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Lying on the far North-Eastern tip of Scotland, Fraserburgh is the biggest shellfish port in Europe. The first ever lighthouse in Scotland was built here on the site of a castle at Kinnaird Head which now forms the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. Here, you will be treated to the rich cultural history of Fraserburgh and be able to take a tour of the lighthouse itself. There are plenty of restaurants in which to sample the seafood for which the town is renowned and a variety of places to stay.

Heading west on the route, the Moray Firth approaches. Like Pennan, made famous as the setting for the film, ‘Local Hero’, in Crovie villagers really do live life on the edge…of the North Sea. It is within a stone’s throw of the houses! One of the oldest and best-preserved fishing villages in Scotland, it has a narrow line of houses at the cliff line and is impassable by car. A sense of timelessness is prevalent here.

At Banff, the River Deveron enters the sea and creates a spectacular view across the waves to the neighbouring town of Macduff. Banff Museum exhibits the history of the area from the Celts to the modern day and the town has plenty of places to eat, making this a great place to stop for lunch, some culture and a paddle.

Moray is home to some of the finest golf courses in the world and if this is your sport of choice, it’ll be a tough decision which one to go for. Do you want to play on a course of champions with a seaview? If so, Castle Stuart is without comparison. There are a plethora of links within amazing settings in this part of Scotland.

Continuing along the route, Duff House, designed by William Adam, sits in stunning landscaped gardens. Discover the tale of two feuding Williams, walk a couple of miles to the Bridge of Alvey and see the Duff Ice House and Neo-Gothic mausoleum all within the same boundary. History is packed tightly into this Georgian mansion and its grounds.

Still with the coast on our right, we are led to Portsoy, a picturesque 17th-century fishing village that was the location for the remake of ‘Whisky Galore’, a 1949 Ealing comedy based on the novel by Compton Mackenzie. It is also home to the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, a vibrant affair that attracts visitors from all over the country. Portsoy is also famed for its ice cream and it is worth stopping off just for a sample. With a music venue in the old Salmon Bothy and plenty of places to eat delicious seafood, Portsoy provides many reasons to take a break from the [NE250] route.

Findlater Castle, a prime example of nature reclaiming what humans leave behind, is nine miles west of Portsoy. Walk through bright yellow rapeseed fields to the sunken castle site where you must clamber down the cliff to see the spectacle and get a bird’s-eye view of beautiful coastal scenery.

We draw closer to the end of the Moray Firth stretch of the NE250 as we reach Cullen. Famous for its delicious fish soup, Cullen Skink, it is the epitome of a Scottish fishing village. It has been given the highest award for clean bathing waters in Europe and has the most impressive golden beach making this a great place for a seaside stopover.

Finally on this stretch of the Sunshine Coast is Spey Bay coastal reserve which brings us to the Speyside leg of the North East 250. The River Spey bisects the nature reserve and creates a changing environment that is home to marine life of many kinds from mammals such as seals, dolphins and otters, to birds like osprey, terns and waders. The Tugnet Ice House nearby is a massive construction that was used to house the area’s salmon catch before export and is an impressive site. The Speyside Way begins here, too, offering walkers a very special view of the riverscape.

LISTINGS ALONG THE MORAY FIRTH AND THE SUNSHINE COAST

More in Moray Tours and Transport

Lossiemouth, UK
Moray Tours and Transport offers the services of a bilingual private guide-driver in English and Portuguese by a certified HOSTGA (Highlands of Scotland Tour Guide Association) driver-guide. 

Otters Holt

46 Great Western Road, Buckie AB56 1YA, UK
OTTER'S HOLT Cottage is on the edge of a friendly coastal town. Ideal location for walking and cycling.

Cullen Holiday Home

25 Seafield Street, Cullen, Buckie, UK
A wonderful place for a great holiday experience! Spacious, with an airy feel, this self-contained and comfortable apartment has a secluded sitting-out area for guests’ use.

Orton Estate

Orton Estate, Fochabers, UK
Welcome to Orton Estate! We are located in the heart of idyllic Speyside yet only 8 miles from Elgin. We offer our guests comfortably furnished, family friendly cottages and farmhouses on the banks of the River Spey. Our 7 holiday cottages range from quaint yet...

