For those putting together a stay in Moray, Forres is hard to beat as a home base. It is compact and welcoming, yet its position between the coast, the countryside and the Highland landmarks gives it an advantage over some of the bigger destinations: you get straightforward access to a great deal without the bother of packing up your accommodation on a nightly basis. From here, the north of Scotland has some of its more rewarding day trips at your doorstep.
An hour’s drive or less will put you in touch with medieval history, the whisky trail, the Cairngorms’ dramatic terrain or a sandy beach. The area around Forres has an uncommonly good mix for any taste, be it architecture, fine food or a scenic drive. Below are five of the finest options to put on your list.
1. Elgin Cathedral and Museum
Medieval grandeur, 12 miles out
Elgin is only a short hop from Forres, making it well suited to an easy full-day or half-day excursion. In the middle of town you will find Elgin Cathedral, perhaps the most evocative of the historic sites in the north of Scotland. They call it the “Lantern of the North” for good reason; even in partial ruin, the stonework and windows of this old ecclesiastical monument command attention.
Founded in the 13th century and later ravaged by the Reformation, the cathedral still conveys a vivid sense of medieval artistry. The west front and towers make for a striking silhouette against the Moray sky, a sight that will not be missed by photographers or students of history.
Make time for Elgin Museum as well. As one of the oldest in Scotland to be run independently, it has collections that put Moray’s past in perspective, from Pictish stones to social history. Afterward, the town centre is a pleasant place to have lunch or coffee and browse the independent shops. It is a convenient way to add some variety to your day without too much time on the road.
2. Inverness and Loch Ness
The Highland capital and its legendary loch, 25 miles
At roughly 25 miles, Inverness is one of the more flexible day trips in the vicinity. The city is compact enough to putter about on foot and offers a good deal in the way of culture, dining and riverside views. A walk along the River Ness is very photogenic, with its bridges and islands, while Inverness Castle, despite current redevelopment work, remains a fine vantage point. The Victorian Market and the surrounding cafés and galleries are worth a look for anyone in the mood to people-watch.
But being based in Forres means you can do Inverness and still have time for Loch Ness before you need to check into a hotel. A drive west takes you to the long, narrow waters of the loch. You may or may not subscribe to the monster stories, but the scale and mystery of the place is undeniable.
There is no right way to do it. You might want to see the ruins of Urquhart Castle, or simply stop where the view from Dores or Fort Augustus seems to warrant it. It makes for a fine Highland outing, and you can make your way back to Forres when you are ready.
3. Nairn’s beaches and golf
Coastal relaxation 16 miles east
When the pace needs to be a little more relaxed and you are after some sea air, head for Nairn. Some 16 miles to the east, this seaside town has a strong claim on being one of the best spots for a family or a golfer.
The beaches here are something special. The wide expanse of sand is good for a picnic or a long walk, and the light over the Moray Firth on a clear day is restorative. Children will be drawn to the water, while adults can find it a quiet place to let off steam.
Nairn is also a proper golf destination; the links courses are well regarded for the challenge and the setting. Even if you have no intention of teeing off, the sporting tradition is part of the town’s character. There are plenty of pubs and restaurants to make a beach stroll into a full day’s affair. In the middle of a busy schedule, the slower tempo of Nairn can be just what is called for. Forres is the sort of place from which one can put together a spontaneous outing, yet it has enough character to be a welcome change of scene.
4. The wider Speyside Whisky Trail: Going beyond the usual distilleries
You would not have had a proper trip to north-east Scotland without some time in whisky country, and Forres is well placed for getting out on the Speyside Whisky Trail. There are plenty of excellent options in the broader area that are an easy day’s drive, though many will make for a more interesting diversion than the most famous stops.
Speyside is as celebrated and concentrated a region as you will find anywhere in the world. The craft here is informed by generations of knowledge, local barley and pure water. From Forres it is simple to put together a route with some good driving and tastings at the smaller, less crowded distilleries; a far more immersive way to spend the day than trying to do too much at any one venue.
How one spends a day on the trail is up to the individual. Some will want the full tour with cask warehouses and a guided tasting to explain the production. Others may be drawn to the cultural side of things – the market towns, old railway lines and glens that have given whisky its economic and historical weight. Speyside is generous to those with an inquiring mind.
Being on the western edge of the region, Forres is an ideal launch point. It allows for a range of distillery visits without having to be in the thick of the tourist circuit. Whether the plan is an ambitious circuit or a leisurely two-stop itinerary, there is no shortage of flexibility.
5. Cairngorms National Park: A big landscape for a full-day adventure
Those in search of something more dramatic will find the Cairngorms to be the perfect excursion. It is further afield than the others on this list but still a manageable day trip from Forres if you make an early start. In fact, for many it is the highlight of the visit.
The park is not so much an attraction as a vast protected expanse of mountains, rivers, wildlife and Highland communities. One gets a real sense of scale there. The seasons dictate the mood: long summer days and green glens for hiking, the particular beauty of the autumn forests, or the more elemental quality of the winter.
It can be taken in a number of ways depending on one’s fitness and inclination. A scenic drive, a walk in the woods, or time in one of the villages are all possibilities. Wildlife watchers might be lucky enough to see red deer or birds of prey, while the views are a photographer’s delight.
The appeal of making the journey from Forres is the contrast. You can have your day among the mountains and then come back to the convenience of your base rather than contending with the logistics of an overnight in the hills. It is the right balance for an adventurous visitor who does not wish to sacrifice ease.
Why Forres is… the middle of everywhere
The virtue of Forres is the variety it affords. An hour’s drive will take you from the solemnity of Elgin Cathedral to the activity of Inverness, the quiet of Nairn’s shore to the tasting rooms of Speyside and on to the wilder parts of the Cairngorms. Not many towns put such a spectrum of experiences at your door. It really is the ‘midde eof everywhere’
There is also the matter of settling in. Rather than pack and unpack daily, one can stay put and let the weather or the moment decide the day’s plans. A cloudy morning is suited to a museum; a bright afternoon to the beach. Scotland’s scenery is best appreciated without being rushed from one place to the next, and Forres gives you the space to do that. You are near enough to the sights but removed enough to enjoy a quieter end to the day.
Making your plans for Moray and the Highlands
When putting together an itinerary for the area, Forres should be high on the list. It is a relaxed retreat after a day of sightseeing and puts top-tier attractions within easy reach for the history buff, the whisky fan or the outdoorsman.
From the medieval heritage of Elgin and Loch Ness to the coastline at Nairn and the distilleries of Speyside, there is no shortage of what to do. Forres is the base of choice because it offers the best of the region without compromise and leaves you free to enjoy it as you see fit.