Lossiemouth East Beach is located on the shores of the coastal village of Lossiemouth in the Grampian region of Scotland. The beach is a picturesque gem that features a beautiful, wide expanse of sand that offers stunning views across the Moray Firth. The beach is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its impressive sand dunes and the opportunity to spot dolphins in the nearby waters.
Overview
While the village of Lossiemouth is perhaps best known for the enormous air force base that lies on its outskirts, those in the know flock there during the summer months to enjoy the gorgeous stretch of golden beach that runs along the village’s eastern side.
The east beach has become something of a mecca for both wildlife enthusiasts and surfers, with the former hoping to see pods of bottlenose dolphins and the latter enjoying the powerful waves brought in by strong northern winds.
But there’s more to this beach than nature and sports, as the area also has some excellent walking trails, with the circular route from Lossiemouth village to the end of the beach and back again via the surrounding woodland being the highlight. It’s an easy walk that should only take around two hours to complete, comprising soft sand, tarmac paths, and grassland.
Lossiemouth East Beach is a great place to visit in the warmer months, and because it’s so vast, it never feels crowded. The sand is soft and clean, and the sea is clean and clear, so it’s ideal for swimming.
The Highlights
1: Lossiemouth East Beach is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The beach is set against a backdrop of dunes and offers stunning views of the Moray Firth. It’s a perfect place for nature lovers and photographers.
2: The beach is a fantastic place to spot a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, seals, and numerous bird species. The nearby Spey Bay Wildlife Reserve is also a great place to visit for wildlife enthusiasts.
3: The beach is popular for a range of water activities such as surfing and paddle boarding. It’s known for its excellent wind conditions, making it a top spot for windsurfing. The water is clear and clean, making it a great place for swimming as well.
Visiting Tips
1: If you fancy a change of pace after your visit to the beach, I recommend you check out Elgin Cathedral. The cathedral offers stunning views of Elgin from one of its huge towers.
2: There isn’t much to do in Lossiemouth village, but the cafés next to the beach are noteworthy for their delicious locally made ice cream.
3: Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before visiting the beach. The beach is often quite windy, so it’s a good idea to take a windbreaker or a warm jacket, even in summer.
Tourist Information
Lossiemouth is a village situated close to the busy Morayshire town of Elgin. Despite this, its proximity to the stunning beach on its eastern side, coupled with the picturesque surrounding countryside, has led to it being named ‘the jewel of the Moray Firth’.
While a visit might be disturbed by the occasional military jet roaring overhead courtesy of a nearby RAF base, if you want to get away from busy city life then a walk along the east beach, the nearby salt flats, and the gentle River Lossie are guaranteed to offer the relaxation you’re looking for.
The east beach can be easily accessed from Clifton Road in Lossiemouth which has several cafés with pavement seating areas. A short walk will then take you to a bridge that crosses the River Lossie before leading out onto the vast expanse of beach and dunes that run for 10 miles east to the village of Portgordon at the far end of the bay.
Running parallel to the beach is a wide stretch of sand dunes, while an expanse of salt flats borders the River Lossie which also runs alongside the beach before veering off inland.
If you want to take a break from the beach, there’s a sizeable woodland to explore to the south which has rough paths through the majority of it, most of which are suitable for mountain bikes.
Nearby attractions include Spynie Palace which is around 10 minutes away by car and Elgin Cathedral which is a 15-minute drive from the village. Because you’re deep in the heart of Speyside whisky country you can also pop into the Glen Moray distillery (a 20-minute drive) if you fancy a dram or two. The distillery runs daily tours for a reasonable price that include complimentary tastings of their superb single malts.
Things to Do
Picnicking and Barbecuing: Pack a picnic or take your portable barbecue and enjoy a bite to eat in the natural beauty of Lossiemouth East Beach. There are no bins on the beach so you might prefer to sit near the bridge over the River Lossie at the western end as it’s just a short walk to Lossiemouth high street.
Beachcombing: Lossiemouth East Beach, with its sandy shores that stretch for miles, is a paradise for beachcombers. Spend a relaxing day searching for seashells and other ocean treasures washed ashore. If you’re visiting with children it’s a great zero-cost way to spend an afternoon.
Wildlife Spotting: This beach is a hotspot for wildlife enthusiasts. A variety of birds live in the nearby dunes and grasslands, and pods of dolphins frequently visit the sea. Grab your binoculars (link to binocular reviews) and enjoy a day of wildlife watching.
Surfing and Watersports: For adrenaline junkies, surfing at Lossiemouth East Beach is an exciting option. The beach is known for its consistent waves which makes it a popular spot for both novice and experienced surfers. Kayaking and windsurfing are other popular activities, as is swimming (if you can brave the cold water).
Photography: The picturesque scenery at Lossiemouth East Beach presents a great opportunity for photography. Capture the breathtaking sunrise or sunset, or maybe even the sight of dolphins playing in the water. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting, this beach offers countless subjects to aim your lens at.
Things to Do Nearby
Spynie Palace. Elgin IV30 5QG. 8-minute drive.
A partially-ruined 14th-century bishop’s palace that served Elgin Cathedral for hundreds of years. The 72-foot tower house is one of the tallest in Scotland.
Duffus Castle. Elgin IV30 5RH. 11-minute drive.
Mediaeval ruins are situated on raised earthworks dating from the 12th century. The castle was inhabited for nearly 500 years before falling into ruin. Historic Environment Scotland is now in charge of managing it.
Moray Motor Museum. Bridge St, Elgin IV30 4DE. 10-minute drive.
This museum is housed in a converted grain mill in the centre of Elgin. There is a varied collection of vehicles inside including vintage cars, motorbikes and model cars.
Lossiemouth Fisheries and Communities Museum. Pitgaveny St, Lossiemouth IV31 6NT. 2-minute walk.
A museum dedicated to the heritage of Lossiemouth. The museum features recreations of life in Lossiemouth during the last century and there are display cases of model fishing boats and artefacts collected from the village.
Findhorn Beach. North Shore, Findhorn, Forres IV36 3YQ. 30-minute drive.
A wide golden sand beach that sits alongside the River Findhorn and Kinloss Barracks. The region that borders the river is home to several cafés and restaurants and the shallow water of Findhorn Bay is a haven for windsurfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit RAF Lossiemouth?
There is no official aircraft viewing area at RAF Lossiemouth and access by the public is prohibited. If you’re plane spotting at RAF Lossiemouth take care not to trespass on private land.
Is Lossiemouth nice?
Lossiemouth is often referred to as ‘the jewel of the Moray Firth’. The village has two golden sand beaches, a pretty beachfront, a large golf course, and offers easy access to Inverness and the Highlands.
Is RAF Lossiemouth still open?
RAF Lossiemouth is still open. Since the closure of RAF Leuchars in 2015, RAF Lossiemouth is the only operational RAF base in Scotland.
Can you swim at Lossiemouth Beach?
Yes, you can swim at Lossiemouth Beach. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the North Sea can be quite cold, even in the summer. Also, be aware of the tides and currents as they can be strong.
There are no lifeguard services at Lossiemouth Beach so you are swimming at your own risk. If you see someone in trouble in the water, call the Coastguard (dial 999 or 112) immediately.
