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Morayshire

Sunnyside Beach

A secluded sandy cove below cliffs of gorse between Cullen and Findlater Castle, reached on foot and often almost empty.

Welcome

Tucked below the cliffs east of Cullen, Sunnyside Beach is one of the loveliest coves on the Moray coast, and one of the quietest.

There is no road to it, so it takes a little effort to reach, and that keeps it peaceful even on a fine summer's day.

The sand is soft and pale, the water clear, and the slopes around the bay blaze yellow with gorse in spring. A pointed sea stack stands off the rocks at one end. There are rocks to scramble on and pools to explore, and it is a good spot for a swim when the sea is calm.

Most people park at the small car park near Barnyards of Findlater farm, signposted for Findlater Castle, and walk west along the clifftop path, taking fifteen to twenty minutes. Or walk the coast from Cullen. Combine it with a look at Findlater Castle on its rock next door, and bring a picnic.

Before you go

Open coast, at any hour and free, reached on foot.

Where
Between Cullen and Findlater Castle, AB45 2UD.
Walk in
About 15 to 20 minutes from the car park.
For
Soft sand, rock pools and swimming.

Did you know

Did you know

Gorse on the cliffs.

In spring the slopes around the bay are bright yellow with gorse.

Did you know

Castle next door.

Sunnyside lies just along the cliffs from the ruins of Findlater Castle.

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What is on in Morayshire
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Where it is

Park near the Barnyards of Findlater farm, signposted for Findlater Castle off the A98 east of Cullen, and walk west along the clifftop path; or walk the coast from Cullen.

Close byCullen.
  1. Scale model of Old Cullen marks the Royal Burgh's bicentennial in a museum displayCullen Heritage CentreA free museum on Cullen's Square, run by volunteers, whose pride is a detailed model of the old town that was pulled down in the 1820s.1 mile 4 min by road
  2. Garden House TradingGarden House TradingA gift shop in a curved sandstone corner building on the Square in Cullen, full of cards, homewares, candles, scarves and souvenirs.1 mile 4 min by road
  3. The Rockpool café on a street corner beneath a stone railway viaductRockpool CaféA family-friendly cafe and restaurant on the Square in Cullen, known for its Cullen skink, lunches, coffee and cakes.1 mile 4 min by road
  4. CullenCullenThe seaside town to the west.1 mile 4 min by road
  5. Findlater CastleFindlater CastleThe clifftop castle next door.4 miles 10 min by road
  6. The curving sands of Sandend Bay, yellow gorse in the foreground.Sandend BeachThe next bay east.4 miles 9 min by road
Directions
Wooden steps lead down through grassy dunes towards a curving coastal pathAttractionsCullen Links Golf Club1.7 miles
Sandy beach and sea seen through the arched window of a wooden saunaAttractionsSauna at the Kings1.8 miles
Portknockie Fish Bar, a white-painted chip shop with green trim, at duskRestaurantsPortknockie Fish and Chips3.6 miles
Fishing boats moored in harbour below whitewashed cottages on a grassy hillsideAttractionsPortknockie3.6 miles
Bow Fiddle Rock arching over the sea near PortknockieAttractionsBow Fiddle Rock3.8 miles
Rows of casks on their racks in a Glenglassaugh warehouse.AttractionsGlenglassaugh Distillery4.3 miles
Weathered gravestones set into arched recesses within a ruined church wallAttractionsDeskford Kirk4.9 miles
Curved sign reading "Portsoy Ice Cream" on a stone corner buildingCafePortsoy Ice Cream6.2 miles
The white front of the Shore Inn on Portsoy's old harbour, flags over the door.BarsThe Shore Inn6.3 miles
The Daily for 18 October, from Scotland with love. Golden-hour light catches a shadowed mountain above a loch, rust-coloured moorland in the foreground

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Stay nearby

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

A single-storey lodge with a slated roof sits behind a stone wall and clipped hedge, mature trees shading the curving drive.Gate Lodge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Rothiemay
  • 13 miles from Sunnyside Beach
Check datesA triangular timber cabin stands behind a wooden gate and post-and-rail fence, bare trees framing the entrance.Midpark
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Rothiemay
  • 13 miles from Sunnyside Beach
Free 30 Oct – 1 NovA stone cottage with a slated roof and a blue front door, climbing roses in pink and white flanking the porch.Butlers Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Rothiemay
  • 13 miles from Sunnyside Beach
Free 9–11 NovA grey stone cottage with dormer windows and a black front door, climbing roses either side, set behind a lawn.Bailies Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Rothiemay
  • 13 miles from Sunnyside Beach
Free 31 Oct – 2 NovPlaces to stayEvery stay in MorayshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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