Season: spring
Spey Bay in Moray has the largest shingle beach in Scotland, with a diverse habitat of vegetation, salt marshes and reed beds. There is a history of intensive salmon fishing. Nowadays, it’s a wildlife paradise. You can often spot bottlenose dolphins, either out at sea or feeding at the mouth of the River Spey. Located just by the beach is The Scottish Dolphin Centre, their mission being to raise awareness of whales and dolphins and efforts to protect them. It’s also a haven for breeding birds, including terns and there is a rich diversity of plants and flora to enjoy, as well as the butterflies they attract.
The Scottish Wildlife Trust – “The iconic river Spey flows through the centre of the reserve. On the Kingston side is an enjoyable 2-mile circular walk which leads along the coast and back through peaceful woodland and grassland. From the Tugnet side you can enjoy a walk along the Speyside Way to the viaduct and back through alder woodland. Look out for seals, otters, deer, terns, waders and ospreys.”
My chat with Mary, from the Scottish Dolphin Centre.
A wide vista at Spey Bay.
The beach is a place of calm, regardless of the weather conditions. The unbridled energy of the storms and the shingle moving in the waves and swell has a calming, sonorous rhythm. The sea at peace with itself and barely moving in the summer sun allows you to breathe in deeply and watch the birds and dolphins dive for fish. At night it is a great place to watch the stars and ships passing by; small fishing boats and cruise liners glittering in the darkness, with flashes of light along the coast as the lighthouses send out warning messages. I like it!