The best walks and hikes around Cruden

There are over a dozen hiking trails around Cruden Bay, offering a variety of experiences from easy coastal strolls to more moderate paths. The komoot community has explored 13 routes in the area.

The trails around Cruden Bay are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 70 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic coastal scenery, the expansive sandy beaches, and the historical landmarks like New Slains Castle.

Yes, Cruden Bay offers several circular routes. For example, the New Slains Castle – View of Slains Castle loop from Cruden Bay is a popular 2.9-mile (4.7 km) circular trail that takes you past the castle ruins and along the coast.

The coastal areas around Cruden Bay are rich in wildlife. You can often spot seabirds like oystercatchers, gulls, and eider ducks on Cruden Bay Beach. The cliffs, especially around the Bullers of Buchan, are home to diverse seabirds, including puffins in early summer, and you might even see peregrine falcons or buzzards soaring overhead. Grey seals, and occasionally bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises, can be seen in the waters.

Many of the trails around Cruden Bay are suitable for families, particularly the easier coastal paths. The expansive Cruden Bay Beach itself offers a great, safe environment for walks. Routes like the Buchan Coastal Path: Longhaven Loop are generally considered easy and offer scenic views without significant challenges.

Parking is generally available at key starting points for popular trails. For instance, there is often parking near Cruden Bay village itself, and at locations like the Bullers of Buchan or Slains Castle Car Park, which serve as trailheads for routes such as the Slains Castle Car Park – Dunbuy Island Sea Arch loop from Cruden Bay.

Most outdoor areas and coastal paths around Cruden Bay are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near cliff edges, livestock, or nesting birds. Cruden Bay Beach is a popular spot for dog walking, but check for any seasonal restrictions.

The most prominent historical landmark is New Slains Castle, perched dramatically on a cliffside. This 16th-century ruin is said to have inspired Bram Stoker's 'Dracula.' Many trails, such as the Dunbuy Island Sea Arch – New Slains Castle loop from Bullers of Buchan, incorporate a visit to the castle.

Cruden Bay's natural highlights include the expansive golden sands of Cruden Bay Beach and the dramatic Bullers of Buchan — Sea Cliffs and Rock Arch, a collapsed sea cave forming a unique amphitheater. The coastal paths also feature impressive rocky cliffs, intricate sea stacks, and rugged headlands.

While many routes are easy to moderate, the coastal paths can offer more challenging sections, particularly due to uneven terrain, exposure to weather, and some ascents/descents. The Dunbuy Island Sea Arch – New Slains Castle loop from Bullers of Buchan is a moderate 5.7-mile (9.1 km) path that provides a good workout with varied coastal scenery.

Hiking in Cruden Bay is enjoyable year-round, but the spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, making for more comfortable conditions. This is also when seabirds, including puffins, are most active around the cliffs. However, the dramatic coastal scenery can be particularly striking in autumn and even winter, provided you are prepared for potentially strong winds and colder temperatures.

Yes, the Forvie National Nature Reserve is a short drive from Cruden Bay and offers further opportunities for wildlife spotting and coastal walks. While not directly on the Cruden Bay trails, it's a great option for extending your outdoor exploration in the region.