Hidden Scotland
Sign in
Morayshire

Clashach Cove

A sheltered sandy cove east of Hopeman, walled by honey-coloured sandstone cliffs full of caves, with a natural tunnel carved through the rock.

Welcome

Along the coast east of Hopeman, the path drops into Clashach Cove, a sheltered sandy bay held in a bowl of honey and rust-coloured sandstone.

The cliffs are riddled with caves, and the sea has worn a natural tunnel right through the rock.

The stone here is famous. Laid down as sand dunes in a desert some 250 million years ago, it is quarried nearby, and Clashach sandstone clads the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Along the shore you can see the sweeping lines of the old dunes in the rock, and the whole stretch of coast is protected for its geology.

It is a lovely place for a picnic, a paddle and a clamber among the rocks on a summer's day. Reach it on foot along the coast path from Hopeman, take care on the way down to the caves, and take only photographs.

The Daily

Arrives at 5am every day.

A free morning email to see what’s on this week, catch up on what’s happening in Scotland and find somewhere new to go.

The Daily for 11 November, from Scotland with love. The broken stone walls of a lochside castle rise from a small tree-covered island, autumn foliage glowing orange against the dark water and forested hillside beyond.
Not farBrodie Castle14 milesSee itBrodie Castle

Before you go

Open coast, there at any hour and free.

Where
East of Hopeman, IV30 5YA.
Rock
Hopeman sandstone.
Take care
On the climb down to the cave.

Been here? Tell others what you know, and the best go on this page with your name.

Add your review

Where it is

On the coast path east of Hopeman, towards Covesea, IV30 5YA.

Close byThe Moray coast.
  1. Hopeman Golf ClubHopeman Golf ClubA gorse-lined links on the Moray Firth, known for the Prieshach, a par 3 played down into Clashach Cove.Under a mile as the crow flies
  2. Sandy beach curves towards a rocky headland under clear blue skyHopeman East BeachThe beach at Hopeman, with its beach huts.1 mile 4 min by road
  3. Covesea LinksCovesea LinksA nine-hole, pay-and-play links in a cove on the Moray coast between Lossiemouth and Hopeman, run by its owners Andy and Angela.2 miles as the crow flies
  4. Sandstone rock formations and pebbles along a shoreline with waves breakingBurghead Pictish FortThe grassy ramparts of what was once the greatest Pictish fort in Scotland, on the headland at Burghead, with a small free visitor centre.4 miles 10 min by road
  5. Duffus CastleDuffus CastleA motte and bailey castle inland.4 miles 8 min by road
  6. White lighthouse and red-roofed building beyond a small pond and dunesSculptor’s CaveA cave in the cliffs further east.4 miles 9 min by road
Directions
Green shepherd's hut café with parasol, customer ordering at the hatchCafeKula Coffee Hut3.8 miles
Bay window overlooking a golf course, table and green chairs insideAttractionsMoray Golf Club5.7 miles
Grassy promenade beside the Firth, stone houses and shops lining the roadAttractionsLossiemouth6.2 miles
Bare trees frame a sandy beach and calm sea beyondAttractionsRoseisle Forest6.4 miles
Sandstone clock tower and mercat cross framed by tree branchesAttractionsElgin7.2 miles
Lion-mermaid statue in top hat stands beneath a rainbow on Elgin high streetAttractionsDandy Lion Statue7.5 miles
Ruined sandstone abbey walls and arches rise above a gravestone-filled cemeteryAttractionsElgin Cathedral7.5 miles
Framed landscape painting on stone wall above a leather dining chairRestaurantsThe Drouthy Cobbler7.6 miles
Bookshop interior with shelves of colourful titles and a central display tableShoppingYeadon's of Elgin7.7 miles

Recommend to a friend

Stay nearby

Places to stay near the cove, and when each is next free.

The Gatehouse, MorayshireThe Gatehouse
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Elgin
  • 8 miles from Clashach Cove
Check datesA yellow-harled tower house with battlements flies a flag above conical yew trees and a lawn.Innes House
  • Sleeps 38
  • In Elgin
  • 8 miles from Clashach Cove
Check datesA white harled farmhouse with a slate roof and chimneys stands amid greenery under a blue sky.Viewfield Farmhouse
  • Sleeps 8
  • In Elgin
  • 8 miles from Clashach Cove
Check datesThe timber cabin lit at dusk against a pink sky, a hot tub steaming on the deck beside two chairs.Callie Bothy
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Pluscarden
  • 9 miles from Clashach Cove
Free 16–19 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in MorayshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
Hidden Scotland, the magazine

Scotland, in print.

We want to show you the best that Scotland has to offer. The makers and the creatives, the enduring experiences, the evocative tales, the concealed corners. The roads less travelled that take you to places that matter. The adventures that gather you up and sweep you away. The blend of the wild and the artistic that makes Scotland what it is. We’d love for you to join us.

Get Issue 13Read it here

Find out more

For further reading, before you go. The details on this page were checked on .