Lower Mill of Tynet

Lower Mill of Tynet Farm, Lower Mill of Tynet, Buckie, AB56 5HJ
Lower Mill of Tynet is a family farm and farm shop on the Moray coastline producing certified organic milk and award-winning brown and white free range and organic eggs.

Rustic Hollow

Rustic Hollow Cabin, Gamrie, Banff AB45 3RL, UK
A perfect retreat in a luxury cabin near Banff. The perfect Hub for exploring the coastline or a stop off along the NorthEast 250 trail.

Victoria Hotel Portknockie

1 Victoria Street, Portknockie, Moray
Situated in the beautiful fishing village of Portknockie. A warm and friendly welcome awaits!

Sandend Camping | Touring

Sandend Holidays, Seaview Road, Sandend, Banff
The perfect beach stay! Family-owned and operated with a focus on family holidays. Open from 1st April to 31st October.

See Lamp

11 Victoria Place, Portknockie, Buckie AB56 4LH
We specialise in re imagining, restoring and making a wide range of innovative and original custom made lights. Our shop and workshop is situated in the centre of the village and holds a collection of vintage, industrial and retro pieces to suit all tastes.

Gordon Castle Walled Garden

Gordon Castle Walled Garden, A96, Fochabers, UK
At almost eight acres in size it is one of the oldest and largest kitchen gardens in Britain and has been lovingly restored to its former glory with a modern design by world-famous designer Arne Maynard.

Mayen Estate

Mayen Estate, Rothiemay, Huntly AB54 7NL, UK
Escape to Mayen Estate and enjoy a relaxed holiday in a traditional Scottish cottage nestled in the stunning Deveron valley.  

Christie Alpacas

Little Wardend, Banff, UK
Christie Alpacas is a small alpaca farm located just off the NE250 route, 3 miles from the historic town of Banff. We are home to 12 alpacas (and counting!) and offer glamping pod accommodation, as well as various alpaca visit packages.

Brawview Motorhomes

4 McKenzie Square, St Andrews, UK
Tour Scotland in your own Zefiro 696 motorhome, new for 2021. Easy to drive and packed with everything you need to make your trip special.

Elgin Cathedral

Elgin Cathedral King Street Elgin Moray IV30 1HU
Elgin Cathedral, known as the ‘Lantern of the North’, is one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval cathedrals.

Huntly Castle

Huntly Castle Castle Avenue Huntly AB54 4SH
Huntly Castle is a noble ruin famous for both the quality of its architecture and for its eventful history. Its beautiful setting is the green heart of the Aberdeenshire countryside.

North Coast Convertibles

41 Moss Street, Elgin, IV30 1LT
Specialist car hire and rental for modern, high performance, convertible sports cars serving The Highlands and Islands, Grampian, Moray, Cairngorm National Park, North Coast 500, North East 250, Inverness, Aberdeen, Loch Ness, Scotland and beyond!

Hillhead Hideaways Near Keith

Glen of Newmill, Keith
Located in beautiful Banffshire, Hillhead Hideaways is home to a set of luxury glamping pods each with their own en-suite, hot tub and private BBQ house.

Portsoy Ice Cream

24 Seafield Street Portsoy AB45 2QT
Portsoy Ice Cream is an award winning, family run ice cream parlour located in the picturesque harbour village of Portsoy.

Portknockie Fish & Chip Shop

7 Union Street, Portknockie, Buckie AB56 4LF, UK
Open Thursday to Sunday from 4.30pm to 7.30pm however telephone orders taken on these days from 10am. Please book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Thank you

Castle View Guesthouse

2A Ness Walk, Inverness IV3 5NE, Scotland, UK
Perfectly located in the heart of Inverness with breathtaking views of the Castle across the river.

Highland Defenders

Aviemore, UK
We hire Land Rover Defenders fitted with industry-leading hardshell roof tents and equipped with all the camping kit you’ll need for your Scottish road trip.

Cullen Campervan Hire

Duallin, Deskford, Buckie, AB56 5YD
Explore the North East 250 in one of our newly converted Ford Transits campers. They are easy to drive and fitted out to a high standard with everything you need.

