Today was Mairi’s last Saturday at home before returning to University in the big city. We wanted to do something nice so she chose to go to Portknockie and Cullen. They are lovely villages along the Moray coast. We drove to Portknockie, a lot of it in the pouring rain. But the rain eased as we got there. We parked down at the harbour. This was about 12.40 so we had our picnic in the car.
We left about 1.00 after using the toilets at the harbour. We have done this walk a few times over the years and it is lovely.
Up from the harbour.
Here is the wee Mission church. I love Sunday referred to as the “Lord’s Day”. It’s a good sign.
Onto the Coastal Path beyond Portknockie.
We passed the Bow Fiddle Rock, a strange rock formation carved by the sea. Then we dropped down to the coastal path along the shore.
There is the way ahead – down to the shore and then along it to Cullen.
Another strange rock formation.
I don’t know what St. Duane’s Den is but it doesn’t offer much shelter. I nearly broke my back crawling under the arch!
Getting near Cullen.
Had to take a selfie! A bit of a windblown one.
We reached Cullen about 1.50. We walked through it, the rain starting to threaten.
My two women. I will miss Mairi so much. It was probably the last long holiday she will spend with us. She is now going onto her final year. Then it’s work.
The viaduct dominates and is most impressive.
And this is Cullen Harbour, a nice little harbour.
We sheltered under the railway track. The Ferrier vandals have been here.
We went up and into the town weaving through the streets. You suddenly are in the ‘centre’. I went to the loo. We then looked round the antique shops. They are super. Full of lovely stuff and the prices not too bad. We went to the ice cream parlour and had cones.
The village is dominated by the railway which is now disused.
Then we walked on taking a new way back to Portknockie following the old rail track across the viaduct. It was wetter going back. By the time we reached the car we were a bit damp. It passes the golf course and overlooks the sea. Being an old rail track it is pretty level.
I think it’s all the colours of the roofs and houses that make Cullen so interesting. It has atmosphere.
I held my phone (camera) over the parapet of the viaduct to take this one. I was scared I’d drop it over the edge.
Every village has its war memorial. Portknockie is no different.
We got back to the harbour about 3.25. A lovely walk.
Then we drove home.