Bow Fiddle Rock — Attraction in Scotland

Natural arch that resembles the bow of a fiddle

Bow Fiddle Rock is one of the Moray Coast’s most outstanding natural features. A superb natural arch that has taken on an iconic shape, turning a small island into one of the most photographed spots in Moray.

Resembling a bow poised above a fiddle, the rock formation appears to be two separate parts, and with the sea lashing against the rocks, eddying in and out of the small bay, you could almost hear the tunes being played.

This sight is easily accessed and partially visible from the road. From the village of Portknockie, follow the coast road until it runs out, there is a new car park and path.

From here you can stroll a few steps to the viewpoint, where there is a bench looking out over the cove.

Or for the more adventurous, there is a well-worn path that leads down to the pebble beach. Well-worn is the operative word, it is at least a foot deep in some places and you’ll need to watch your footing as you descend. It’s not a long way down and you’ll be rewarded with the view of the arch towering above you, and if the tide is out you can get even closer.

Bow Fiddle Rock is one of the most spectacular landforms on the magnificent Moray coastline. The huge stack is connected to another by a sloping rock arch, with the resulting sculpture variously described as a sinking ship, bow and fiddle or a whale’s tail. If the latter, then the other end of the mammal is at the Whale’s Mouth: an aptly-named, gaping hole of a cave / arch just to the south. This coastal walk visits both with an inland railway line creating a brilliant circular walk. Starting in smaller Portknockie enables a mid-trip visit to The Ice Cream Shop in Cullen on a warm day, or a bowl of Cullen Skink on a cold one. Don’t forget to visit the picturesque harbours in both villages.

If you are visiting Moray, or are a local looking to explore somewhere new in the area, then Bow Fiddle Rock is a fantastic landmark to visit on the rugged Moray Coast.

When first seen, Bow Fiddle Rock rock evokes a sense of wonder with its steep folded sides and rock arch, which resembles a fiddle bow tip (violin), hence the name Bow Fiddle Rock. From the access point to get to the rock, the landscape frames the rock in a V shape adding to its picturesque vista. It is one of the finest natural rock formations in north Scotland. The rock date back millions of years.

The rock was formed with a combination of tectonic plate movements pushing up the rock at an angle and erosion of the weaker rock (Cullen Quartzite formation, a metamorphic rock) to create the famous Bow...

This place is stunning, we sent the drone over it, though it’s probably not advisable to get too close as there is breeding birds, I kept my distance as much as possible. The little cave next to it is really cool, my father in law took an adventure down inside, definitely recommend good walking boots and a walking stick to use as an anchor as there is loose rocks and I fell so didn’t go any further and enjoyed from afar 😂. The views from the little bench at the top are absolutely stunning as you can see from my panorama photo. This is definitely a place not...

Located just off the coast at Portknockie, Bow Fiddle Rock is an incredible natural formation, formed by the sheer force of waves alone. Over time, the pressure of the waves in the North Sea have sculpted this popular landmark into its unique bow-shaped formation, which makes for a great photo opportunity.

Absolutely stunning views from the top.

There is a car park from where you can walk through the trail. The trail takes you around and give you views from different angles. This place is stunning on a sunny day so make sure you check the weather...