Route Summary
This is a very enjoyable circular route from the interesting and attractive Moray village of Cullen. The walk is undemanding, and provides an enjoyable combination of mixed woodland, scenic open countryside, expansive coastal views, and historical interest.
Duration: 2.75 hours.
Route Overview
Duration: 2.75 hours.
Transport/Parking: Stagecoach buses from Aberdeen and Elgin pass through Cullen. Check timetables. Free public car-park at start/finish of walk.
Length: 8.25 km / 5.13 mi. Height Gain/Loss: 155 meter.
Max Height: 104 meter. Min Height: 22 meter.
Surface: Moderate. A mix of tarred roads, hard-surfaced paths and rough roads, and soft woodland paths. The circuit is not suitable for off-road mobility scooters due to fallen trees across the path at various points in Crannoch Wood. A shorter there and back route is possible, returning at Lintmill (Waypoint 7).
Difficulty: Easy.
Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance and overall ascent.
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on lead on public roads and near farm animals.
Refreshments: Options in Cullen.
Description
This is a very pleasant rural ramble in the countryside around Cullen, on the Old Banffshire coast, which enjoys a relatively mild and dry micro-climate. The route starts and finishes in the impressive Square, surrounded by fine Georgian and Victorian buildings. Very soon, the route enters the landscaped woodland of the Seafield Estate, then skirts the walled policies before diverting to the Old Kirk of Cullen, founded in the 13thC, and with glimpses of Cullen House, a private residence dating from 1543. The turning point on the route is the charming hamlet of Lintmill, on the way to Deskford, and sitting on the banks of the Water of Cullen burn. Crossing farmland on a very quiet minor road, the route then leads over the busy A98 main road to the wooded hillside of Crannoch, passing the delightful Crannoch lochan upon reaching the summit area. The final section enjoys wide-open views over fields, and the rooftops of Cullen, to the Moray Firth, and to the Portknockie headland in the middle distance. Further away, depending on visibility, you may be able identify the Caithness hills across the Firth. Cullen is an attractive large village. It has a long history, having been made a royal burgh around the end of the 12thC. The old village, which ran downhill from Cullen House is long gone. Nowadays, there is a clear distinction between picturesque and colourful Seatown of Cullen, the fishing quarter, nestled into the broad bay, and “New Cullen”, rising uphill and inland. Although very different, both were planned settlements, built in the 1820’s, as was the fine harbour, built by Thomas Telford to take advantage of the opportunities for trade and the booming herring industry at the time.
Links:
Photos from walk
Download Route Guide (PDF with illustrated Waypoints)
Download GPX file (GPS Exchange Format)
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Access Walk on OSMaps
Access Walk on Alltrails
Access Walk on Wikiloc
The Mack Walks 