01 Cullen Beach B1 09 Portsoy Boatshed B1 17 Crovie D1 25 Maggie’s Hoosie, Inverallochy F1 Stroll along the golden sands of Cullen Home to a team of enthusiastic Crovie (pronounced Crivie) is a This is no ordinary step back in time; one of the finest coasts in the world beach and admire the striking natural volunteers with a passion for boat collection of houses appearing to Maggie’s Hoosie has been lovingly rock formation of the Three Kings, building, you are certain of a friendly almost emerge from the crisp North restored to represent the life of the perfect for photo opportunities. The welcome. Come along and work on Sea, sandwiched between water and fisherwoman who lived there, and Did you know that parts of Aberdeenshire’s coastline were rated as one of the most scenic in the world by beach is renowned for its excellent a boat building or woodwork project cliffs. There’s nowhere else on earth her parents and siblings before her. National Geographic magazine? water quality and is ideal for paddling you’ve always dreamed of bringing quite like this enchanting village – it And when we say restored: picture or, for the more adventurous, to fruition, or join the team to lend a truly is a spellbinding place. As well as earthen floors, no electricity or swimming. Play a round of golf at the hand whilst they work on their latest being the best preserved fishing village running water and four walls that Jump in the car and follow the 165-mile signposted Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail and explore the delights of this incredible part of bordering Cullen Golf Club, follow one project. Admission is free. Opening in Europe, it also has the distinction of have seen a lot of work - preparing of the many coastal walks or trails, or times vary but there are volunteers having the narrowest space between and baiting fishing lines, curing, Scotland for yourself. You’ll discover dramatic clifftop walks, captivating coves, beautiful nature reserves with an abundance of try to spot dolphins from the shore. there most days. shore and cliff of any Scottish village. smoking, salting and drying fish. Postcode: AB56 4AG Postcode: AB45 2QQ Postcode: AB43 9HG wildlife, expansive beaches, charming towns and villages, world-class links and parkland golf courses and much more besides. Tel: 01542 840830 Tel: 01261 842951 Tel: 01346 514761 The map overleaf will assist in leading you along the Aberdeenshire and Banffshire coast. Make sure you stop off at some of the fascinating attractions and beauty spots along the Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail – we’ve highlighted 59 within this guide to get you started, but there so many more to discover! Look out for the brown and white Coastal Trail road signs that will help guide 02 Cullen Sea School B1 10 Portsoy Salmon Bothy B1 18 RSPB Troup Head, by Pennan D1 26 Loch of Strathbeg F2 The Cullen Sea School is a centre Uncover the fascinating fishing Soak up the awesome sight of thousands Regardless of season, there’s you along the magnificent Aberdeenshire coastline. for small boat building, sailing, traditions of the area at the Salmon of seabirds and hear their piercing cries. always something fascinating to see coastal rowing, kayaking, canoeing Bothy Museum, housed in a charming Troup Head is the only mainland gannet at RSPB Loch of Strathbeg. During and training courses. It is a warm, limewashed building which dates back colony in Scotland and is also home to spring and summer, you might spot Find out more about the Aberdeenshire and Banffshire Coast at welcoming place to enjoy all types over 180 years. You’ll find a range of species such as guillemots, razorbills gulls, terns and wading birds raising www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/aberdeenshire-coast of water-based activities and make exhibits in the former ice chambers. and puffins. Follow the clifftop path their young, while in the autumn new friends along the way. You do Learn about the town’s harbours, its and look out to sea where you might and winter months you can marvel not have to be a boat owner or have industry, trade and the salmon fishing spot dolphins, porpoises, seals and at the spectacle of thousands of had any prior sailing experience operations, and get a unique insight into even minke whales. Explore the rocky pink-footed geese, which arrive to become a member or attend a the geography, history and culture of coastline on a boat tour – there are from Iceland. The reserve has three course at the club. Portsoy. In the bothy, trace your family three operators that depart from Banff, hides and an observation room in Postcode: AB56 4AG tree with trained genealogists and Macduff and Gardenstown. the