Granite Adventures

Kingswells, Aberdeen AB15 8QL, UK
A range of fantastic activities to get you out and enjoying the adventurous side of the NE250

Ecosse Sports Car Hire

Hay Place, Elgin IV30 1LZ, UK
3 beautiful classic Mk1 Mazda Mx5's for hire for your North East adventure. Hire periods available for minimum 3 days period with special rates for long weekend hire.

Duff House

Duff House, Banff, UK
Duff House is a magnificent Georgian mansion containing a collection of works from National Galleries Scotland and the Magdalene Sharpe Erskine Trust.

Laichmoray Hotel, Elgin

Laichmoray Hotel, Maisondieu Road, Elgin, UK
Warmth of atmosphere is the priority of the day at the Laichmoray.

Walkers Shortbread Elgin

Walkers Shortbread Elgin Factory, Edgar Road, Elgin, UK
We are renowned across the world as a true Scottish classic, baking an extensive range of pure butter shortbread, cakes, tarts, biscuits, oatcakes, meringues and more using our founder’s original recipes.

Johnstons of Elgin

Johnstons of Elgin, Elgin, Scotland, Elgin, UK
A unique five-star Visitor Centre at our original 220 year old mill on the banks of the River Lossie in Elgin.

Duff House Royal Golf Club

Duff House Royal Golf Club, Banff, UK
As you head westwards crossing the seven-span Banff bridge you’ll glimpse to your left the manicured fairways of Duff House Royal Golf Club.

Portsoy Boatshed

90 Church Street Portsoy AB45 2QR
Located by Portsoy’s Old Harbour, you’ll find the Portsoy Boatshed, a purpose built, well equipped workshop with the machines and traditional tools to build boats.

Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

The Salmon Bothy, Links Road, Portsoy, AB45 2SS
Packed with brilliant moments, the Scottish Traditional Boat Festival brings together boats, music, crafts, food and drink to celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The Sail Loft Bunkhouse

Back Green Portsoy AB45 2AF
Right on the shore of the internationally renowned Moray Firth coast is the Sail Loft, a 4 star hostel rated by VisitScotland.

The Salmon Bothy Museum

The Salmon Bothy, Links Road, Portsoy, AB45 2SS
A former working Salmon House, the Salmon Bothy has been lovingly restored and now comprises a museum, a base for family history research and a fully functional community space and venue.

Portsoy Links Caravan Park

Links Road Portsoy AB45 2RQ
Overlooking the beautiful Links Bay beach Portsoy Caravan Park lets you enjoy stunning sunsets and starlit skies and maybe even sight of the amazing Northern Lights.

Buttermere Cottage

Damside Alvah Banff AB45 3DB
Rated 4 star by VisitScotland, we do everything we can to ensure you have the perfect holiday experience.

Greencraig Pods

Greencraig Pods, Drybridge, Buckie, AB56 5JN
Luxury glamping pods situated on a family run farm outside Buckie. We are walking distance to the 'Craigmin bridge' and 'The Fairies of Drybridge'. The fishwives walk also passes the farm entrance.

Moray Motor Museum

Bridge Street Elgin IV30 4DE
The Moray Motor Museum houses a superb collection of veteran, vintage, classic cars and motorbikes.

Moray Firth Camper and Caravan Hire

51 Farquhar street Hopeman IV30 5SL
Hire a Camper Van, Motorhome or a Caravan for your trip around Scotland taking in North East 250 route which starts on our doorstep!

4X4 Hire Scotland

89-91 Station Road, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8QP, UK
4×4 Hire (Scotland) Ltd established in 2000 is a Bespoke, Prestige self-drive vehicle hire & chauffeur drive company.

Outfit Moray and Bike Revolution

Shore Street Lossiemouth IV31 6PB
Founded in 2003, Outfit Moray has worked with over 15,000 children and young people; building confidence, self-esteem and resilience, providing positive role models and encouraging the acquisition of life skills and new experiences through challenge and positive risk taking.

WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre

Spey Bay Fochabers IV32 7PJ
The centre is the public face of the charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation, whose vision is a world where every whale and dolphin is safe and free.

Cornerstone Restaurant

1 Market Street Macduff AB44 1RJ
Situated approximately 100 yards from Macduff Marine Aquarium, our emphasis is on good customer service and quality home cooked meals that are reasonably priced.

