Bow Fiddle Rock

The most photogenic sea arch on the Moray coast, just offshore from the village of Portknockie. The natural quartzite arch is best seen at low tide from the cliff path above, where it frames the sea behind it. At high tide the water washes through the arch with a satisfying churn. The walk down from the village takes about ten minutes.

Portknockie itself is one of the painted fishing villages that give the Moray coast its distinctive character — neat rows of cottages in white and pale blue, narrow streets, and a small harbour. Cullen, with its famous skink, is a few kilometres along the coast road.

things to do sight
A story
The arch of Bow Fiddle Rock was carved entirely by the sea. The quartzite promontory is harder than the surrounding rock and so it eroded more slowly, leaving the pierced fin standing offshore while the headland around it retreated. Local gannets and fulmars use the top of the arch as a nesting platform, and at certain angles the rock really does resemble the curved tip of a violin bow.