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The Scotland coastline never ceases to amaze us. We are absolutely enchanted with the towering cliffs topped with castles, jagged peninsulas that jut into the sea and azure waters that swirl around shallow bays. When booking a long summer stay in Aberdeen, we were very excited about spending time on the shore.
The coastal walks in Aberdeen, Scotland are sensational. The scenery is sublime, the wildlife incredible and the trails aren’t crowded. From the city, we walked to the north and south – and boarded buses and trains to complete sections of trail further afield.
5 Best Aberdeen Coastal Walks
Walking along the water is one of the Fun Things To Do in Aberdeen! To help fellow travelers plan coastal hikes in and around Aberdeen, we are sharing a few of our favorite trails. In addition to describing each trek, we provide essential information and our top tips for completing the walks.
#1 Aberdeen Coast: Footdee to Donmouth
The Aberdeen coastal path from Footdee to Donmouth Local Nature Reserve is a must-do for anyone spending time in the city. This walk can be completed as an out-and-back, but we recommend creating a looping route via Old Aberdeen.
Total Distance: 7 miles | Time: 3.5 hours | Map
The stroll starts out in Footdee, known locally at Fittie. This historic fishing village marks the north bank of the channel into Aberdeen Harbour. The artistic cottages are fun to check out before starting the trek.
From Footdee, the Esplanade stretches north along Aberdeen Beach, continuing to the Don River. At the beginning of the walkway, there are amenities – like free public bathrooms, food trucks and shops. After passing Codona’s Amusement Park and the Beach Ballroom, the services and people pretty much disappear.
At the mouth of the River Don, pavement gives way to a sandy trail that leads to the top of a beachhead. From there, several paths break off in various directions. Some lead down to the riverbank while others push through high grass and onto boardwalks. This is the turn-around point for those who want to return to Aberdeen via the beach.
Completing the Loop via Old Aberdeen
After exploring the riverside, continue west on the Esplanade sidewalk. Cross over Ellon Road and walk west on the forested path that begins at the south end of the bridge.
While walking, peek through the trees toward the river. At low tide, this islet is a resting place for seals – ducks and swans frequent the area, too. Further along, you will get a glimpse of the famous Bridge of Balgownie (the oldest bridge in Scotland). Depending on the tides, a side trail that leads down to the water’s edge and an incredible viewpoint may be accessible.
The nature path ends in a small enclave of lovely homes. At Don Street, turn right and make a short detour to stand on the historic Balgownie Bridge. Then retrace your steps and duck back into the woods via the gate at the sign marked Seaton Park.
The trail follows the curve of the river, eventually leading to the center of the park. Next, stroll through the Cathedral Walk and up the hill into Old Aberdeen.
Highlights of Old Aberdeen include St. Machar’s Cathedral, Cruickshank Botanic Garden and King’s College Tower and Chapel. From King’s College, cut east back to the beach and the Esplanade leading back to Footdee.
#2 Aberdeen Coastal Path: Cove to City via Girdle Ness
One of our favorite Aberdeen walks is along the coastline between Girdle Ness Peninsula and Cove Bay. We prefer to complete the section as a northbound, one-way trek from Cove Bay to Aberdeen.
Total Distance: 7.5 miles | Time: 3.5 hours | Map
From Aberdeen city center, hop on a #3/3A Thistle Line bus toward Cove Bay and disembark at Marchmont Street in a residential neighborhood. It’s a short walk to the trailhead, marked as the Aberdeen Coastal Path (but shown as the Aberdeenshire Coastal Path on Google Maps). The trail initially heads east to the shoreline, cutting under the train tracks.
At the coast, the path leads to both the north and south. The south route extends to Cove Bay Harbour (and includes crossing a creek), the other direction leads north back to Aberdeen. The northbound path is well established and signed with wildlife placards, as well as some trail markers.
The route snakes around inlets and headlands. Off-shooting trails offer several opportunities to scurry down to the rocks and out to epic perches. Also keep an eye out to sea in search of playful dolphins!
Complete this Walk in Aberdeen via Girdle Ness Peninsula
At Nigg Bay, the trail merges onto a sidewalk along a busy road and passes Aberdeen South Harbour. Sticking to the coastline, the route wraps around the Girdle Ness Peninsula. Highlights of the area are the towering lighthouse, a hidden beach and remnants of the Torry Battery.
The northern edge of the peninsula marks the entrance to the main harbor. At this point, detour up to Victoria Road and the Torry neighborhood. Although not particularly pretty, it’s more pleasant than strolling along the docks.
#3 Aberdeenshire Coast Trail: Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle
One of the most well-known walks near Aberdeen, the Stonehaven to Dunnottar Hike is gorgeous from start to finish! The well-trodden path along the clifftop offers extraordinary coastal views. Plus, there are two attractions along the way: the Stonehaven War Memorial and the famous Dunnottar Castle.
Total Distance: 3 miles | Time: 2 hours | Map
The trek from Stonehaven to the castle starts and ends at the picturesque Stonehaven Harbour. To get to Stonehaven from Aberdeen, we took the train. Travelers can also use the bus or drive. From Stonehaven train station, it’s a 20-minute walk to the harbor.
The trailhead is located above town and to the south, just past the Stonehaven Harbour Viewpoint. Continue to the bend in the road – then follow the path that leads straight into a meadow.
The War Memorial – which resembles an ancient Greek temple – sits atop Black Hill. We recommend taking the short, inclined trail to see the memorial up close (and to enjoy views from the hilltop). Return to the main path and continue the southward walk toward the castle.
Along the main route, several spots along Dunnottar Cliffs offer sweeping views out to sea and down into various coves and bays. At the castle, the trail branches off in three directions. One leads to the castle, another to the parking lot and one continues south along the coast.
Visitors are permitted inside the castle (ticket required). A staircase of 200-plus steps leads from the main trail to the entrance. A spur trail leads further down to a beach on Castle Haven Bay (to the north of the castle).
We skipped the steep staircase and instead plodded southbound along the coast. The trail leads into a wide-open space, featuring a picture-perfect view of the castle. Continuing around Old Hall Bay offers even more phenomenal views, especially if the sun is shining!
Return Trek to Stonehaven
After admiring the castle – whether from the inside or out – we believe it is best to simply return the way you came. In our opinion, the North Sea coastline is so astounding that it deserves a second look!
That said, it is possible to detour inland to Dunnottar Woods and complete a forested hike back to town. We actually took this route. While the forest is pretty, it was an uninteresting walk along the Burn of Glaslaw and then a busy road to get to there.
Once back at Stonehaven, treat yourself to a pint of local craft beer at The Marine Hotel or grab an ice cream from Aunt Betty’s on the beachfront promenade. Turn your hike into a full day trip by following the advice in our article: One Day in Stonehaven.
#4 Aberdeenshire Walks: Boddam to Cruden Bay
More rugged and less frequented, the Boddam to Cruden Bay Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail is slightly challenging but incredibly rewarding. Not outlined on Google Maps, we used information from Walking Highlands to create a one-way trek down the coast that passes through Bullers of Buchan.
Total Distance: 8 miles | Time: 5 hours | Section 1 and Section 2
From the Aberdeen Coach Station, we departed on a #63 Stagecoach Bus bound for Peterhead. Disembarking at the Stirling Village Station Road stop, we wound our way through the quiet community to the unmarked trailhead. (Map.)
The beginning of the path is set off the craggy coastline and soon follows the fence of a smallholding, where the much-loved Scottish Highland Cows graze. Just beyond the pasture, we encountered a boggy stretch. Once out of the muddy mess, however, the path dried out and closely follows the coastline.
Approaching a dilapidated structure, the path curves tightly around a cove and under a barbed wire fence. The barbs have been covered and stones placed on both sides to make crossing a bit easier. After clearing the fence, it’s fairly straight forward the rest of the way.
Entering the Longhaven Cliffs Nature Reserve, the trail weaves in and out of bays, revealing one of the best stretches of shoreline on the east coast of Scotland. Incredible beauty is offered around each bend, yet the highway is still visible when looking inland. Although the path is relatively flat, there are a few wooden staircases along the route to Bullers of Buchan.
We added extra time to our hike with a longer stop in Bullers of Buchan, a natural sanctuary for birds. From here, we watched seabirds clinging to the cliffs, hiding babies behind their wings – and even spotted a flock of puffins swimming in the sea!
Passing by a handful of houses, we continued walking from Bullers of Buchan south to Cruden Bay. This section features an astounding coastline of coves, cliffs and an island with a natural arch.
In the distance, Slains Castle – a 16th century fortress – comes into view. It’s a pleasant hike to the castle – and we took a few of the side trails for even better views.
Although the castle is in ruins, it is open for visitors to freely explore (no ticket required). After poking through the roofless rooms and up spiral stairs, we resumed our trek through a forest and into Cruden Bay.
To celebrate, we stopped for a pint of Brew Toon at the Kilmarnock Arms Hotel, which is conveniently located just across from the bus stop.
How To Shorten this Aberdeenshire Hike
As round trip tickets on the Stagecoach bus were $25 each, we wanted to make the most of it by completing the entire route in a day.
That said, the trek can be split into two separate Aberdeenshire coastal walks. The #63 or 61 buses stop at Bullers of Buchan parking lot, making it simple to complete this hike in two sections.
#5 Arbroath to Auchmithie Coastal Trek
Situated in Angus, which is south of Aberdeenshire, the Arbroath Coastal Cliffs are an amazing trekking destination. Marked by deep coves, staggering rock formations and navigable caves, the well-worn path stretches 4 miles from Arbroath to the village of Auchmithie.
Total Distance: 8 miles | Time: 4.5 hours | Map
Unless driving, the best way to get to Arbroath is by train. If coming from Aberdeen, it’s a 1-hour ride. From the station, we walked south to see the harbor, then followed the shoreline promenade past Victoria Park (where there is parking and free public toilets).
At the far end of the park, the trailhead is marked with a map and there are Arbroath Cliff Trail leaflets that outline the route and sights. A paved path quickly leads walkers to the top of the cliffs, where sensational views await.
We walked about a half an hour and had already taken in several signature geological features – Needle’s Eye, Mermaid’s Kirk, Dickmont’s Den and the impressive Deil’s Heid. Numerous paths break off for closer looks, but we stuck to the main route.
At the Three Sisters on Carlingheugh Bay, the clifftop path has eroded, so the route descends a staircase to the beach and back up on the opposite side. While on the beach, we took advantage of the low tide and detoured to Dark Cave.
The cave is, indeed, so dark that it is nearly impossible to see the passageway that leads to a secluded beach on the opposite side. Bring a good flashlight if you want to explore; it’s pitch black and dangerous without one!
After returning to the top of the cliff, we followed the coastal path along fields of wildflowers and wheat toward Auchmithie. In the end, we stopped just short of the town, admiring the views from the last promontory. From there, we retraced our steps back to Arbroath.
Shorter Trek and Arbroath Sights
Those not up for an 8-mile roundtrip hike have a few options for shortening the route. The most impressive rock formations are located along the first 1.5-mile stretch, which is entirely paved and fairly flat. After reaching Three Sisters (before taking the stairs down to the beach), simply turn back to Arbroath.
Alternatively, you can complete the 4-mile walk to Auchmithie and then catch a bus back to Arbroath. Besides, stopping at the family-run But ‘n’ Ben for a post-hike meal of local Scottish cuisine is a local tradition!
We recommend planning your hike to allow some time for exploring Arbroath, as well. Certainly go see the Medieval Arbroath Abbey, which is steeped in history (ticket required).
Then, pay a visit to the interesting Signal Tower Museum that shines light on the historic Bell Rock Lighthouse (free). If time allows, sit down to a meal of fresh-caught fish and chips and sample the famous Arbroath Smokies!
Coastal Walks in Aberdeen Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our map of walks near Aberdeen, Scotland below.
Travel Tips for Aberdeen Coastal Walks
- Wear Good Shoes: Boots are not required (at least in summer), but waterproof shoes are a good idea during any season. Per usual, we hiked in our favorite travel shoes.
- Pack Weather Gear: Sunscreen, wind jacket, raincoat, a headband and layered clothes are a must.
- Carry a Day Bag: A day pack is essential for carrying all your extra layers as you peel them off and put them back on again.
- Don’t Forget Binoculars: For better spotting of dolphins, whales, puffins and other seabirds, binoculars are key!
- Bring a Camera: You will want a good travel camera to capture the exquisite beauty of the coast.
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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- East Coast of Scotland Itinerary
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- How To Spend 3 Days in Edinburgh
- The Best of Glasgow
- What To See in St Andrews, Dundee and Perth, Scotland
- Famous Scottish Food
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