The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Follow the NE250 ROUTE
Moray is a rather special place which enjoys a mild micro-climate thanks to the Gulf Stream and its spectacular coastline, which takes in communities such as Lossiemouth, Hopeman, Burghead, Cummingston, Cullen and Buckie.
With wonderful scenery, glorious landscapes and soft, sandy beaches, it’s the perfect place to spend a day out whether the sun is shining or not.
One way to do it is by driving the North East 250 (NE250) – a circular route that runs through Moray Speyside and Aberdeenshire, taking in countryside and coast, postcardpretty villages and towns – and the UK’s largest national park.
The 250-mile trail, which was launched in 2017, can be joined at three main points – Ballindalloch, Glenshee and Aberdeen Airport.
From there, holidaymakers can make their own way along roads that take in Speyside, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen, the Cairngorms, the east coast and the Moray Firth coast.
Laurie Piper, tourist operations manager at Moray Speyside Tourism, said: “The North East 250 is not just a driving route, it’s a journey that offers visitors a varied and rich experience, traversing six distinct areas each with its own rich story.”
And part of that story relates to
The NE250 route is packed full of castles and stately homes whisky, for the NE250 takes users into the heart of whisky country. From Glenlivet and Tomintoul to Strathisla and Royal Lochnagar and more – on this route you’ll be tempted to try Scotland’s national drink. And there’s a great choice of food and beverages too, including from fresh seafood, shortbread and craft beers.
The NE250 route is also packed full of castles and stately homes – some with royal links – museums and heritage attractions, and each with their own unique stories.
Discover the grandeur of the Scottish baronial Ballindalloch Castle, with a tour of the building, a wander through the beautiful formal gardens, woodlands and riverside meadows, or stop off at the tearoom.
Fresh sea air and a coastline filled with craggy rocks and superb stretches of beach are a hallmark of the route. At Fraserburgh, you can learn about the importance of lighthouses in Scotland’s maritime history at the fascinating Museum of Scottish Lighthouses.
Take a walk along the clifftops near Portknockie to enjoy views over the Moray Firth and the iconic Bow Fiddle Rock, where you could spot the resident pod of dolphins.
Mountain biking and snowsports in Cairngorms National Park, Munro bagging, kayaking or surfing off the north-east coast, as well as woodland and beach walks. The list of outdoor adventure opportunities along the NE250 route is huge.
The best way to see what’s on offer is by registering to become a North East 250 member, which costs £7 a year. This gives you access to printed maps and downloadable itineraries and you can sign up for the NE250 passport which lists places along the route where you can have your passport stamped. www.northeast250.com www.visitscotland.com
SPIRIT OF SPEYSIDE GIN EXPERIENCE
A new event for summer celebrating the very best of the region’s gin producers in the beautiful surroundings of Gordon Castle’s walled garden in Fochabers. The main gin experience takes place on July 13, while other events will be organised throughout the Speyside region on July 12 and 14. speysideginexperience.com
GRAMPIAN TRANSPORT MUSEUM
Located in Alford and on the NE250 route, the museum has an impressive range of transport, from old chariots to some of the fastest cars ever made. It’s running a series of special days throughout summer, including the bus collection open day on July 7 when you take a ride around the arena on buses from days gone by. Big stuff rides featuring large, commercial vehicles take place on July 18, while an electric vehicle expo is on July 27.
August includes blue light rides (ambulance, fire engine or police cars) on August 6; family funtime on the 14th; Ford vehicle day on the 18th, and 60 years of the Mini will be celebrated on August 25. www.gtm.org.uk
ELGIN FOOD AND DRINK FESTIVAL
The ninth annual festival features market stalls in Elgin’s St Giles Church and Town Hall on Saturday August 10. Family entertainment throughout the day in the city centre. morinfo.moray.gov.uk
FORRES HIGHLAND GAMES
Takes place in the superb setting of Grant Park in Forres on Saturday July 6. A pipe band procession along Forres High Street while the games include dancing, track, field and heavy events, along with piping events. There’s also a 10K race, bike race and lots of stalls and entertainment on offer. www.forreshighlandgames.com