I headed off in my campervan for a night at the weekend, thinking I'd missed my chance for a 10k run - too much time spent mowing, weeding and doing yoga last week! Lo and behold, my camping partner suggested we tried a run together rather than a walk! So we took it very steady - she has only done a couple of 2-milers recently, but loads of yoga. We ran from Buckie to Portgordon on the Moray coast, places we'd never visited before, stopping occasionally to admire the views, cute fisherman-style cottages and harbour. We didn't see any dolphins this trip - the dolphins were hanging out at Chanonry Point further west, according to the photos posted by friends on Facebook!
The route back from Portgordon was along the old railway line, a little higher than the outward route and 100m inland from the sea, still giving great views of the sea. Then it headed further inland along the edge of the deserted golf course - where were all the golfers on a warm Sunday afternoon?
And finally back through the streets of Buckie. We added a bit on at the end to make it to 10k, finishing with a short uphill stretch from Buckie harbour to the town centre, which seemed to amaze an elderly local mannie who commented genially and with apparent admiration on our arival at the pedestrian crossing. Perhaps nobody else goes running in Buckie?
Happily there were no ill effects from tripling my buddy's running mileage in one leap - the benefits of her relative youth and inherent fitness Now I'm looking forward to more sightseeing buddy runs in future!
Written by
APScotland
Graduate10
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I'm very lucky to live where I do. Though it's taken 30 years for me to actually get out regularly to start exploring the local area!! I had particularly neglected the fabulous coastline. Taking early retirement from my day job and spending my pension lumpsum on the campervan has been instrumental in stimulating these new adventures
I will do my best to keep my new running buddy intact! I did check regularly with her to make sure she was ok x
Sounds amazing, how lucky you are. Reading that dredged up a childhood memory of walking from Cullen to findlater castle and back. I really must get back to the moray coast for some running now i'm older.. I'd dearly love to run along the silver sand at roseisle to lossiemouth and further on towards spey bay.. dreamy stuff
Oh wow! What a fabulous photo! I definitely need to go and visit Roseisle
We went to Spey Bay yesterday, and I had vaguely wondered about a barefoot run on the beach - until discovering it's the biggest shingle beach in Scotland! Walking boots were required, and no chance of running on it, but it was stunningly beautiful there. Lovely Cullen skink in the wee cafe at the dolphin watching visitor centre too.
The guide told us there's a fabulous bay near Findlater Castle which has clear green sea water, and is excellent for swimming. Must go and visit there too! So much to see and do ... x
Yes there is some fantastic photography on google maps that you can find noodling around. This one at culbin sands between nairn and findhorn is amazing.. so moody
Buckie is just along the coast from me. Glad you enjoyed your run. I might have a go at day trip running next week when I'm not working. A drive to a different place and a wee jog. No shower though, but wet wipes might do. Hmmm?
Just getting ready for a Moray coast run from Lossie golf club to the lighthouse. There is a Strava segment there along the beach. Need the wind to drop first (34 mph) coming from the West. Also the tide needs to be out!
I confess, we didn't worry about a shower afterwards! Though it's worth parking up near a public loo, and having a change of clothes handy for when you get back. A wee face cloth is great for a speedy mop down. The loos at Banff are award-winning and super clean. Not quite so good in Buckie but we have water in the van too so hygiene standards can be maintained
Lossiemouth is on the list for a visit later this year - good to know about the option to run to the lighthouse at low tide. Can you post a pic of your run today? xx
Didn't get to run on the beach today, the wind was just too fierce. I drove to Elgin and ran around the park. Wasn't so windy five miles inland. I think you can run along the dunes to the lighthouse if the tide is in.
Oh wow, what a stunning place to run / sightsee! The 10k must have flown by with so much to see along the way. Sounds like it was a run that was good for both body and soul. Good work AP! xx
It was definitely one of the easiest 10k's so far ... a nice gentle pace, lots of pauses, and yes, it flew by! When you don't quite know where you're going and everything is new, lots to keep the brain occupied, rather than "are we nearly there yet" xxx
Maybe they don’t., they have extremely windy weather My pal used to phone me from the local call box and even doing that was a risky endeavour It sounded like hell 😁💨🌊
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Now I'm looking forward to more sightseeing buddy runs in future!
Another glorious day ..... just had to run on and on!
Henham Park 10k
10k hilly one and Strava fail 😤
Another 10k done
