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.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
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Great view, Good coffee stop and a spot to watch the surfers.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.
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A wide stretch of sandy beach from Fraserburgh east to Cairnbulg Point. It's a great place to see oystercatchers and other sea birds.
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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.
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A bit of a stoney track up to the nature reserve, but only for a quarter of a mile at the most.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


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