Walk past the densely-packed fishermen's cottages of Gardenstown and across the beach before following a grassy path to a ruined churchyard, with stunning views back to the town and bay.
Pebble and sand beach then a grassy path climbing up to the churchyard. Part of the path has been affected by landslips, leaving it passable but muddy.
Bus to Gardenstown from Banff .
Gardenstown.
Turn right at the bottom of the hill in Gardenstown and drive past the fishermen's garages to reach a parking area just beyond. Begin the walk by heading back along the road and across the back of the harbour. Continue along the seafront; the cottages of Seatown are on your left.
Their gable ends face the sea to offer some protection from the storms, and tiny alleyways - well worth a leisurely exploration - climb up and wind between the densely-packed cottages.
At the far end of Seatown walk down the concrete ramp onto the sandy beach. Further along the beach becomes pebbly and there are sculpted red sandstone cliffs. Just beyond the cliffs is a narrow grassy glen heading inland on the left; follow a path up this.
The path has been affected by landslides leaving it very muddy in places. The path winds about and crosses two footbridges before finally swinging to the right uphill out of the glen.
Continue past the derelict cottage and on up to the churchyard; the entrance is on the uphill side. The ruins have a superb view back across the beach to Gardenstown, with Troup Head beyond. The old church here, dedicated to St John the Evangelist, predates the village as it was built in 1513.
Beyond the churchyard a loop of grassy footpath enables you to head a short distance further and higher, passing a bench with a more extensive view across the bay. Return to Gardenstown by the outward route.
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