Scottish Marine Safari

28 Commercial Road Buckie AB56 1UN
Scottish Marine Safari is all about showing off the great natural heritage we have around the Moray Firth coastline.

Time Exposure Travel

5 Westfield Terrace, Aberdeen, UK
Time Exposure Travel offer both bespoke and pre-set tours around Aberdeenshire and and Scotland. We can explore the many castles and learn about our turbulent past, visit a whisky distillery where you can see how our famous drink is made, admire amazing scenery, visit historic areas and much much more.

Royal Oak

34 Castle Terrace, Cullen, Buckie AB56 4SD, UK
The Royal Oak is an ideal stopover for those travelling along the NE250 Route or for those who wish to spend a few days in this stunning part of the world. The area offers an abundance of activities, such as golf, dolphin watching, sea-angling, sea kayaking, cycling and walking.

Northern HighLights Pass

North East Scotland
Available as a mobile download or hardcopy card and wallet, the Northern HighLights Pass offers discounted sightseeing providing savings and discounts when visiting some of the “must see, must do” attractions and activities in the region.

The Portsoy Gift Box

21 Seafield Street, Portsoy, Banff AB45 2QT
The Portsoy Gift Box stock a beautiful and diverse selection of excellent quality gifts handmade or designed in Scotland. Pop in and have a browse! A warm welcome is guaranteed.

Stravaig Bed & Breakfast

46-48 Seafield Street, Cullen, Buckie, UK
Stravaig is a small family run Bed and Breakfast in the beautiful coastal village of Cullen, ideally situated  on the route of the North East 250.

Highland Spirit Tours

88 Woodlands Drive, Lhanbryde, Elgin, UK
Tailor-made whisky tours of well known Speyside distilleries such as Glenlivet, Macallan and Aberlour as well as less familiar distilleries such as Benromach, Ballindalloch and Cragganmore.

Royal Tarlair Golf Club

Royal Tarlair Golf Club, Buchan Street, Macduff, UK
The North East of Scotland is renowned for its rugged beauty and the course at Royal Tarlair is no exception.  Situated in the town of Macduff the course commands uninterrupted panoramic views of the coastline.

The Platform

Macduff AB44 1UL, UK
Situated in the old railway station in Macduff where the history of the building has been carried through into the recent renovations.

Kinnaird Motorhomes

Strichen Court, Fraserburgh AB43 9SZ, UK
Explore the beauty of the North East 250 in a luxury motorhome.

Time Restaurant and Cocktail Bar

3 West Street, Buckie, UK
Time restaurant brings to you the ultimate dining experience with our extensive menu there’s something for everyone.

Deskford Garden Galleries

Cottertown of Ardoch, Deskford, Buckie AB56 5XX, UK
Deskford Garden Galleries is a unique vintage experience were you can wander and browse around our gardens, take tea and discover something 'new' each time you visit.

Vanilla Ink – The Smiddy

Vanilla Ink The Smiddy, Old Market Pl, Banff AB45 1GE, UK
As well as operating as a silversmithing & jewellery school, we are a not-for-profit social enterprise who support Young People and vulnerable makers in our community by offering creative opportunities, skills development and business support, helping people to improve their life skills and mental health.

Netherdale House

Netherdale House, Turriff AB53 4LE, UK
Set amongst ancient woodland on the banks of the River Deveron with far reaching views of the countryside located in the heart of the northern leg of North East 250.

Clochforbie Yurts

Clochforbie Cottage, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, UK
Clochforbie Yurts are two unique, luxurious accommodations with expansive views of the Aberdeenshire countryside in a serene setting.

Banff Springs Hotel

Banff Springs Hotel, Golden Knowes Road, Banff, UK
Ideally located on the route for your overnight stop with outstanding Scottish Hospitality, North East cuisine and spectacular views over the coastline.

Intricate Designs

2 Seafield Street, Cullen AB56 4SH
Intricate Designs is a small family business run by George & Maggi based in Cullen on the glorious Moray coastline.

Cullen Sea School

1 Port Long Rd, Cullen, Buckie AB56 4AG
Enjoy an abundance of water sport activities, shore-based classes and even try your hand at boat-building.

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