Findhorn Bay

Findhorn is one of the more popular beaches along the Moray coastline thanks to the long, unspoilt sandy stretch of the shore and the natural beauty of this spot.

When the tide is out, a wide expanse of flat sand is exposed, ideal for taking bracing walks. As the tide comes in most of the sand is covered, leaving just the top of the beach which is more pebbly.

Many of those who come here come to practice water sports and for boating. There are also some excellent walks around the beach, which is located in a nature reserve and provides plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching. Seabirds which frequent the area include migrating wildfowl, but there is also a chance of spotting seals at low tide along the sand bank at the river estuary, whilst this stretch of coastline is well known for its resident dolphins. Bring along a pair of binoculars and there’s a good chance of spotting something of interest.

Parking is available to the north of the village of Findhorn, near the marina, offering access to the beach along a short path over a sand dune. There are a range of facilities in the village including pubs, places to eat, places to stay, a caravan park, and the Findhorn Heritage Centre, a small museum which tells about the history of the area. There are some interesting displays on the town’s fishing legacy and the area’s role during World War Two. Since 1962, the village has also been home to an eco-friendly community.

The beach at Findhorn Bay in Moray sits between the pine trees of Culbin Forest to the west and Burghead Bay to the east, where seals can be found by the shore.  The area was once known as “Scotland’s Sahara”, before the forest was planted in the last century.  The setting is outstanding, part of the Culbin Sands, Forest and Findhorn Bay Site of Special Scientific Interest.  Nearby Findhorn has a thriving Arts scene and the Findhorn Bay Arts Festival takes place annually in September.  The poems below were sent in by Emma Gibb.  You can see some of her Findhorn photos on her Embrace Scotland blog and read more from her in the Emma Explores Scotland blog.

Naked Scotland

Findhorn is not an official naturist beach, but on hot summer days it’s not uncommon to see people skinny dipping in the sea or sunbathing amongst the extensive sand dunes. I put this down to the multinational presence at the nearby Findhorn Foundation, lots of German, Dutch, and Scandinavian visitors use the beach. Use common sense, keep to the part of the beach between the end of the dunes and the beach entrance further East at Roseisle. People do walk their dogs or run along the beach, fortunately you can see them coming a long way off. Also be aware that the Moray Coastal Trail runs along the top of the beach for a few hundred metres, and is popular with walkers. The dunes however do offer seclusion, and it’s quite easy to find a sheltered spot to sunbathe nude. The couple of times I’ve unexpectedly encountered textiles there has been no issue, they either smile and wave, or one individual kindly suggested that if one wanted to go naked then further along the beach towards Roseisle would be quieter (as I suggested above). Please remember however that this is an unofficial naturist beach, and for the benefit of other naturists who may wish to use the beach please be respectful of other people, only go naked further along the beach, and cover up if you see any textiles approaching you. Thanks to Jim Source: https://nakedscotland.org.uk/b/findhorn