Pennan to Aberdour Bay

Summary

This inland route between picturesque Pennan and Aberdour Bay, famous for its red sandstone caves and arches, follows farm paths and tracks to cover the pleasant rolling countryside. A lovely walk, if no transport has been arranged from Aberdour it is necessary to return the same way (times and distances given are one-way).

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Rating

Terrain

Farm paths, tracks and minor roads. Two short sections of path can be wet and somewhat overgrown, but both are passable or avoidable.

Public Transport

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

Start

Pennan. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 7km / 4.25 miles
Time: 1.5 hours - 1 way
Ascent: 185m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NJ844654

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

There is parking in Pennan at the far eastern 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 somewhat overgrown and becomes waterlogged underfoot at times - the wet section can be avoided by heading steeply up a worn route to the left and then rejoining the route in the field. Eventually the path emerges into an open field. Keep heading uphill with the fence on your right, heading 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 continue straight ahead uphill, going through a metal farm gate just after the junction.

Stage 3

Soon the derelict farmhouse can be seen on the right; continue following the track. Behind there are views of Troup Head and the sea. When the track curves right continue straight ahead passing through a gate with a public footpath sign on it. 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 a tiny loch on the right and then a stile next to a gate. Soon afterwards the first view of Aberdour Bay can be seen.

Stage 4

When the stony track curves left downhill towards farm buildings, continue straight ahead on a narrow grassy path between gorse bushes, which is somewhat overgrown (the path avoids the track where it passes near farm buildings - the track can be followed throughout if the path is blocked). 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. Here turn left to head around the walls of a house and past the churchyard to reach the car park at Aberdour Bay.

Stage 5

Here you can continue along the grass to the right (east) passing a small well and then following a grassy track up the cliff. Follow the main path here which turns left to head on the easiest ground down into the next bay. Here you can examine a massive sea arch, carved from red sandstone.

Stage 6

If the tide is out you can walk back through this arch and another two to return to Aberdour Bay. Be sure to check the state of the tide before starting this as it involves clambering over rocks completely covered at high tide. 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.

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