Ciss Outdoors

The coastline north of Aberdeen lends itself particularly well to flexible day trips rather than fixed itineraries. Distances are short, the landscape changes quickly, and the experience of each place can feel very different depending on weather, light, and how much time you have available.

The places below are not presented as a ranked list or as a suggested route. Instead, they are individual coastal stops that can be visited on their own or combined in different ways. Some work well as short walks, others invite longer time spent exploring. Together, they form a loose collection of coastal places north of Aberdeen that can be shaped around the day you have rather than the day you planned.

All of these locations sit within roughly 40 minutes’ drive of Aberdeen city centre, with most closer than that. This makes them well suited to half-day outings, spontaneous trips, or days where you want to combine two or three stops without spending most of your time in the car.

This article forms part of our wider North East Scotland guide.

Bullers o’ Buchan

Bullers o’ Buchan is often the first place people think of when exploring the coast north of Aberdeen, and for good reason. The collapsed sea cave creates a dramatic, enclosed bowl of cliffs where seabirds nest and waves surge below.

The walking here is short and well defined, making it an easy stop even on days when time is limited. You can take in the views, loop around the cliffs, and be back at the car within an hour, or linger longer watching the movement of the sea and birds depending on the season.

Because of its compact nature, Bullers o’ Buchan works well either as a standalone visit or as a high-impact stop paired with somewhere quieter nearby.

Slains Castle

Perched dramatically above the North Sea, Slains Castle brings a very different feel to the same stretch of coastline. The ruined structure sits right on the cliff edge, with open views along the coast in both directions.

A visit here is less about walking distance and more about atmosphere. The castle itself is extensive enough to explore slowly, and the surrounding clifftop paths invite you to wander without committing to a long route.

Slains Castle pairs naturally with nearby coastal stops, but it also stands on its own as a destination when you want something visually striking without a long hike.

Forvie National Nature Reserve

Across the estuary from Newburgh lies Forvie National Nature Reserve, one of the most extensive dune systems in the UK. The scale here is immediately apparent, with shifting sands, wide skies, and a feeling of exposure that contrasts sharply with the more structured paths elsewhere along the coast.

Walking at Forvie can be as short or as long as you choose. Some visits barely scratch the surface, while others involve longer, more committing loops through dunes and open ground.

Forvie suits days when you want space and immersion rather than a defined viewpoint. It is also a place that changes significantly with weather and season, making it worth revisiting rather than treating as a one-off stop.

Cruden Bay

At the foot of the cliffs below Slains Castle, Cruden Bay offers a softer counterpoint to the exposed headlands nearby. The wide sandy beach, backed by dunes, feels open and expansive, particularly outside peak summer months.

This is a good place for a longer, unstructured wander. You can walk sections of the beach, explore the harbour area at Port Erroll, or simply spend time taking in the changing light along the shoreline.

Cruden Bay also works well as a practical stop. It is one of the easier places on this stretch of coast to linger without a fixed plan, making it a useful anchor if you are combining multiple locations in one day.

Newburgh Beach and the Ythan Estuary

Newburgh Beach sits where the River Ythan meets the sea, creating a landscape shaped as much by water and wildlife as by the coastline itself. The long, flat beach makes this a particularly accessible option for a gentle walk, while the estuary adds variety and interest.

Seals are often visible here, especially near the river mouth, and the sense of space makes it feel different from the more enclosed cliff locations further north.

Newburgh works well when you want a quieter pace or a longer linear walk without committing to rough terrain. It also pairs easily with other stops nearby if you want to build a fuller day out.

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Practical Notes for Planning Your Day

If you’re combining a few of these stops into one day, it’s worth knowing that some of the more practical breaks sit close by. Both Newburgh and Cruden Bay have options for a coffee or light food. It’s easy to build in a pause without committing to a fixed plan, but it’s worth checking opening times in advance, particularly outside peak season.

Related reading:

Exploring North East Scotland: Coast, Glens and Outdoor Travel

Walks in Ballater: A Practical Guide to Walking Routes