Moray is a sheltered stretch of north-east Scotland, with a sunny coast on the Moray Firth, fertile farmland and, to the south, the whisky glens of Speyside. Its walking is generally gentle and uncrowded.

The Speyside Way. This long-distance route follows the River Spey and old railway lines through Speyside for around 65 miles between Buckie and Aviemore, passing distilleries and villages on the way. Ben Rinnes, at 840 metres, is the best-known hill walk in the area.

The coast and Findhorn. The coast has long beaches and sea cliffs, with Spey Bay known for dolphins, and Findhorn Bay and Culbin Forest give sand dunes, pine woods and wide sea views.

Elgin and Forres. Elgin has the ruins of its medieval cathedral, and Forres has a hillside park, Sueno’s Stone and the Findhorn River nearby.

Coastal and forest paths are generally easy, but Ben Rinnes and the glens are exposed, so carry waterproofs and a map.