Ciss Outdoors is an independent outdoor and travel publication exploring places through time spent outside. Writing draws on personal experience and regional familiarity, with an emphasis on practical judgement.
Arbroath sits on the Angus coastline with a mix of dramatic sea cliffs, quiet beaches, sheltered woodland walks and one of Scotland’s most significant historic landmarks. At first glance, it can feel like a town you pass through rather than pause in, but its real appeal lies just beyond the obvious routes. This is a place where red sandstone cliffs give way to hidden bays, expansive beaches stretch north and south of the harbour, and small, local paths lead to unexpectedly peaceful corners close to town. Rather than a single must-do walk, Arbroath rewards slow exploration. This guide brings together a collection of short routes, viewpoints and coastal highlights that can be visited individually or combined, depending on time, weather and energy levels.
Arbroath Cliff Path to Carlingheugh Bay
The cliff path is the best-known outdoor route in Arbroath, and for good reason. Starting from Victoria Park, the first section that leads out towards Carlingheugh Bay is the most scenic. The red sandstone cliffs, sea stacks, and constantly shifting light make it a favourite with photographers, walkers and rock climbers.
You can turn around at Carlingheugh Bay for a shorter outing or continue along the trail to Auchmithie for a much longer walk. The stretch between Carlingheugh Bay and Auchmithie is quieter and less dramatic, but Auchmithie itself is one of the real jewels of the Angus coast.
Tips for this route:
- The path is exposed, so wind direction matters. Offshore winds are particularly worth avoiding.
- In wet or winter conditions the ground may becomes muddy and slippery if you venture off the main path. Good footwear is essential.
- Sunrise brings the best light for photographs. Weekday mornings are typically quietest.
- There are toilets at Victoria Park, and a snack van is often parked nearby.
Auchmithie
Even if you choose not to walk from Arbroath, Auchmithie is worth a dedicated visit. The tiny village sits above a sweeping red sandstone bay, and the old harbour wall still partly stands at the water’s edge. It is a steep walk down to the beach and an equally steep return, but the sheltered feel and dramatic cliffs make it one of the most peaceful spots on this stretch of coastline.
Arbirlot Falls
Only a few minutes from Arbroath, Arbirlot Falls is a short wander with a big reward. From the small car park at the cemetery, cross the road and walk down an outdoor staircase to a beautiful waterfall framed by trees. In spring, the area is filled with wild garlic, and the falls are a popular photography spot year-round.
There used to be space for wild swimming here, but fallen trees have made access to the pool more challenging. Even so, it remains an excellent quick stop for anyone exploring the area.
Arbroath Harbour
Arbroath Harbour is one of the most photographed places in the town. Fishing boats come and go, stacks of creels line the walkways, and the row of colourful buildings behind the marina adds a bright backdrop.
You can climb stairs at sections to the top of the seawall, which have excellent viewpoints across the water. The signal tower museum sits nearby and commemorates the Bell Rock Lighthouse, located roughly eleven miles offshore.
Food options are plentiful around the harbour. There are fish and chip shops, restaurants and an ice cream shop, although the seagulls are famously bold, so keep your food close.
Parking is easy around the harbour and along the seafront.
Elliot Beach and East Haven
If you prefer a relaxed coastal wander, the long stretch of beach from Arbroath to East Haven is perfect for walking, running or simply switching off for a while. When the tide is out, the sand opens into huge reflective flats that catch the colours of sunrise and sunset. On still evenings, the wet sand acts like a mirror, and the entire shoreline glows.
This route is not about varied scenery; it is about space and calm. It is popular with dog walkers and families, and the dunes offer quieter side trails for more interesting terrain.
Tips:
- Visit when the tide is out to enjoy the sense of vast, stretching space.
- Arbroath is rarely still, so factor in wind chill even on mild days.
Keptie Pond
Keptie Pond is a popular spot with locals, close to the town centre. There is a circular hard path around the water, making it ideal for buggies and wheelchairs. In the centre of the pond is a tree-covered island where herons nest, and a red sandstone water tower sits on the hill behind, creating a distinctive skyline.
It is an underrated option for families, picnics and low-key walks, and a good reminder that Arbroath offers easy outdoor space even away from the coastline.
St Vigeans
If Keptie Pond offers an easy pause, St Vigeans introduces a quieter, more reflective setting shaped by history and its riverside location. The short walk from the small car park to the church is sheltered even on windy days, and the visitor centre provides historical context if you wish to explore further. The exterior alone is worth seeing for the setting and the carved stonework.
Arbroath Abbey
Arbroath Abbey stands at the top of the high street, a striking sweep of red sandstone that immediately draws the eye. It is one of Scotland’s most important historic sites, but you do not need to be a history expert to appreciate it.
You can see much of the structure, including the well-known round window, from the surrounding streets. The visitor centre offers deeper context for those who want it, but simply viewing the Abbey from outside provides a real sense of its scale and significance.
Practical Tips for Visiting Arbroath
- Weather: Being a coastal town, Arbroath is often windy. Layers help even on mild days.
- Tides: Check tide times for Elliot Beach, Auchmithie Bay and East Haven. Low tide offers the best experience.
- Parking: There is ample parking around Arbroath, with many free car parks and on-street parking available.
- Cycling: A new cycle route links the seafront to the wider Angus cycle network, offering an accessible off-road way to explore.
- Play areas: West Links has varied play parks and a seasonal kiosk for snacks.
Why Arbroath Belongs on Your North East Scotland Itinerary
Arbroath adds a slightly different rhythm to a North East Scotland trip, one shaped by movement rather than single headline attractions. Within a relatively small area, you can walk dramatic red sandstone cliffs, drop into sheltered bays, follow long open beaches, and step inland to quieter paths and historic sites. It is a town that rewards exploration beyond first impressions.
Whether you spend a full day moving between stops or choose one or two places to fold into a wider Angus itinerary, Arbroath offers a rare combination of coastal variety, ease of access and space. It is an easy place to be outdoors, and one that feels richer the more time you give it.
Related reading:
Exploring Ballater on foot: six easy walks in and around the village
Exploring North East Scotland: Coast, Glens and Outdoor Travel
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