Bullers of Buchan to Boddam

Summary

This fine linear coastal walk takes in some of the finest clifftop scenery on the Aberdeenshire coastline, with stacks, arches and birdlife galore. The start and finish are served by bus, and for a longer walk it is possible to begin at Cruden Bay.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Rough coast path, muddy in places with unprotected cliff edge.

Public Transport

The Bullers of Buchan and Stirling (on the main road by Boddam at the end of the walk) are linked by buses between Aberdeen and Peterhead.

Start

Bullers of Buchan car park. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 8km / 5 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 252m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NK106380

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

The Bullers of Buchan car park is just over 2km out of Cruden Bay on the A975; the walk can be lengthened by beginning with the Cruden Bay to Bullers of Buchan route. From the car park, follow the path past the cottages to reach the clifftop, then turn left to begin the walk along the coastal path. Almost immediately the path passes a huge gloup or collapsed sea cave - linked to the sea by two great arches.

Stage 2

This whole area teams with birdlife in early summer, with gullemots, razorbills and fulmars (just to the south there are puffin burrows). Continue along the main coastal path.

Stage 3

The path soon curves left to pass around the back of North Haven, the first of several inlets. Note the pebbly shore and the great sea stack on the far side. Keep on the coast path as curves round to continue along the cliffs beyond the bay.

Stage 4

The path goes straight across at a grassy track; the route is well marked by wooden posts on this section. There are soon terrific views looking back along the coastline. The path keeps to the right of a fence and eventually meets a track at a signpost; bear right along the track. This soon leads to a gate - the entrance to the Long Haven Scottish Wildlife Trust reserve. Pass through the gate and then turn right along the fenceline to continue the coast path.

Stage 5

Eventually the path joins a track, still close by the cliffs, passing between them and a pool-filled quarry. Go straight across at another grassy track and pass a collapsed concrete bunker. The route now leads past a section of coast which has been used in the past for quarrying; a great jagged rock rises from the sea here. Don't cross the fenced area, instead climbing the steps to keep along the coast. The path passes a much bigger lochan in a quarry, then further on turns right at an angle in a fence.

Stage 6

Another fine section of clifftop walking follows - with glimpses down to a sea cave, and then two small arches. The route rounds the back of Heathery Haven, with more sea stacks.

Stage 7

The next inlet is deeper - this is Long Haven. The path climbs to a well-built square stone building behind this, then descends and reascends steps to cross the back of the inlet. There are views to the large stack of Meikle Dumeath - keep an eye out for a few odd puffins here in season. The path then reaches the line of an old railway - the bed is dodden, so instead continue along the top of the embankment to its right.

Stage 8

Pass the site of an old bridge over the railway, with Buchan Ness lighthouse now in view ahead. Continue to a gate and kissing gate (there are cattle from this point on, so if you have a dog you may prefer to head up to the road from here). Otherwise continue along the now drier bed of the line to a gate and farmyard. After passing the stone buildings turn right through a gate and head through a field to a kissing gate. Pass through this and then turn left on a grassy track. Keep left at a fork to emerge on the road in Boddam. Turn right to head into the town. You can see the lighthouse from the shore; the bus stop to return to the Bullers or to Cruden Bay is on the main A90 road just south of the junction with the B9108 in Sterling.

Route Profile

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