21 August 2023 , 16:58
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A pretty seaside spot has been tipped to become the UK's next tourist hotspot - and due to a meteorological curiosity, it sees less rain and wind than most of the country.
The Moray Coast is a beautiful narrow inlet in Scotland and benefits from a rain shadow, which form when mountain ranges lie parallel to moist, coastal areas. Prevailing winds moving inland cool as air is forced to rise over the mountains.
It means the area is usually warmer than most of Scotland, and some of the UK, and experiences less rainfall on average every year than London, and even parts of Cornwall. Even in August, when the mercury typically hits 19C in North Cornwall, the average temperature on The Moray Coast hits a similar level. Met Office stats also show North Cornwall typically sees 71.3mm of rain in August - while the average figure for the same month on The Moray Coast is 68.87mm.
The area is made of up pretty landscapes and tranquil villages (Getty Images)British Weather Services meteorologist Jim Dale said: "In the northeast of Scotland, east of Inverness and along the coast, you often get very warm weather... Why? Because you’re in what’s called a rain shadow. You often get the winds that come across the Grampians and down again and warm things up. So sometimes when it’s 28C in London and you’re thinking that’s where it’s hottest, then you look north to the Moray Firth and you find the same sort of temperatures and the same kind of weather."
Environmental education charity Wild Things says the inlet boasts sandy beaches, marine mammals, plump lobsters and picture-postcard fishing villages. Will Hall, who is a guide for the charity, told Telegraph: "It’s often as warm here as it is in London – and we get less rain than Cornwall."
Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
Bottlenose dolphins dance in the water off the coast (Getty Images)Yet, it's quieter on The Moray Coast too. The beaches aren't overwhelmed, yet, by tourists. The Moray Coast Trail is an ideal introduction to the region, a 50-mile walking adventure that soars all the way from Findhorn to Cullen that you can tackle bit by bit. It links into the Moray Ways network and an expanding web of walking and cycling trails that are spreading their tentacles across the verdant countryside.
The world’s most northerly pod of bottlenose dolphins call the Moray Firth home. Around 200 in number they can often be spotted from the shore, along with seals, porpoises, common dolphins and minke whales.
Local boats haul in treats including lobster and scallops; white fish too from Peterhead. So, foodies can enjoy exciting holidays here too. Scotland’s most famous soup, Cullen Skink, a chowder-style smoked haddock, potato and cream delight is often served in restaurants along the bustling coast.