14k Run Cullen: Scenic Loop with Stunning Coastal Views

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 13.7km trail circuit offers a rugged and rewarding climb through the Moray countryside, starting from the picturesque coastal town of Cullen. With 300m of vertical gain and a category SL (Small/Long) classification, this route is hilly and entirely off-pavement, making it a dream for trail runners who enjoy forest tracks and heather-clad paths. The highlight is the out-and-back ascent of the Bin of Cullen, where the steady climb tests your lungs before rewarding you with sweeping, panoramic views across the Moray Firth. Expect diverse terrain underfoot, ranging from firm woodland trails to more technical, rocky sections near the summit of the "Big Bin."

Cullen itself is world-famous for its traditional seafood soup, Cullen Skink, but for runners, the main attraction is the "Bin," which has served as a prominent landmark for sailors for centuries. The hills of Little Bin and Bin of Cullen are steeped in local history, once forming part of the extensive Seafield Estate. As you navigate the loop, you’ll pass through varied plantations that provide excellent shelter from the North Sea winds. Keep an eye out for local wildlife—roe deer and red squirrels are common sights in the quieter stretches of the forest. Finishing back in Cullen, you’re perfectly positioned to refuel near the town's iconic Victorian railway viaducts that frame the bay.