Spey Bay
Spey Bay is the largest shingle beach in Scotland. Constant erosion and deposition by the river creates a range of habitats from bare shingle to reed beds, freshwater marsh and brackish saltmarsh. Breeding birds, a rich flora and diverse invertebrate communities all make their home here.
Why visit?
- Large numbers of wildfowl offshore
- Wildflowers & butterflies
- Breeding terns at river mouth
- Whale & Dolphin Society Visitor Centre
Best time to visit?
- Spring to summer for plants
- Winter for ducks and divers
- Spring to summer for butterflies
- Anytime for dolphins
Visit for:
- Archaeology
- Mammals
- Scenery
- Geology
- Coasts
- Wildflowers
- Grasslands
- Woodlands
- Birdwatching
Directions
Spey Bay lies eight miles north-east of Elgin, at the end of the B9015 (Kingston) or the B9014 (Tugnet).
Getting onto the reserve
Access can be gained from the car-parks at Tugnet or Kingston. There is a small circular footpath near the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society Visitor Centre at Tugnet.
Getting round this reserve
The Speyside Way and the National Cycle Network pass close to the reserve.
Visitor information
Nearest town
Elgin (9 miles)
OS grid ref
NJ325657
OS landranger
Map 28
Facilities
Links & downloads
Out and about
Nearest reserve
Other reserves
Local groups
How we manage our reserves
Join the Scottish Wildlife Trust
Help protect Scotland's wildlife
Make a donation
Make a difference to Scotland's wildlife
Featured this week
Wildlife webcamsSee ospreys, peregrines and terns live from our reserves.
Latest newsThe Trust has been busy! Check out the latest news.
Spotters' boardUse iSpot today: an online spotters' board for wildlife.
