Treading Lightly

On the Moray coast, Burghead offers a wildlife experience that's rich in wonder and light on carbon emissions

- REBECCA GIBSON

FOR those of us who enjoy watching wildlife, it seems reasonable that we should travel mindfully and limit our impact on the natural environments we love. With a little planning, it is still possible to encounter plenty of nature while using public transport rather than driving. For example, you can base yourself in one area and explore in depth from there at a much slower and more immersive pace.

One of the many spots to choose from in Scotland is Burghead. This village jutting into the Moray Firth offers a changing cast of wild characters throughout the year, including some special winter highlights.

The Stagecoach 32 bus arrives in Burghead every hour, departing from Elgin. This is the main town in the area and has a variety of shops as well as a train station. It is possible to walk or cycle to Burghead from the neighbouring harbour villages of Hopeman to the east and Findhorn to the southwest, via the Moray Coast Trail, a 50-mile route connecting Forres to Cullen. Burghead Harbour is a constant hub of activity. As each fishing boat comes in, so does a grey seal or two.

These Roman-nosed mammals are a common sight along the Moray Coast, but at harbours like Burghead you can be close enough to hear their breath as they emerge from a dive.

Bobbing in the harbour through autumn and winter are eider ducks, which make an excellent, scandalised “oo-ooo!” sound. A less common bird found here over winter is the long-tailed duck. This small, striking sea duck is nicknamed “coal and candlelight” — if you stretch your imagination a little, this sounds like the call they make.

Walk up to a round, white building perched on the end of the headland, now home to Burghead Visitor Centre (open during summer only), for panoramic views across the Moray Firth.