Cullen is a must visit location for visitors to Moray Speyside. For a small town, Cullen offers a huge range of activities to keep you amused, entertained and fulfilled. The seaside town sits in the perfect location for coastal views and walks, has its own beautiful beach and is the home of the famous Cullen Skink.
While the railway may have been decommissioned in the late 1960s, the Cullen Viaducts have been preserved and converted into walking trails. They sit proudly above the town and are a sight to behold when you enter the town. They are just as picturesque from below as the wonderful views you see when you walk across them.
Residents are proud of their Cullen Skink – a local recipe that has spread worldwide. After completing one of the walks or playing a round at the unique Cullen Links Golf Course, it is a must to stop at one of the many cafes or restaurants in the town.
Exploring Cullen
Cullen sits directly on the A98 which links Fochabers to Fraserburgh. All roads leading to Cullen run parallel with the Moray Firth Coast where the views are incredible. The landscape is extremely popular and is included in the North East 250.
Once you are in the centre of Cullen you have many options of different routes to walk. From the town head down the hill where you will see a beautiful stretch of beach. The beach alone is enough to spend the day but if you wish to extend your walk you can. Walk the length of the beach and it will take you to a cove with a set of steps that lead you to the cliff top. On a windy day tread lightly. Follow this path on and you will eventually come to your reward of the famous Bow Fiddle Rock near Portknockie.
If you head in the opposite direction from Bow Fiddle Rock you will see that this coast line has just as much to offer. Firstly at the bottom of the harbour is the town Pet Cemetery which is a completely unique experience and sight to behold. Further down the coast is Findlater Castle which is also in walking distance however it does include some more advanced paths. There is also a carpark which will allow you to visit the castle without the hour and half walk.
Visit Cullen Tourist Office for more information on the town walks as there a number in the area including forest trails, hill walks and beaches to explore. The Deskford Church is a place to visit to investigate the town’s heritage and medieval roots.
Accommodation in Cullen
The town has a number of different options in terms of accommodation. The Seafield Arms and The Cullen Bay Hotel are both newly refurbished. The Grant Arms Hotel and The Royal Oak Hotel are also extremely popular and are based in the centre of the town.
There are also self-catering cottages and an extremely popular caravan park. Stravaig B&B has all the facilities you could desire on your trip if you are looking for a bed and breakfast. This village has lodgings to suit every family size, need, and budget.
Eating in Cullen
You may time your trip right and be lucky enough to attend the Cullen Skink World Championships. The event has run since 2014 and judges the best traditional Cullen Skink and the best Cullen Skink with a Twist. If you are visiting then you have to try a bowl of iconic dish but the town is ideal for food lovers of all kinds.
Locals travel from near and far for a dining experience at Bar 19 of The Seafield Arms Hotel. Bar 19 offers a diverse menu using the finest quality of locally sourced ingredients There is also the option to try some of Linda’s Fish & Chips on the beach while watching the sunset.
Things to do in and around Cullen
The town’s golf course, Cullen Link’s Golf Course, is unique and has to be played to be believed. The course offers a relatively short layout but has number of holes that you are forced to play blind. The course welcomes visitors year round and is situated right next to the beach.
The Cullen Sea School allows you to enjoy a range of water sport activities including coastal rowing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, shore-based classes and even try your hand at boat-building.
Useful Links
Discover Cullen – A guide to the great places and businesses in Cullen.
Cullen Sea School – A guide to the harbour and the activities that you can take part in.
Cullen Skink – This site is dedicated to the town’s famous dish.