Cruden Bay to the Bullers of Buchan

Summary

This dramatic coastal walk passes the impressive ruins of Slains Castle, the inspiration for Dracula, and reaching the Bullers of Buchan, where there is a massive blow hole with several natural arches. A bus can be caught from the main road to return to Cruden Bay; alternatively those looking for a much longer walk could continue on the coast path to Boddam, or walk back the same way.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

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

Public Transport

Cruden Bay is served by most buses between Aberdeen and Peterhead; the buses also pass the Bullars of Buchan.

Start

Cruden Bay. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 70m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NK092362

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (3)

Stage 1

Cruden Bay is an attractive village known for its golf course and proximity to Slains Castle. Bram Stoker stayed here for a number of summers and the Castle is said to have inspired his most famous creation, Count Dracula. Turn off the A975 opposite the hotel onto Main Street, pass the post office and there is a parking area in on the left by the church before the public toilets are reached. Start the walk along the path in the trees at the end of the car park near the recycling bins. This path is often muddy. It soon forks, keep left to cross the river and then keep right to follow the river downstream.

Stage 2

The path follows a pleasant gully through the red granite and then climbs gently up to the left, passing the remains of a brick dovecot. The path follows the coastline here and soon the massive ruins of Slains Castle come into view. The castle was begun at the end of the sixteenth century, replacing Old Slains Castle near Collieston, but was greatly expanded later.

Stage 3

The jagged rocks just offshore combine with the inshore wind to produce hazardous conditions for boats here. In 1866 a steamer from Liverpool was wrecked here and all but 4 of the 57 crew members perished, they are buried in St James churchyard in Cruden Bay. More successfully, 27 crew were rescued by breeches buoy in 1894 when the steamer, Chicago, was driven aground on rocks just below the castle.

Stage 4

The castle is now derelict and fenced off. To continue along the coast path walk inland along the fence and follow the track for a short distance. Look out for some stone steps sticking out of the wall on the right hand side. There is a marker post on the other side, but the path is very faint to spot. Climb over the wall and follow the path which runs along the inland side of a very deep sea inlet, or geo, which provides further protection for the castle. Keep following the coastal path, ignoring the straight path heading left which leads to a car park on the A975.

Stage 5

There are great views looking back along the coast to the castle, whilst ahead the island of detached rock known as Dunbuy comes into view, breached by a remarkable arch well above the level of the sea. Follow the faint grassy path around the back of the inlet behind Dunbuy. The path keeps close beside the fence, soon bending left at Arthur Fowlie, with an excellent view along the coast towards Boddam.

Stage 6

The next section of coastline has some wonderful rocky scenery, with another arch breaching a great natural wall extending out into the sea - this is known as the Camel's Hump. From April to early August puffins nest in burrows high on its flanks. The path on this section is rough and close to the edge, so great care is needed until the cottages at the Bullers of Buchan are reached a short distance further on.

Stage 7

The main road is easily accessed by a track heading inland here; it may be possible to catch a bus or alternatively you could double the distance by returning the same way, or continue along the coast all the way to Boddam.

Stage 8

If you do decide to end the walk here, first detour a short distance along the coast path to see the remarkable coastal scenery of the Bullers of Buchan. The central feature is a huge blow-hole or collapsed cavern carved by the sea, its encircling wall breached by two arches.

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