COAST TRAIL IS SHORE DELIGHT
DISCOVER 165 continuous miles of dramatic clifftops, enchanting coves, paradise beaches, charming towns and wonderful wildlife along the scenic Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail. It’s easy to explore by car – just follow the brown Coastal Trail signs and you’ll be rewarded with a fabulous range of things to see and do. Read on, for details of just a few of these.
Starting in the south of the region, head for the golden sand dunes and cliffs of St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. You’ll find a spectacular range of rare wildflowers, butterflies and moths and also a chance to spot peregrine falcons.
The newest addition to the coastal trail is the Maggie Law Maritime Museum, which sits beside the old harbour at the heart of pretty Gourdon. The museum’s centrepiece is the lifeboat the Maggie Law, built in 1890 and one of the first inshore lifeboats to be constructed.
Further north discover one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, Dunnottar. Sitting on spectacular cliffs, this once impregnable fortress was visited by such famous historical figures as William Wallace, Mary, Queen of Scots and Oliver Cromwell. In more recent times Mel Gibson was here for his starring role in the film Hamlet.
Nearby lies the charming coastal town of Stonehaven, with its art deco open-air, sea-water pool. Stonehaven is also great for freshly caught seafood and luxurious ice cream.
Travel north from Aberdeen to Balmedie and enjoy a stroll along a beautiful, long sandy beach. Stop at nearby Forvie National Nature Reserve and Ythan estuary to watch paddling eider ducks and basking seals.
Starting in Cruden Bay, a scenic walk passes ruined Slains Castle – reputedly the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula – and heads to the Bullers of Buchan, a remarkable collapsed sea cave. Watch the sea rushing through the archway of its 100ft deep chasm and see nesting seabirds nearby.
Explore the town of Fraserburgh, the biggest shellfish port in Europe. Visit the fascinating Museum of Scottish Lighthouses and enjoy a tour of the 18th century lighthouse – the first to be built on mainland Scotland, which was actually built on top of 16th century Kinnaird Head Castle. Pop next door to the Fraserburgh Heritage Centre to learn more about the fishing legacy of the town using the fun, interactive exhibits.
The trail continues west along the Banffshire coast – Scotland’s Dolphin Coast – where sightings of the resident bottlenoses are common.
You’ll also come across such delightful fishing villages as Pennan – which featured in the classic film Local Hero – and historic Crovie.
Meet some of the creatures that live in the Moray Firth when you visit the award-winning Macduff Marine Aquarium. See the staff feeding the fish or hold a starfish in the Sea Lab touch pools.
Visit the exquisite Georgian mansion, Duff House in Banff, designed by esteemed Scottish architect William Adam and home to an impressive collection of paintings and fine furniture on loan from the National Galleries of Scotland.
Finally, visit the lovely village of Portsoy, with its 17th century harbour – part of the Banffshire Coast Harbour Trail – and spend some time at nearby Sandend beach and Glenglassaugh Distillery – part of the Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire collection – sitting above the beach.
Find out more about the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail at www. visitscotland.com/coastaltrail