Bin of Cullen: Scenic Hilltop Overlooking Moray Coast
A scenic 320m hill near Buckie with panoramic coastal views, a peaceful walk, and rich local heritage.
The Bin of Cullen is a distinctive 320-meter dome-shaped hill near Buckie, Scotland, offering panoramic views of the Moray coastline from Cullen to Buckie. Known locally as Bin Hill, it features a bare summit with a trig point and a cairn, making it a popular spot for walkers seeking a moderate hike with rewarding vistas. The walk is approximately 5.5 km round trip, traversing forest paths and gentle inclines, with picnic benches at the summit but no visitor facilities nearby.
A brief summary to Bin of Cullen
- Buckie, GB
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear as the path can be rocky and muddy, especially after rain.
- Bring water and snacks since there are no food or restroom facilities on the hill.
- Use the picnic benches at the summit to rest and enjoy the panoramic views.
- Plan your visit on a clear day for the best visibility of the coastline and inland landmarks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Car
Driving from Buckie, the Bin of Cullen trailhead is accessible via the A98 road. The journey takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Parking is limited to a small area near the trail start, so arriving early is recommended. There are no parking fees.
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Bus and Walk
Take a regional bus service to Buckie town center, which is served by routes from Elgin and Aberdeen. From Buckie, the trailhead is approximately a 3 km walk on rural roads and paths, taking about 40 to 50 minutes. The walk includes some inclines and uneven terrain.
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Taxi
Local taxis from Buckie to the Bin of Cullen trailhead take around 10 minutes. This option is suitable if you prefer not to walk from town or if public transport schedules are limited. Expect fares in the range of £10 to £15.
Bin of Cullen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Bin of Cullen
A Distinctive Landmark in Moray's Coastal Landscape
The Bin of Cullen stands as a prominent dome-shaped hill rising 320 meters above the surrounding terrain in Moray, Scotland. Its rounded summit is largely bare, contrasting with the surrounding forestry, and it dominates views inland from the coastline stretching between Cullen and Buckie. The hill’s Gaelic name, Am Binnean, reflects its heritage, while its proximity to the fishing villages of Cullen, Findochty, and Portknockie makes it a familiar landmark for locals and visitors alike.A Rewarding Walk with Panoramic Views
The typical route to the summit is about 5.5 kilometers (3.5 miles) round trip, mostly uphill with some rocky and muddy sections, requiring good footwear. The ascent offers a peaceful woodland approach alongside the Badentarget Burn, crossed by a small bridge, before reaching the open summit. From the top, walkers are treated to sweeping 360-degree views encompassing coastal towns, harbors, churches, and countryside. Notable sights include the town of Buckie with its harbour and schools, the Cullen Viaduct, Cullen House dating from the 1600s, and distant coastal settlements extending towards Spey Bay.Summit Features and Visitor Experience
At the summit, a trig point marks the highest spot, accompanied by a cairn that once held a circular directional plaque indicating nearby landmarks, though it has suffered vandalism. Visitors can rest on solid wooden benches donated by the local Boy’s Brigade, perfect for picnics while soaking in the views. Despite the natural beauty, there are no public toilets, picnic tables, or rubbish bins at the site, so visitors should plan accordingly. The area is peaceful and scenic, ideal for those seeking a tranquil outdoor escape.Access and Surrounding Environment
Access to the Bin of Cullen is typically from the A98 road near Buckie, with a small parking area at the trailhead. The walk is family-friendly, with children managing the terrain though some may find the incline challenging. The hill’s location near the coast means weather can be variable, with clear skies offering the best visibility. The surrounding environment blends open hilltop views with forested paths, providing a mix of natural habitats and scenic landscapes.Local Significance and Cultural Context
The Bin of Cullen holds cultural significance through its Gaelic name and its role as a natural viewpoint over historic fishing communities. Its prominence in the landscape has made it a symbol of the area’s natural heritage. The nearby towns of Cullen and Buckie have rich histories tied to maritime industries, and the hill offers a unique vantage point to appreciate this heritage in context with the natural environment.Planning Your Visit and Practical Considerations
Visitors should prepare for a moderate hike of approximately 1.5 hours round trip, wearing sturdy footwear due to uneven and sometimes muddy terrain. Since facilities are limited, bringing water and snacks is advisable. The site is open year-round but best enjoyed in dry weather for safety and optimal views. The Bin of Cullen offers a peaceful retreat with rewarding panoramas, making it a worthwhile destination for walkers and nature lovers exploring the Moray coast.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Findlater Castle
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WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre
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Sunday House Tea Room
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Duff House Mausoleum
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A Gothic mausoleum near Duff House, steeped in family legacy, history, and haunting local legends overlooking the River Deveron.
Scottish Midland Co-Operative Food Store
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Bridge of Alvah
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Ice House
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Museum of Banff
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Banff Castle
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Essential places to dine
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Fife Lodge Hotel
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LightHouse Fish Bar
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Happy Palace
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Market Arms
21.0 km
Experience the charm of Banff at Market Arms - where hearty meals meet local brews in a welcoming pub atmosphere.
Indian Garden Restaurant and Takeaway
21.0 km
Authentic Indian flavours and warm hospitality await at Banff’s beloved Indian Garden Restaurant and Takeaway.
Bridgeview Restaurant
21.2 km
Bright and welcoming restaurant in Banff offering traditional Scottish dishes with scenic views and family-friendly accessibility.
The Knowes Hotel, Restaurant and Function Suite
22.5 km
Charming coastal hotel in Macduff with stunning Moray Firth views, modern rooms, excellent dining, and versatile event spaces.
The Harbour Lights
25.0 km
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Food Vault Mediterranean grill Restaurant
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A vibrant Mediterranean grill in Lossiemouth offering generous portions, fresh local produce, and a cozy cantina atmosphere for all-day dining.
Guidi's
25.1 km
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The 1629
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Fine dining with stunning Moray Firth views, offering exquisite seafood, steaks, and continental cuisine in the heart of Lossiemouth.
The Salt Cellar
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Historic 17th-century salt cellar serving fresh local seafood and hearty Scottish dishes in a warm, family-friendly setting.
Bridge45
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Original Factory Shop (Buckie)
5.3 km
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The Portsoy Gift Box
11.1 km
A sunny, family-run gift shop in Portsoy offering unique Scottish crafts and cards from local independent makers.
Curiosity Shoppe
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Discover Portsoy's Curiosity Shoppe, a captivating antique store filled with vintage treasures and restored collectibles from bygone eras.
Ivy Cottage Customs
14.4 km
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Mither Tongue
14.5 km
Discover authentic Scottish gifts and heartfelt cards in Scots language at Mither Tongue, Keith’s cultural boutique celebrating local craftsmanship.
Premier
17.6 km
Premier Whitehills: Your friendly local convenience store and post office open early to late every day in scenic Banffshire.
Frankie & Me
19.0 km
Discover unique gifts, children’s clothes, and cake decorating delights in a charming shop nestled in the heart of Fochabers, Scotland.
Key Stores
20.3 km
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Cheyne's Of Banff
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Meadowlands
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Castlegate Newsagents
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Your friendly local newsstand and supermarket in Banff’s historic center, open early to late daily for all your essentials and local treats.
PETAL the store
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The Candy Box
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Kirkie Bar
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Ionic Bar
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Foggies Vape Bar
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Prohibition
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunrise Spots
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Photowalk
- Cultural Heritage
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly