A one-way walk along the coast from Abroath to Carnoustie where the train (or bus) can be caught for the return. Almost level, the path is indistinct in places and uses two level crossings over the railway.
Summary
Surfaced path, rough dune and coastal path, sandy shore.
Terrain
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1. Start from Arbroath harbour which can be reached from the Railway Station by turning left down West Port and then right along Millgate, and left along East Mary Street. Then cross the dual carriageway to get to the double harbour, which has yachts and some fishing boats. From the harbour head west to pass between the RNLI building and the modern Harbour Visitor Centre which has toilets and a tourist information centre.
2. Follow the sea wall and then head inland to pass Arbroath Museum, housed in the distinctive Signal Tower building. Follow the surfaced path around Inchcape Park to follow the sea wall past the football ground and then West Links recreation area with paddling pools and then Kerr's Miniature Railway. Continue on the coast path, do not take the signed path for Elliot, but go straight on, crossing a bridge over the Elliot Burn and then following a path next to the railway line and also a lagoon on the left, passing a level crossing. Arbroath Golf Course can be seen on the far side of the railway line. When the surfaced path ends in a small turning area head up onto the dunes and follow the clear path along the top, still heading west.
3. When a fence is reached head down to the right and go through a gap in the fence to follow a path signed for Carnoustie. This area can be flooded in winter, attracting wildfowl, however it is usually possible to skirt round any wet bits and still follow the path - alternatively there is a rough path along the dunes just the other side of the fence. Ignore any level crossings and keep heading along the coast, crossing a small stream on a bridge at one point and after a grassy area cross another bridge with rope railings and soon the houses at East Haven come into view.
4. East Haven, dating back to 1214, is one of Scotland's oldest recorded fishing villages. The arrival of the railway made it popular with tourists, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret visited in the 1930's. Walk past the picnic area and follow the road along the shore and keep left at a fork to pass the houses that look directly out to sea. After the final house, follow the path through the grass to the shore and either walk along the sand or along a rough path in the dunes.
5. The route follows the rocky and sandy shore, crossing a small stream. Just before reaching the house at the Craigmill Burn turn right up along a path and track leading to a level crossing. Cross the railway with care and go straight on to the road, passing a house on the right. Cross the road and turn left to follow the cycleway for a short section before re-crossing the road to pick up the cycleway on the pavement. Pass the Liz McColgan sports centre and continue until a gate on the left leads to another level crossing. Go over this and turn right along a coast path.
6. Soon West Haven is reached, pass the fishing huts and cross the sand and follow the shore on the far side of the small bay. Soon there is an easy way up to the grassy park just inland. Follow the edge of this until the shared path is reached, turn left along this and follow it to the sea front at Carnoustie. The train station is just on the right.
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