A great coastal circuit from pretty Ferryden, taking in the lighthouse at Scurdie Ness and the elephant-shaped rock near Boddin Point before returning inland on minor road. A short rough scramble section can be avoided if necessary.
Summary
Minor roads, path through grazing fields, rough coastal path with one small scramble which can be avoided at low tide.
Terrain
Users'
rating
1. There is a parking area in the old part of Ferryden, just past a fork in the road. From here follow the road east along the shore soon reaching an area of pretty fishing cottages set end on to the sea. Drying lines with pulleys use the space over the estuary. Near the end of the road, turn right following the signs for the Lighthouse and Victoria Square. Keep straight ahead and turn left just before a black shed to follow a path uphill signed for the lighthouse.
2. This soon reaches a road, turn left and follow the single track road all the way out to the lighthouse at Scurdie Ness, passing a much older warning beacon. The lighthouse was constructed by David A Stevenson in 1870. Just before you pass the lighthouse there is a cairn to the TGO challenge, an annual cross-Scotland backpack, which many entrants complete at this point. Go past the lighthouse and through the kissing gate to follow a grassy path along the shore.
3. Looking back the lighthouse looks impressive against the sky. Keep on the path and cross an area often grazed by cattle to reach a fence. Turn right here and go through the gate and turn left to follow a track at the edge of the field to reach athe Mains of Usan. Go through a gate and pass in front of the barns and then carry straight on heading for the ruined mill buildings.
4. Go through another gate and along a track between fences and then through another gate. After this head down towards the shore, noting the ruined mausoleum on the left. Follow the shore and climb a stile next to a gate to reach the next field. Follow the water's edge until a stone wall - look for the old stile made from sticking out stones and cross. Follow the grassy shore until the headland at Usan. Here go down onto the shore and follow a faint path behind two rocky outcrops to reach the harbour. If necessary, this can be avoided by heading up through the fields to Seaton of Usan.
5. Cross behind the small fishing harbour at Usan and follow the path uphill on the far side. Just before a shed is reached climb the fence on the left and follow the edge of the field to continue along the coast. The rocky shore here is popular with anglers. Eventually the unmistakeable shape of the Elephant Rock is reached. The field edge heads inland here and over a stile to turn left towards the cemetery. It is worth a look to spot the grave of George James Ramsay, looking out to sea, according to the inscription he died 19 years before he was born!
6. Continue on a clearer path along the cliff edge, soon passing the salmon bothies of the salmon fishing station at Boddin Head. At the house turn right and head up the road, there are good views down to the limekiln on the point itself which dates back to the 1700's. Climb the hill and turn right at the road junction; the road then bends left - keep straight on alongside the grounds of Dunninald Castle on the left. Bear right at the next junction to pass Balkiellie, following signs for Ferryden. Now keep straight on along the road all the way back to Ferryden, turning right a the bottom of the hill amongst the houses to return to the parking area at the start.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
