Attractions and places to see around New Aberdour, Tyrie And Pennan feature a diverse landscape of coastal villages, historical sites, and natural features in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The region is characterized by dramatic cliffs, picturesque fishing villages like Pennan, and attractive shingle beaches such as New Aberdour Beach. Visitors can explore significant cultural artifacts like the Raven Stone in Tyrie and enjoy the area's rich marine life and coastal walking opportunities.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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The village was founded by refugee crofters from the Higland Clearances, turned fisherman. Following the devastating 1953 North Sea flood, most homes were abandoned. Many have been restored and are now lovely holiday lets.
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Great view, Good coffee stop and a spot to watch the surfers.
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Crovie is a beautiful coastal town. A visit is a must!
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There is a small area to park in the village, but care is needed. The village is small so wandering along the street makes a short but pretty walk. On low tide some of the rocks on the beach can be better explored to the west.
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Once considered for demolition, this small village was once a busy fishing community. There is parking at the top of the hill to walk down to the village. There is a path along the coast from Gardenstown too, which makes a nice loop.
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Fraserburgh boasts an award-winning beach that extends for miles, bordered by golden sand dunes, positioned at the confluence of the Moray Firth and the North Sea. The waters adjacent to Fraserburgh's beach are ideal for watersports, making it a great spot for surfing and paddleboarding.
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A good and very flat section of the cycle way. Just north of Auchnagatt can be muddy and rockier than other sections of the line, and exposed to the wind. The views across the farmland are good.
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From the pier you can blink for mackerel at high tide
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The region offers a rich history. In Tyrie, you can visit St. Andrew's Parish Church to see the ancient Raven Stone, a significant Pictish symbol stone. New Aberdour Beach features St. Drostan's Well, a historical spring, and the Jane Whyte Memorial. Pennan is famous for its connection to the film 'Local Hero', with landmarks like the iconic Red Phone Box and the Pennan Inn. Additionally, the picturesque Crovie Fishing Village and Gardenstown Harbour are historical settlements worth exploring.
The charming village of Pennan is the primary location for the cult British film 'Local Hero'. Visitors can see the iconic Red Phone Box, which holds listed building status, and the Pennan Inn, both prominently featured in the movie. The dramatic cliff backdrop and whitewashed cottages of Pennan Village and Cliffs also set the scene for many memorable moments.
Yes, the coastline offers several rewarding walks and viewpoints. You can enjoy coastal paths between Gardenstown Harbour and Crovie Fishing Village. Pennan also provides excellent opportunities for walks along its dramatic cliffs and through the surrounding countryside. For a longer adventure, consider the 'Fort Fiddes & Aberdour Beach loop from Pennan', a difficult 19.3 km hike, or the 'Gardenstown Harbour – Downie Bay Viewpoint loop from Gardenstown', a moderate 10.4 km hike. You can find more hiking options on the Hiking around New Aberdour, Tyrie And Pennan guide.
The coast is rich in natural beauty. Pennan Bay offers sparkling blue waters and a pebble beach where you might spot dolphins and seals. New Aberdour Beach is a sheltered shingle beach with impressive sandstone caves and rock pools, perfect for exploring at low tide. The area around New Aberdour also features fascinating limestone caves and natural arches, including a 'secret' cove.
Pennan Bay is an excellent location for wildlife spotting, with opportunities to see dolphins and seals lounging on the rocks. The Moray Firth, which Pennan overlooks, is a significant marine habitat for dolphins. Additionally, the nearby RSPB Troup Head Nature Reserve is Scotland's largest mainland gannet colony, home to thousands of kittiwakes, razorbills, and guillemots.
Yes, the Formartine and Buchan Way: Maud to Auchnagatt is a popular multi-user trail that follows an old railway line. This section is well-surfaced, flat, and suitable for various riders, offering pleasant views across farmland. It's part of a longer trail that extends from Dyce to Fraserburgh and Peterhead.
Absolutely. Fraserburgh Beach is an award-winning sandy beach ideal for families, offering space for walks and watersports. New Aberdour Beach, with its shingle and sandy areas, rock pools, and caves, is also great for exploration, especially at low tide. The Formartine and Buchan Way: Maud to Auchnagatt provides a flat and easy cycling or walking path suitable for all ages.
For easy walks, consider the 'Downie Bay Viewpoint loop from Crovie', which is 4.5 km, or the 'Crovie Fishing Village – Gardenstown Harbour loop from Gardenstown', a 3.3 km route. These offer picturesque coastal scenery without significant difficulty. You can find more easy hiking options on the Easy hikes around New Aberdour, Tyrie And Pennan guide.
Visitors particularly enjoy the picturesque fishing villages like Crovie Fishing Village and Gardenstown Harbour, known for their charm and coastal walks. The dramatic scenery of Pennan Village and Cliffs, especially its film connection, is also a highlight. The well-surfaced and flat Formartine and Buchan Way is appreciated by cyclists and walkers for its ease and views.
Beyond the Raven Stone in Tyrie's St. Andrew's Parish Church, the wider Aberdeenshire region offers several historical sites within a few miles. These include ancient burial mounds like Memsie Cairn, and castles such as Pitsligo Castle, Pittulie Castle, and Cairnbulg Castle. The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses is also approximately 5 miles away, offering insights into maritime history.
The best time to visit beaches like New Aberdour Beach for exploring rock pools and caves is at low tide. While the dramatic cliffs of Pennan are captivating during winter storms, the warmer months offer more pleasant conditions for coastal walks and wildlife spotting. Always check local tide times for optimal beach exploration.


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