Around Cullen
Cullen
is a fishing village on the Moray Firth with a unique charm -
Seatown, the area surrounding the harbour, with its colourful painted
cottages and twisting lanes dates in part from the 17th century. Just 25 miles east of Elgin, Cullen
is peaceful and unspoilt and offers visitors a relaxing seaside holiday
in an area suited to walking, wildlife enthusiasts and golfers.
Cullen Harbour was built in the 19th century for the Earl of Findlater. This area was the traditional hub of the Cullen community and fishermen have landed their catch here for over 500 years. Although most of the maritime traffic at Cullen harbour now is that of pleasure boats coming and going, Cullen has lent its name to a popular local speciality, Cullen Skink, a popular dish traditionally made with haddock, potatoes, onion and cream.
Cullen's
long-standing popularity with holidaymakers is based in its
fine long sandy beach, Cullen Sands is one of only seven beaches in
Scotland never to have failed the European community test of bathing
waters. The are around Cullen is also wonderful for walking. The Cullen
Tourist Initiative have put together a leaflet with the most popular
walks "Leisure Trails around the Royal Burgh of Cullen" - click here to download a copy (.pdf file)The
Moray Firth between Cullen and Findhorn is home to one of only two
resident populations of bottle-nosed dolphins in Britain. The estimated
number is about 129, though many young have been seen so there could be
more. On a calm sunny day a walker on the cliff tops can be almost sure
to see a group of dolphins leaping and playing, sometimes quite close
to the shore. They are a protected species and sensitive to
disturbance, so enjoy these beautiful creatures but respect them well.
Keep a look out for the rock stacks on shore known as the Three Kings
of Cullen(shown in centre of picture above). Near Cullen sands, golfers
can enjoy the 18 hole links golf course at Cullen Golf Club. As you play you can enjoy the wonderful views of the Moray Firth. 
Alternatively, walkers can head from Cullen to Portknockie or in the opposite direction to Sandend Bay via Findlater Castle.
These ruins are all that now remain of the residence of one of the most
prominent families in the Cullen area, the Olgivie’s. If you’re after
great views, the Bin of Cullen lies some 3 miles to the southwest of
Cullen (1,050 feet).
The Wildlife Centre at Spey Bay, Macduff Marine Aquarium and the North East Falconry Centre all provide opportunities to learn more about our local wildlife. Tugnet is also a nature reserve having ospreys, herons and owls
A visit to the Buckie Drifter Maritime Heritage Centre and the Tugnet Ice House in Speybay tell the story of a
bygone age and illustrate some of the fishing heritage of this area. Duff House in MacDuff is also well worth a visit.
Slightly further afield but still within easy driving distance, are the Whisky Trails, the Castle Trails and the Coastal Trails.
Cullen really does have something for everyone!
A wide range of tourist information is also available at the cottage.Your hosts, Freya and Bob, speak both German and French and are happy to take bookings and offer assistance in both languages.