Page 251 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 25: On the Highlands Whisky Trail 249

Then take A96 east and branch off
onto B9011 in Forres, to turn right on
B9010. Drive through fertile fields
and turn left on a signed unclassified
road to reach the abbey, and car park
on the left-hand side.
4 Pluscarden Abbey
Elgin, Moray; IV30 8UA
Sitting serenely in a sheltered valley
surrounded by trees, Pluscarden
Abbey (open daily; www.pluscarden
abbey.org) seems to radiate tranquillity.
Founded in the year 1230 by King
Alexander II of Scotland, this venerable
building is still home to a community
of Benedictine monks – the only such
medieval monastery in Britain still
used for its original purpose. The
abbey church contains modern
stained-glass windows, most of which
are made in the workshop by monks.
ª Continue on the minor road to
turn left onto B9010 near Elgin. A 24-m Above left The ruins of Elgin Cathedral, once one
(80-ft) high column, erected in mem- as the Lantern of the North; intricate of the finest in Scotland Above top right The
ory of the 5th Duke of Gordon in 1839, carvings on the exterior and its almost field where the decisive Battle of Culloden was
can be clearly seen rising above the com plete Chapterhouse provide a fought in 1746 Above right Detail of Pluscarden
town. Take B9010 into Elgin; there is glimpse of its former glory. Elgin Abbey, still home to Benedictine monks
parking near the cathedral, off the Museum (Apr–Oct: open Mon–Sat;
High Street and also by North Street. www.elginmuseum.org.uk) has a vast
collection of fascinating items from
5 Elgin ancient Pictish stones, Roman coins,
Elgin, Moray; IV30 fossils, paintings by local artists and a
With historic buildings, a medieval display on the county and its people.
street plan and a park, Elgin is a pleas- ª Leave Elgin on the A96, towards
ant town for a stroll. Its finest sight is Keith. Cross the River Spey, then turn EAT AND DRINK
the ruined Elgin Cathedral (Apr–Oct: left onto the B9104 for Spey Bay. The
open daily; Nov–Mar; open Sat–Wed), WDCS visitor centre and car park is INVERNESS
which was once so large it was known at the road’s end. The Kitchen on the River moderate
This relaxed, contemporary restaurant
beside the River Ness serves modern
Scottish food. Imaginative dishes
include pheasant and venison patties,
smoked haddock fish cakes, or breast
of chicken stuffed with haggis. There
are vegetarian options, too.
15 Huntly Street, IV3 5PR; 01463 259
119; www.kitchenrestaurant.co.uk
Riva moderate
This smart Italian restaurant offers
classic dishes such as mushroom
risotto, pasta with meatballs and pizzas.
4–6 Ness Walk, IV3 5NE; 01463 237 377;
closed Sun lunch
The Rocpool expensive
This cool city centre brasserie offers
fusion food, made with as much local
produce as possible. Come for dishes
such as Venetian-style calves’ liver, sea
bream with chorizo, or venison with
Parma ham and black pudding.
1 Ness Walk, IV3 5NE; 01463 717 274;
Above Impressive ruins at Elgin Cathedral with an almost intact Chapterhouse www.rocpoolrestaurant.com
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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