Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
United Kingdom
Scotland
Aberdeenshire

Invercairn

Attractions and Places To See around Invercairn - Top 10

Best attractions and places to see around Invercairn, a local name for the fishing villages of Inverallochy and Cairnbulg, offer a glimpse into Scotland's fishing heritage in Aberdeenshire. This area, located in North East Scotland, features coastal landscapes and historical sites. Visitors can explore natural reserves, beaches, and former railway lines converted into trails. The region provides diverse outdoor experiences for those interested in local history and nature.

Best attractions and places to see around Invercairn

  • The most popular attractions…

Last updated: May 5, 2026

Fraserburgh Beach

Highlight • Beach

The golden sand beach of Fraserburgh is lovely. A great location for a walk and brilliant surf spot. Bring your wetsuit or brave the waters without. Enjoy a coffee at the beach cafe.

Tip by

See hikes here

Send to Phone

Save

Formartine and Buchan Way

Highlight • Cycleway

A disused railway line now converted to a cycle track, with a descent gravel surface and views across the countryside.

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

The Loch of Strathbeg is a nature reserve managed by the RSPB. It's Britain’s largest dune loch and a very important watering hole for a fifth of the world’s Pink …

Tip by

Save

Pitullie Castle Ruins

Highlight • Historical Site

Pitullie Castle is a scheduled monument from the 16th century. Is is unfortunately in the middle of a field so can be hard to reach depending on the time of …

Tip by

Save

Waughton Hill Summit

Highlight • Viewpoint

At 234m, Waughton Hill is the highest point in the north east, and views reach the sea. There is a local path from Strichen to summit here, passing by a …

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Invercairn.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Invercairn

Cycling around Invercairn

Road Cycling Routes around Invercairn

Running Trails around Invercairn

Hiking around Invercairn

Tips from the Community

Owen Dickson
June 6, 2025, Fraserburgh Beach

Great view, Good coffee stop and a spot to watch the surfers.

0

0

Pitullie Castle is a scheduled monument from the 16th century. Is is unfortunately in the middle of a field so can be hard to reach depending on the time of the year - access will depend on what the farmer has planted. After the harvest season is probably the best time, since there will likely be no crops. If stubble or ploughed, then it is possible to get up close and inside the ruin. I visited in September.

0

0

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.

0

0

Andrew
September 3, 2023, Waughton Hill Summit

At 234m, Waughton Hill is the highest point in the north east, and views reach the sea. There is a local path from Strichen to summit here, passing by a white horse made of stone. This is a Marilyn and is therefore popular with hill baggers as well as locals.

0

0

The Loch of Strathbeg is a nature reserve managed by the RSPB. It's Britain’s largest dune loch and a very important watering hole for a fifth of the world’s Pink Footed Geese. It's also home to a variety of other sea and wetland birds. The nature reserve and visitor centre are a couple of hundred meters up the gravel road from this point, it's not too bad on road wheels. The visitor centre is open 9:00 - 17:00 every day.

0

0

51m
February 21, 2023, Fraserburgh Beach

A wide stretch of sandy beach from Fraserburgh east to Cairnbulg Point. It's a great place to see oystercatchers and other sea birds.

0

0

The golden sand beach of Fraserburgh is lovely. A great location for a walk and brilliant surf spot. Bring your wetsuit or brave the waters without. Enjoy a coffee at the beach cafe.

0

0

A bit of a stoney track up to the nature reserve, but only for a quarter of a mile at the most.

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is Invercairn located?

Invercairn is a local name representing the twin fishing villages of Inverallochy and Cairnbulg. They are situated in Aberdeenshire, North East Scotland, approximately 4 miles east of Fraserburgh.

What historical sites can I visit in Invercairn?

The area boasts several historical sites. You can explore the ruins of Inverallochy Castle, which has parts dating back to an earlier period. Cairnbulg Castle, though largely a late 19th-century rebuild, has origins from the 13th century. Additionally, the Pitullie Castle Ruins, a 16th-century scheduled monument, offers a glimpse into the past, though access can depend on the farming season.

Are there any natural reserves or wildlife viewing opportunities?

Yes, the Loch of Strathbeg Nature Reserve is a significant natural attraction. It is Britain’s largest dune loch and an important watering hole for various bird species, including a fifth of the world’s Pink-Footed Geese. It's an excellent spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Invercairn?

Invercairn offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy running on trails like the 'Fraserburgh Beach loop' or 'Running loop from Cairnbulg'. For hiking, there are easy routes such as the 'Rattray Head Lighthouse loop'. Cycling enthusiasts can explore longer road cycling routes like the 'Fraserburgh Beach – Fraserburgh Beach loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the running trails, easy hikes, and road cycling routes guides around Invercairn.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the area?

