Forgotten Corners
Like most Scots, when I head northwards it's usually to the coral seas and beautiful beaches of the west coast. It is hard to beat swimming in the Gairloch on a warm summer's day. And no, it isn't tropical, it doesn't compare to swimming in Lake Powell where the water is warmer than our average summer air temperature. But languishing in an atlantic loch with the slight toasting of the Gulf stream, on an august evening, gazing out to the dramatic profile of Skye is somehow more satisfying. Partly because of the rarity of opportunities.
But in recent years I've been exploring less popular parts of the mainland, namely the North East and more specifically Moray. The area is in a huge transition phase at the moment. A last generation of fisherman are slowly phasing out their boats, and the economy is turning its head towards tourism.
I admit I may not have ventured there, were it not for my work for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. But I have begun to find that it has many of it's own charms. There are endless miles of beach along the Moray coast. Ranging from the ever-changing shingle at Spey Bay to the extensive tidal stretches at Lossiemouth. And from there to Inverness lie enormous expanses of sand dunes, some of the highest in Europe. These dunes are held back by a series of forests which were planted to hinder their relentless progress inland.
And,like many parts of the East coast, Moray is dotted with dramatic sea cliffs and charming fishing villages.
Of course if none of this tempts you, then there are the other ethereal charms of the Speyside Malt, with literally dozens of distilleries within a day's drive. Although, maybe driving yourself isn't the wisest choice.
Two things the Moray coast can beat the West coast with is:
A) A very low annual rainfall
B) A lot less midges
So if you've got that 'been there done that' feeling with the West, then Moray isn't a bad alternative.
Special thanks to Don and Eileen Temple for providing me with excellent accomodation at the Granary Wharf villas in Burghead. www.morayhols.co.uk
But in recent years I've been exploring less popular parts of the mainland, namely the North East and more specifically Moray. The area is in a huge transition phase at the moment. A last generation of fisherman are slowly phasing out their boats, and the economy is turning its head towards tourism.
I admit I may not have ventured there, were it not for my work for Highlands and Islands Enterprise. But I have begun to find that it has many of it's own charms. There are endless miles of beach along the Moray coast. Ranging from the ever-changing shingle at Spey Bay to the extensive tidal stretches at Lossiemouth. And from there to Inverness lie enormous expanses of sand dunes, some of the highest in Europe. These dunes are held back by a series of forests which were planted to hinder their relentless progress inland.
And,like many parts of the East coast, Moray is dotted with dramatic sea cliffs and charming fishing villages.
Of course if none of this tempts you, then there are the other ethereal charms of the Speyside Malt, with literally dozens of distilleries within a day's drive. Although, maybe driving yourself isn't the wisest choice.
Two things the Moray coast can beat the West coast with is:
A) A very low annual rainfall
B) A lot less midges
So if you've got that 'been there done that' feeling with the West, then Moray isn't a bad alternative.
Special thanks to Don and Eileen Temple for providing me with excellent accomodation at the Granary Wharf villas in Burghead. www.morayhols.co.uk
posted by Netdata at 1:57 PM
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