Five Farms and Troup Head from Crovie

Summary

This superb circular walk climbs high above picturesque Crovie to explore the dramatic coastline of Troup Head and its spectacular bird colonies. This is described from the car park above Crovie but it can easily be started from Gardenstown by following the impressive coastal path from the far east end of Gardenstown.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Tracks, minor roads and good paths; final section of grassy track can be overgrown in summer.

Getting there

Start

Crovie viewpoint car park.

Public Transport

Bus to Gardenstown from Banff .

Start Grid Ref

NJ807652

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 9.5km / 6 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Ascent: 285m (Profile)

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

The best place to park for Crovie is the viewpoint car park signed on the left as you start to come down the hill towards the village. Parking at the lower car park or the bottom is limited to those staying in the village and the road is very steep and can be congested in summer. From the viewpoint car park walk down the twisting road and follow the flight of steps to the right to emerge by the stream. It is worth exploring Crovie in both directions before continuing the walk. Crovie (pronounced 'Crivvy') has been a settlement since 1297, but it was not until the 1900's that the Highland Clearances boosted the population to around 300 mostly earning a living from fishing.

Stage 2

A massive storm in 1953 destroyed homes and led many people to leave, prompting the local Council to consider bulldozing the whole village. A campaign to preserve the village was eventually successful and today the village is protected by a conservation order. Once you have explored Crovie return to the stream and head up as if returning to the flight of steps on the right hand side of the stream as you look inland. Don't go up the steps but head left and cross the stream and pass in front of two cottages, the first has a glass gable end and the second is number 25, and head uphill on the narrow track. At the top of the track turn left onto a farm track.

Stage 3

Follow this track as it curves right and uphill. Before a bungalow is reached turn left onto another track signed with a green arrow. Head downhill and then up the other side, there are good views down over the bay and to Gardenstown beyond. The track heads inland and passes Crovie Farm on the left.

Stage 4

Further on the track bends right and there's a small parking area. Turn left here, heading through the pedestrian gate and along the surfaced path towards the coast. The clifftops are reached at the Burnmouth Viewpoint, where there's a ruin overlooking the sea. Turn right here and follow the path as it leads uphill towards Troup Head.

Stage 5

Looking back, there are views to a sea arch at the base of the cliffs. The walk is now entering the Troup Head RSPB, famed for its seabirds and especially its gannet colony - the only one on Scotland's mainland. A gate gives access to the best viewpoint, near some CCTV cameras. Take great care as the cliffs of Troup Head are unfenced and dangerous; it is difficult to get a good view down. Back on the path, continue up the flight of steps to the highest point of the headland.

Stage 6

Continue along the coast path, ignoring turnings off to the right. Around the far side of the headland the views extend to Pennan. Eventually the ravine of Ravels Den forces the path to head inland, and it emerges at the RSPB reserve car park. Turn left on the track here, soon passing through Northfield Farm and continuing onto the minor road beyond. Ignore a turning on the right signed for Crovie Farm, and continue along the road.

Stage 7

Immediately after the large barn on the left and before you pass the house on the right turn right down a rough track, passing a tiny derelict house on your left. Follow the track as it turns sharp right and then heads up past Stonewells farm on the right.

Stage 8

When the track bends right into the farmyard continue straight ahead on a grassy track with the barn on your right. This soon narrows into a grassy path - sometimes overgrown in summer - between field fences and the sea comes into view again. Near the bottom of the hill the path curves left and is lined with gorse bushes, it soon widens to follow a valley bottom before emerging at the road near the bungalow seen earlier.

Stage 9

Continue straight ahead and after the corner you can either turn right onto the steep track which leads down into Crovie before climbing the steps back to the car park, or you can simply follow the track which emerges at the residents parking area below the public car park.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Gardenstown Hotels

Aberdeenshire B&B

Gardenstown cottages

Aberdeenshire hostels

Glamping and Camping

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