STOTFIELD ROAD, LOSSIEMOUTH IV31 6QS TEL:(01343) 812040 & 813708 FAX: (01343) 813708 COVESEA WEST BEACH, LOSSIEMOUTH, MORAYSHIRE, SCOTLAND IV31 6SP TEL: (01343) 813262 FAX: (01343) 815205 CARAVAN HOLIDAY HOME ACCOMODATION TOURERS & TENTS WELCOME MOUNTAIN BIKE HIRE Duffus Castle Duffus Castle is one of the finest examples of a motte and bailey castle in Scotland and was the original seat of the Moray family. 5 miles northwest of Elgin off the A941 Duffus Castle is in the care of Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel (0131) 668 8800 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk OPEN ALL YEAR
Lossiemouth Loop SILVER SANDS LEISURE PARK SKERRY BRAE HOTEL Crown Copyright LA 09039L/97/01 DUFFUS CASTLE MorayCyclerides route 2 DIRECTIONS 1 Start from the West Beach car park, travel up the hill to the main road and turn right. 2 Follow this fairly busy road past the Skerry Brae Hotel and down the hill -watch out for badly parked cars along this section. 3 Keep to this road as it passes between the two sides of the golf course, past the Silver Sands Leisure Park on the right by Covesea Lighthouse. The Covesea Golf Course appears on the right after 2.5 miles (pay and play). 4 Take the turn off to the left just past the Golf Course and free wheel down the country lane between the beech hedges, admiring the views over the hills in front. 5 Turn right at the T junction, passing between the airfield approach lights. 6 Duffus Castle appears on your left and is worth a visit (Scottish Heritage). 7 At the next junction, turn left and cycle for just under a mile, passing the bus stop on the left. 8 Take the road to the left signposted Mid Mains just past the bus stop - take care, it is easy to miss this turn off on the sharp left hand bend in the road. 9 Cycle along the straight flat lane between the fields until you come to a T junction. 10 Turn left over the little bridge and carry on this lane past Westerfolds farm on the left. 11 Turn right at the T junction, travelling along the perimeter of the airfield until you come to the next T junction. 12 Turn left towards Lossiemouth, go straight over at the roundabout in front of the main entrance to RAF Lossiemouth. 13 At the T junction, turn right and head back towards the town, up the hill past the Skerry Brae Hotel and back down to the West Beach car park on the left.
Forres Foray Distance-10 miles Difficulty-Very steep in places - climbing up on the way out and downhill coming back. 0rdnance Survey Map 27 ROUTE DESCRIPTION A cycle ride of approximately 10 miles, with a few challenging hills followed by a gentle meander through varied farmland and woods. At different spots along the route you will see wonderful views of Findhorn Bay and over the Moray Firth, the forests of Darnaway and the hills of the Highlands in the background. Although beautiful at any time of year it is particularly striking in late summer and early autumn when the leaves are turning colour. RAMNEE H OTEL Welcomes Cyclists MorayCyclerides route 3 1490/0698 OPEN ALL YEAR 61 HIGH STREET, FORRES TEL (01309) 672859 110 HIGH STREET, FORRES TEL (01309) 672258 Dallas Dhu Dallas Dhu is a completely preserved time capsule of the distiller s art. Wander at will through this fine old Victorian distillery~then enjoy a dram! 1 mile south of Forres off the A940 TEL (01309) 676548 Dallas Dhu is in the care of Historic Scotland, Longmore House, Salisbury Place, Edinburgh EH9 1SH Tel (0131) 668 8800 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk Refreshments, TELEPHONE Bar Meals, Accomodation (01309) 672410 VICTORIA ROAD, FORRES, MORAY IV36 0BN FORRES SWIMMING POOL & FITNESS CENTRE Park your wheels and take a dip! For further information on timetables contact Forres Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre Telephone (01309) 672984
Forres Foray RAMNEE HOTEL MACLEANS BAKERY SWIMMING POOL MorayCyclerides route 3 DIRECTIONS DALLAS DHU 1 Start from the Car Park at the East End of Grant Park. 2 Turn left towards the High Street, taking the first left along South Street, past the sunken Rose Garden. 3 Take the first left at the roundabout at the bottom of the hill and steadily climb out of Forres. Crown Copyright LA 09039L/97/01 4 Pass the Hospital and carry on for approximately 500 yards before taking the next road left up the hill past Newforres Quarry on your right. Stop and admire the view over Findhorn Bay by Pindlers Croft while you get your breath back! 5 Carry on up the hill until you come to the cross-roads. (At this point you can add another 2 miles by going straight over and cycling to Califer Viewpoint and back. It s a big hill but the views are breathtaking.) Turn right at the cross-roads, past Blervie Castle remains on your left. The views over Darnaway Forest and beyond to the hills of the Highlands can be appreciated even more as you free-wheel down the hill into Rafford. 6 Turn left at the Memorial, past Rafford Church on your left, then take the first road on the right to Dallas Dhu Distillery. 7 Meander gently for approximately 2 miles through woodlands of silver birch, pines, whinn, gorse and bracken until Dallas Dhu appears on your right, with it s distinctive white painted walls and tall brick chimney. This is a perfect place to stop as it is just past half way. 8 Passing the distillery on your right, keep bearing right along this road and turn sharp left after approximately 25 metres, following the narrow country lane down to the junction with the main road. 9 Cross straight over, following the road to Whiterow Farm and bearing right at the farm entrance. 10 Continue along this road until you meet the main road into Forres (A940); this is a busy road so take care. PLEASE NOTE: Bold text means Take Care 11 Turn left here and cycle until you come to Orchard Road on your right, by Oppos Night-club. 12 Turn right into Orchard Street over the bridge at Mossat Burn and cycle until you reach the roundabout at the bottom of South Street. 13 Go straight ahead at the roundabout and cycle back up South Street, returning to Grant Park Car Park where you started.
Buckie ~ Maud Meander Distance-10 miles Difficulty-Very steep in places - climbing up on the way out and downhill coming back. 0rdnance Survey Map 28 ROUTE DESCRIPTION Starting at The Buckie Drifter (which is well worth a visit) this cycle ride is approximately 10 miles long and takes you up through the Hilton Wood, round the Hill of Maud to a picnic site and viewpoint with pleasing views of Buckie and surrounding countryside before a downhill run almost all the way back to Buckie. 2 Star Accommodation from 25.00including breakfast Situated only a stones throw away from the sea, adjacent to Buckie s picturesque harbour, the Marine hotel is an ideal base for tourists and visitors to the Moray area. MorayCyclerides route 4 1490/0698 Secure cycle storage available Marine Place, Buckie (01542) 832249 THE BUCKIE DRIFTER Catch the spirit of the North-East OPEN APRIL TO OCTOBER Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 5.00pm Sunday 12noon to 5.00pm Visit the Restaurant and Shop Free Admission to Restaurant and Shop to the Public as well as Museum visitors. Admission Charge to Museum The Buckie Drifter, Freuchny Road, Buckie AB 1TT Tel: (01542) 834646 have a refreshing break at Buckie Swimming Pool U Open weekdays 12.30pm to 9.00pm and Weekends 9.00am to 1.00pm g For more information telephone 01542 832841 Buckie Swimming Pool South Pringle Street, Buckie AB56 1PZ
Buckie ~ Maud Meander MARINE HOTEL PLEASE NOTE: Bold text means Take Care SWIMMING POOL Crown Copyright LA 09039L/97/01 DIRECTIONS MorayCyclerides route 4 1 Start at The Buckie Drifter car-park and turn left up the hill to the roundabout. 2 Turn left at the roundabout and follow the road to Rathven. 3 Go straight past the cemetery on the right and follow the road to the right at Rathven Parish Church. 4 Follow this straight road until it reaches the T junction. 5 Turn left onto the A98 (a fast and busy trunk road so care is required) and carry on for approximately 300 metres. 6 Turn right past Connage Cottage and follow the narrow twisting road up through the woods between the Bin of Cullen on the left and the Hill of Maud on the right. 7 The gradient eases off after you pass Hillhead of Rannas on the left and then it is downhill until just before the next junction. 8 At the T junction turn right following the sign to Buckie and ride gently uphill through characteristic farmland until you reach the next T junction. 9 Turn right here again following the sign to Buckie and you will pass the Redmoss Trekking Centre and the old Monastry Restaurant before reaching the viewpoint. 10 After a well earned rest it is downhill all the way until you reach the A98 again. 11 Cross the A98 at the crossroads passing Moravian Motors on the right, and continue down the A942 toward Buckie. 12 Go straight over at the roundabout and follow the road round the sharp bend down to the right, past the Marine Hotel on your right. Cycle along the harbour front. 13 Turn right at the sign for The Buckie Drifter museum and left back into the car-park.