Absolutely. Fraserburgh Beach is a popular family-friendly spot, offering a wide stretch of golden sand perfect for walks and watersports. The Loch of Strathbeg Nature Reserve also provides an engaging experience for families interested in wildlife and nature.

Where can I go for a walk or hike near Invercairn?

For walks and hikes, Fraserburgh Beach offers miles of sandy shoreline. The Formartine and Buchan Way, a converted railway line, provides a pleasant path through the countryside. For more structured routes, consider the 'Rattray Head Lighthouse loop' or the 'Fraserburgh Beach loop' found in the easy hikes guide.

Can I go cycling around Invercairn?

Yes, cycling is a great way to explore the area. The Formartine and Buchan Way is a dedicated cycle track on a disused railway line. For road cyclists, there are various routes available, such as the 'Fraserburgh Beach – Fraserburgh Beach loop'. You can find detailed routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Invercairn guide.

What is the fishing heritage of Invercairn?

Invercairn, encompassing Inverallochy and Cairnbulg, has a rich fishing heritage dating back to the early 16th century. The area was home to planned fishing settlements in the 1860s, and Cairnbulg Harbour was developed significantly in the early 1980s. You can gain insight into the lives of the fishing communities by visiting Maggie's Hoosie, a preserved 19th-century fishwife's cottage.

Are there any beaches suitable for walks or watersports?

The most prominent beach is Fraserburgh Beach, an award-winning stretch of golden sand at the confluence of the Moray Firth and the North Sea. It's ideal for leisurely walks, and its waters are well-suited for watersports like surfing and paddleboarding.

What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/6083683" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Waughton Hill Summit</a> and what views does it offer?

Waughton Hill Summit, at 234m, is the highest point in the north east of Scotland. From its peak, you can enjoy expansive views that reach out to the sea. It's a popular spot for hill baggers and locals alike, with a path leading from Strichen.

What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/3747537" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Formartine and Buchan Way</a>?

The Formartine and Buchan Way is a former railway line that has been converted into a cycle track. It features a gravel surface and offers scenic views across the countryside, making it a popular route for cyclists and walkers.

What is Maggie's Hoosie?

Maggie's Hoosie is a preserved 19th-century fishwife's cottage located at 26 Shore Street. It was the home of Maggie Duthie (1867–1950) and provides a unique insight into the traditional lives of the fishing communities in the Invercairn area.

Most popular routes around Invercairn

Cycling around Invercairn

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

BraemarBallater And CrathieAberdeenshireInvereskMid DeesideNorth KincardineCromarKirriemuir Landward EastKirriemuir Landward WestAngusDonsideMurroes And WellbankMearnsCarnoustieFinzeanBelhelvieRoyal Burgh Of ArbroathAberdeenNewmacharFriockheim And DistrictMonifiethNewtonhill, Muchalls And CammachmoreStrathmartineTealingBirse And BallogiePortlethen And DistrictWesthill And ElrickCluny, Midmar And MonymuskLetham & DistrictFeughsideStonehaven And DistrictAuchterhouseMuirhead, Birkhill And LiffCatterline, Kinneff And DunnottarArbuthnottMonikie And NewbiggingCrathes, Drumoak And DurrisFintrayNewtyle And EassieDundee CityKemnayInverarityInverurieEcht And SkeneLumphananKintore And DistrictGlamisHillside, Dun And Logie PertBennachieInchmarlo, Brathens And GlasselSlains And ColliestonTorphinsDeerCrudenPortsoy And DistrictFordyce, Sandend And DistrictFerryden And CraigKinellarTap O NothBanchoryMeldrum, Bourtie And DaviotYthanKing Edward And GamrieSt CyrusNew Aberdour, Tyrie And PennanRoyal Burgh Of MontroseNew PitsligoFoveranBenholm And JohnshavenCity Of Brechin And DistrictBanff And MacduffGourdonLongside And DistrictRoyal Burgh Of ForfarWhitehills And DistrictAberlemnoStrathbogieEllonKirriemuirFyvie, Rothienorman, MonquhitterUdnyPeterheadAlvah And ForglenBoddam And DistrictRoyal Burgh Of InverbervieTurriff And DistrictCornhill And OrdiquhillStrichen And DistrictMethlickTarvesAberchirder And MarnochBuchan EastAuchterless, Inverkeithny And FisherfordMintlaw And DistrictRathen, Memsie And CortesSandhaven And PitullieLunanhead And DistrictRoseheartyFraserburghHuntly

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy