Beach

The beach near Forres isn't going to blow your mind with golden sand and Caribbean waters - this is Scotland, after all. What you get instead is proper rugged coastline: grey sand, dramatic rock formations, and that bracing North Sea wind that clears your head in about thirty seconds flat.

It's the kind of place where walkers thrive. The stretch rewards a good trudge along the shore, especially at low tide when you can pick your way across exposed rocks and pools. Families with older kids will manage fine; toddlers might find the pebbles tedious after a while. The real appeal is how raw and unmanicured it feels - no amusement arcades, no candy floss stalls, just you and the elements.

Timing matters here. Go when the tide's out if you want maximum exploring territory. The light in late afternoon can be genuinely lovely, though the weather turns on a sixpence so come prepared. Allow a couple of hours to properly stretch your legs without rushing.

If you're based at The Loft Glamping & Camping just down the road, it's an easy bolt-on to your itinerary - far enough away to feel like a proper excursion, close enough not to eat your whole day. Worth the trip if you're after coastal walks and don't need your beaches to look like postcards. Not worth a special journey on its own, though.