Our Favourite Nature Spots
Nature lovers need look no further than our local doorstep! Spot Dolphin Pods, Osprey’s, Red Squirrels, Puffins and even Killer Whales, all within a 40 mile radius of Mayen! Banffshire is a natural breeding ground for a diverse array of animals like no other, with dense woodlands, undisturbed rivers and rugged coastlines forming both natural habitats, protected nature reserves and natural beauty spots.
Scottish Whale and Dolphin Conservation Centre, Spey Bay
More than just Scotland’s largest shingle beach, Spey Bay is one of the most renowned nature reserves in the North East of Scotland and home to the most brilliant wildlife including Osprey’s, Seals, Otters and of course the best place to spot Moray’s famous Bottlenosed Dolphins around estuary and coastal viewpoints!
The reserve is an active research and conservation centre with a visitor centre which includes the historic Tugnet Icehouse (which dates back to the early 1800’s as the largest surviving Ice House in the United Kingdom) and offers an interactive exhibition, café, shop and volunteer run marine garden.
RSPB Scotland Troup Head
Dramatic seascapes and soaring cliffsides host over 50’000 birds up to 90m above sea level at Troup Head across 29 Hectares of spectacular cliffsides.
Tens of thousands of birds return each year with nests and burrows in rockface crevices that include Scotland’s largest Gannet population, Ospreys, Puffins and Kittiwakes (to name a few), and it’s very possible to spot Minke Whales, Porpoises, Dolphins and on occasion even Killer Whales in the clear blue waters during the Summer months.
https://www.rspb.org.uk/days-out/reserves/troup-head?channel=paidsearch&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_Jr2nqybjAMVnpZQBh2WsgeJEAAYASAAEgKnAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Millbuies Country Park
Majestic larch trees stand proudly amongst the sloping woodlands at Millbuies Country Park and Azaleas and Rhododendrons burst with colour during the Spring around the fishing lake. Several woodland walks centre around the man made loch which is teeming with rainbow trout, mallards and swans that you can admire from the loch bridge, while squirrels, roe deer, rabbits and even pine martins call the vast woodland their home.
With expansive woodlands, fairy houses, plant trails and grassy meadows, Millbuies is the ideal place to enjoy a leisurely stroll, afternoon picnic or simply spend the day observing playful nature at its finest.
Findhorn Bay
One of the most beautiful bays along the Moray Firth, Findhorn Bay is a popular destination for beachcombers, water sporters and nature spotters alike, with miles of pristine sandy beaches alongside the village of Findhorn and connections to the nearby Roseisle Forest Bay.
Findhorn itself is a self-sustainable village with a very holistic community (and over 90 ecological community buildings!) making it the ideal place to escape to recharge your mind.
Findhorn Bay is well known for its Bottlenosed Dolphin viewpoints, sea birds, Roe Deer, Rabbits, Foxes, Seals, Otters, and Dragonflies during the Summer.
For an even more exhilarating way to explore nature, North Sea 58 Adventures offers daily charter trips out to sea for a memorable and educational trip and get up close and personal with the Moray Firth!
Charter Guide Tours
There are so many places to explore, and time is not always our friend when we are on holiday. Fortunately, there are a couple of tour operators in the area on hand to guide you around Banffshire’s hidden gems with fun and educational tours.
Authentic Voyages offer daily sightseeing and fishing trips along the beautiful Moray Coast with the chance to spot our remarkable sea life (including Puffins, Bottlenose Dolphins and Whales) while admiring the stunning coastline from afar.
Macduff Guide Charters also run daily excursions out to the Moray Firth with knowledgeable local Skippers on hand to detail our local heritage, take you off the beaten track and give you the most insightful sealife experience!