visitor centre. discover your connections to the area. Tel: 01542 840830 Directions: the reserve is located between Postcode: AB42 3HA Postcode: AB45 2SS Pennan and Gardenstown on the B9031 Tel: 01346 532017 Tel: 01261 842951 03 Logie Head B1 11 Whitehills Marina C1 19 Pennan D1 27 Rattray Head Lighthouse F2 Logie Head, near Cullen, is 92 ft above Whitehills Marina is an award-winning Pennan is a rugged village with The lighthouse tower is listed as a sea level and is a climbers’ paradise. village-owned marina. Whitehills is a colourful houses built gable-end building of Architectural/Historical However if you are not into climbing former highly successful commercial to the sea. Pennan’s most famous interest. The light was established in Fraserburgh beach then the walk from either Cullen or fishing port on the Moray Firth which landmark is a traditional red 1895, 46 years after Alan Stevenson, had Findlater Castle is also stunning, transformed itself to a friendly and telephone box which was used as first undertaken to carry out a series but do be careful, as the paths do popular small marina and is currently the backdrop to Bill Forsyth’s movie of experiments to ascertain whether become narrow and steep and can the only harbour catering for leisure blockbuster, Local Hero. Everyone Rattray Briggs could be effectively be hazardous in bad weather. Nearby sailors. It is a great base for exploring who comes to visit makes a call marked by a red arc shown from the see the Giant’s Steps, which a local north east Banffshire. from the iconic phone box where flashing light of Buchan Ness. Stevenson Delight in our man built in 1989, without the aid of Postcode: AB45 2NQ oil executive Mac would connect to built a rock tower in two parts, the lower lifting gear or mechanical aids. his Texas HQ, and drop his coins in containing a foghorn and engine-room, Rock formations and nesting colonies when he heard the telephone pips! and the upper the lightkeepers’ room Coastal Larder of seabirds provide points of interest. and lantern. It was the first time that a first-class siren fog signal had been Discover the region’s abundant natural larder and make installed in a rock lighthouse. sure you sample some of the fruits of the North Sea. In traditional fishing towns you can see fresh catches being 04 Sunnyside Beach B1 12 Banff Beach C1 20 New Aberdour Beach E1 28 Buchanhaven Heritage Centre F2 Located in a secluded bay between Explore Banff beach and gaze out Explore the shoreline of New Buchanhaven Heritage Centre, was landed in harbours. Cullen and Sandend, this beautiful to the sea where you may be able Aberdour beach and wander through originally set up to safeguard the sandy beach boasts amazing to spot some dolphins, or the the impressive sandstone caves. Set history of the former fishing village. Tuck into a traditional supper from the Aberdeenshire’s award- views from the cliffs. Explore this resident colony of puffins! There back from the beach is St Drostan’s It now provides a wide range of picturesque site, perfect for picnics are also views across the mouth Well, a drinking fountain which is exhibitions on subjects ranging winning fish and chip shops. Pick up daily catches from fish and sunbathing with plenty of sand of the River Deveron where you named after the saint who is said to from the fishing community, family and rockpools. Nearby, visit Findlater can see the neighbouring town have landed on the beach AD 580. At history, and WW1. There are also markets and fishmongers and cook your own. With monkfish, Castle if you want a trip back in time, of Macduff. Enjoy walks along the the west end of the beach, see if you evening classes, from knitting and or wander among the local trails for beach and rocky shoreline. can spot the memorial to Jane Whyte. crochet to camera club and dance lemon sole, scallops and lobster just a few of the exciting a chance to see some wildlife. In 1886, she helped rescue the crew classes to join in. seafood options available, you are sure to be amazed by what of the steamship William Hope which Postcode: AB42 1NR was wrecked close to the shore. you can find. Discover more local foodie delights at Postcode: AB43 6HR www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/food-and-drink/local-produce 05 Findlater Castle B1 13 Duff House, Banff C2 21 Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Fraserburgh E1 29 Arbuthnot Museum, Peterhead F2 Look out for businesses displaying VisitScotland’s The ruins of Findlater Castle stand on Take in the splendour of one of Take a guided tour of Kinnaird Head, Immerse yourself in the wealth of Quality Assurance award. a rocky promontory projecting out Scotland’s architectural masterpieces.