Banff and Macduff Heritage Trail

The trail connecting Banff and Macduff is a proper coastal walk that follows the Moray Firth shoreline between two characterful fishing towns. You're looking at roughly five miles of path that takes in everything from rocky beaches to old harbour views, with the sort of windswept Scottish coast that makes you feel like you've actually gone somewhere. The walk itself is straightforward enough - mostly flat, though parts can get muddy after rain - and passes through patches of grassland where you'll spot gorse and the occasional seal if you're lucky.

This suits walkers more than casual strollers. Allow a good two hours at a reasonable pace, longer if you linger at Macduff's harbour to watch the fishing boats or stop for a coffee in Banff town centre. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might flag after the first mile. The real appeal is the sense of getting off the beaten track while still being on an established route - you won't find crowds here even on decent weekends.

If you're based at Banff Links Caravan Park or Myrus Holiday Park just across the water in Macduff, this walk is an obvious day's activity that doesn't require driving elsewhere. Both parks sit ideally for access. The trail works year-round, though autumn and spring offer the best light without the midges. There's no charge to walk it, and you'll find cafés and pubs in both towns for post-walk refuelling. It's the sort of local route that rewards actually getting to know the area rather than ticking boxes.