Best Moray village

1 CROVIE

Inaccessible by car, this little village is said to be the best-preserved fishing village in Europe. The houses snuggle in front of the cliffs with their gables end-on to the sea. It is an easy walk from Gardenstown round the shore path to Crovie (pronounced "crivvie"). After a storm in 1953, fishing ceased and the houses are now mostly holiday homes.

2 FORDYCE

Lying a couple of miles inland from Sandend on the coast, this must be one of the hidden treasures of the North-east. The old streets meander round the castle, which sits right in the centre of the village. The joiners' workshop still functions and is open to the public. There are nice walks along the burn, an old kirkyard to explore and the gardens look beautiful in summer.

3 GARMOUTH

Along with neighbouring Kingston, this was once a busy port at the mouth of the Spey. With the changing course of the river, shipbuilding was abandoned in the 19th century and the coming of the railway turned it into a pretty, residential village. There are nice places to eat, signposted walks along the coast and an old railway line to the wildlife centre at Spey Bay.

4 WHITEHILLS

A couple of miles west of Banff, with an air of peace and prosperity. The solid harbour, built in 1890 with the help of the community, has survived the end of fishing and functions as a thriving marina. The community has also been thoughtful in providing many interesting displays around the village that describe its history and what to see. Enjoy the two nice places to eat, the pottery studio, or buy your fish fresh from the factory near the harbour.

5 BURGHEAD

It lies between Lossiemouth and Findhorn and is famous for the Pictish fort that takes advantage of the rocky headland jutting into the Moray Firth. There is a museum at the fort that is proud of its history and presents it well. The village also has a neat fishing harbour that still functions as such, complete with a huge store and loft designed by Thomas Telford. There is something interesting at every corner here, not least the well-planned grid layout of the village, or the birds to see at the shore.