Reeds by the one of Culbin forest's ponds / a visitor sits on one of the carved benches. Culbin forest, Morayshire.

12 places to see at Culbin

Some a stone’s throw from a car park; others right on the coast, or in the heart of the forest.

All the locations have unusual sculpted benches where you’ll be able to sit and rest, plus a signpost showing you where else you can head for from that point onwards.

The Culbin map (PDF 3.5Mb) shows the location of each of the places listed below.

1. The Hill 99 viewpoint trail

This trail is a great morning or afternoon’s walk from Wellhill. En route you’ll see lichen beds, shingle ridges, tiny forest birds, immense sand dunes, lush carpets of moss and an attractive pond, plus lots you can’t predict – this is ever-changing Culbin! For more details and a trail map see the Hill 99 page.

2. Gravelpit Ponds

An area of marshy ground and ponds that gives a really attractive walk on well-surfaced paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Close to Wellhill and the Hill 99 viewpoint trail. See the Gravelpit Ponds page for more details.

3. Dragonfly Pond

On the Hill 99 viewpoint trail. A pretty pond where you can sometimes admire brilliantly-coloured dragonflies. Read more about Dragonfly Pond.

4. Hidden history

This attractive stopping-point, set in a quiet corner, tells some of the human story of Culbin in unexpected ways. Read more about the Hidden History stopping point.

5. Sandlife

The plant life at your feet - how does life cling to such a hostile environment? A pleasant, heathery corner surrounded by lichen beds. There’s more information on the Sandlife stop page.

6. The Gut

This muddy bay is a haven for all kinds of wading and water-birds (NB: there's no beach here). See The Gut page to find out more.

7. Buckie Loch

Where the forest meets the sea! Wild and empty coastline which may one day become a true sea-loch again, but is currently marram dunes and heath. You’ll find more information on the Buckie Loch page.

8. Findhorn Bay

If you’re lucky, you’ll see ospreys or seals fishing at this river-mouth with a beautiful view towards the village of Findhorn. More on Findhorn Bay.

9. Lady Culbin’s Buried Trees

Growing on the edges of Culbin’s largest sand-dune system, some of Culbin’s deep-rooted trees have bizarre, tapering trunks twice as long as they look. Read more about Lady Culbin’s Buried Trees.

10. The Minister’s Pool

A reedy freshwater pool which attracts both birdlife and walkers. Very close to Nairn East Beach. For more information see the Minister’s Pool page.

11. Otter Pool

A big pool in a hidden corner of Culbin, and a good place to spot some of Culbin's mammals drinking. The Otter Pool page has more details.

12. Maviston Dunes

Wave upon wave of huge curving sand dunes planted with pines. Find out more on the Maviston Dunes page.

Culbin homepage Things to do How to get there 12 places to see Forest and shore Culbin's history Plants and wildlife Culbin for schools Contact us	12 places to see at Culbin Some a stone’s throw from a car park; others right on the coast, or in the heart of the forest. All the locations have unusual sculpted benches where you’ll be able to sit and rest, plus a signpost showing you where else you can head for from that point onwards. The Culbin map (PDF 3.5Mb) shows the location of each of the places listed below. 1. The Hill 99 viewpoint trail This trail is a great morning or afternoon’s walk from Wellhill. En route you’ll see lichen beds, shingle ridges, tiny forest birds, immense sand dunes, lush carpets of moss and an attractive pond, plus lots you can’t predict – this is ever-changing Culbin! For more details and a trail map see the Hill 99 page. 2. Gravelpit Ponds An area of marshy ground and ponds that gives a really attractive walk on well-surfaced paths suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Close to Wellhill and the Hill 99 viewpoint trail. See the Gravelpit Ponds page for more details. 3. Dragonfly Pond On the Hill 99 viewpoint trail. A pretty pond where you can sometimes admire brilliantly-coloured dragonflies. Read more about Dragonfly Pond. 4. Hidden history This attractive stopping-point, set in a quiet corner, tells some of the human story of Culbin in unexpected ways. Read more about the Hidden History stopping point. 5. Sandlife The plant life at your feet - how does life cling to such a hostile environment? A pleasant, heathery corner surrounded by lichen beds. There’s more information on the Sandlife stop page. 6. The Gut This muddy bay is a haven for all kinds of wading and water-birds (NB: there's no beach here). See The Gut page to find out more. 7. Buckie Loch Where the forest meets the sea! Wild and empty coastline which may one day become a true sea-loch again, but is currently marram dunes and heath. You’ll find more information on the Buckie Loch page. 8. Findhorn Bay If you’re lucky, you’ll see ospreys or seals fishing at this river-mouth with a beautiful view towards the village of Findhorn. More on Findhorn Bay. 9. Lady Culbin’s Buried Trees Growing on the edges of Culbin’s largest sand-dune system, some of Culbin’s deep-rooted trees have bizarre, tapering trunks twice as long as they look. Read more about Lady Culbin’s Buried Trees. 10. The Minister’s Pool A reedy freshwater pool which attracts both birdlife and walkers. Very close to Nairn East Beach. For more information see the Minister’s Pool page. 11. Otter Pool A big pool in a hidden corner of Culbin, and a good place to spot some of Culbin's mammals drinking. The Otter Pool page has more details. 12. Maviston Dunes Wave upon wave of huge curving sand dunes planted with pines. Find out more on the Maviston Dunes page.