Pennan to Aberdour Bay

Summary

This linear route links the picturesque Pennan - made famous by the film Local Hero - with Aberdour Bay, with spectacular red sandstone caves and arches. The route between runs inland, following farm paths and tracks across the pleasant rolling countryside. The route described is linear - if no transport has been arranged from Aberdour it is necessary to return the same way (times and distances given are one-way only).

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Farm paths, tracks and minor roads. A couple of sections can be overgrown at times.

Getting there

Start

Pennan.

Public Transport

Bus to Pennan from Banff, no public transport at Aberdour.

Start Grid Ref

NJ844654

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time: 1.5 hours - 1 way
Ascent: 160m (Profile)

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Explorer 426 - Banff

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Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

There is parking in Pennan at the far western end, near the community hall. From here walk along the front of the houses to the harbour at the other end. On the way the iconic red phone box, made famous by the film Local Hero, is passed as well as the Pennan Inn. Continue past the last house at the harbour and climb the path which is signed for Aberdour a short way up.

Stage 2

The narrow path climbs steeply, soon passing through a gate. Higher up the path is badly eroded by livestock and can be boggy at times. Eventually the path emerges through a gate into an open field. Keep heading uphill, keeping the fence on your right, aiming for some deserted farm buildings on the horizon. At the top climb a stile and keep to the left of the barns and cross the lane to the derelict farmhouse (off right), continuing straight ahead uphill, passing through a metal farm gate just after the junction.

Stage 3

Looking back there are views of Troup Head and the sea. The track turns right, and then shortly after curves right again - continue straight ahead at this bend passing through a gate with a public footpath sign. Climb gently with good views of the rolling countryside and the sea, and right along the coast to Rosehearty. When the track emerges onto a road turn left for a short distance before turning left at a corner to follow a signed track. The track runs through farm land, passing through a couple of gates and past a tiny loch on the right. There are glimpses of Aberdour Bay on the coastline ahead.

Stage 4

When the stony track curves left downhill towards farm buildings, continue straight ahead on a narrow grassy path between gorse bushes, which can be a little overgrown at times. The path eventually rejoins the track; keep straight ahead and follow this downhill, passing between farm buildings. The track zig zags at the bottom of the valley and climbs past some more farm buildings to reach the tarmaced road.

Stage 5

Here turn left to head around the walls of a house and past the churchyard to reach the car park at Aberdour Bay (ignore the parallel path to the right of the road). From the parking area you can continue along the grass to the right (east), passing a small well.

Stage 6

Beyond is a coastal cave, and then a headland with two spectacular arches. The left one leads out towards the sea, but unless the tide is high you can pass through the more inland arch. If you don't mind crossing slippery rocks you can then round a corner to pass through a third huge arch.

Stage 7

If you pass through this arch there is a fine sandy beach beyond. From here you can follow a steep and rough path to head back along the coastline above the arches, returning to the car park. Unless transport has been arranged it is necessary to retrace the outward route to return to Pennan - adding an extra 6km (1.5 hours) to the walk.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Gardenstown Hotels

Aberdeenshire B&B

Gardenstown cottages

Aberdeenshire hostels

Glamping and Camping

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