Scenic Speyside Distance-10 miles Difficulty-Very steep in places - climbing up on the way out and downhill coming back. 0rdnance Survey Map 28 ROUTE DESCRIPTION A 12 mile cycle ride following the Spey River from Fochabers to the Boat o Brig and back. Part of the route takes you along little used metalled roads, with a few pot holes to negotiate. It will also test both your stamina and your brakes, as the ascents and descents are sharp and full of tight corners (over 90 degrees in some cases!). Part of the route follows the long distance walkers route The Speyside Way. Fochabers is a very pleasant Victorian town which is full of interesting little specialist shops. Unfortunately the traffic is horrendous, so it s best to park your bikes and investigate on foot. MorayCyclerides route 5 1490/0698 A UNIQUE SPEYSIDE EXPERIENCE OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 10AM TO 5.30PM January to December FREE ADMISSION Free car and coach parking with facilities for the disabled. Gordon & Ena Baxter Ltd. trading as The Best Of Scotland -the speciality division of W.A. Baxter & Sons Ltd. Fochabers Scotland IV32 7LD Tel: 01343 820666 Fax: 01343 821790 www.baxters.com Boat O Brig on The Speyside Way
Scenic Speyside DIRECTIONS BAXTER S VISITOR CENTRE MorayCyclerides route 5 1 Start from the Picnic Area by the Spey, opposite the turn off for Spey Bay on the western outskirts of Fochabers. (Signed Crazy Golf). 2 Take the path to the right until you come to the War Memorial, where you turn right along the path round the cricket ground. 3 After 500 metres, turn left into Spey Street and cycle until you reach the junction with West Street, where you turn right. 4 Follow West Street over the bridge, turning left onto Woodside Road and right at the T junction, heading out of town along the Ordiquish Road. 5 After 2 steep miles you will reach SLORACH S WOOD, on your right. It is worth stopping and walking the 200 metres to the viewpoint here as the views over the Spey are extensive. 6 Descend steeply on a very narrow twisty road before a sudden impressive climb back up. Here you can see the damage caused in July 1997 by the Moray floods - there may be debris on the road here so take great care. 7 Cycle along the high road for approximately 5 miles, with the views on your right along the Spey Valley, before another steep and windy descent to river level at the Boat o Brig. 8 Turn right here on the B9103, and cross the Spey over the narrow steel bridge. 9 At the T junction, take the road to the right on the B9105. (At this point you can add another 2 miles by taking the road to the left and visiting the town of Rothes. Glen Grant Distillery has a visitor centre and wonderful award winning Victorian Gardens.) 10 Cycle approximately 2.5 miles before taking the road to the right opposite the red telephone box. To Rothes Crown Copyright L A 09039L/97/01 11 Follow the road round to the left and cycle between the hedges of beech and hawthorn past the fields of cereals, vegetables and raspberry canes. 12 As the road joins the main A96, opposite Baxters Visitor Centre take the cyclepath to the right over the old Spey Bridge and back to the Picnic Site where you started.