Coastal Walk from Cruden Bay to Peterhead
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Coach leaves at 08:00 from the corner of Midstocket and Gordondale Road
The walk from Cruden Bay Carpark/Public Toilets to Peterhead is along the scenic coastline of Aberdeenshire with lots of potential places of interest on the way and stunning views. Please note that there are two sets of sturdy steps leading down from the cliff to sea level and back up again. There are also two single sets of steps leading up or down to/from the sea. There are a couple of areas where the path is too eroded but alternative routes have been provided.
Starting in Cruden Bay Carpark take the path that leads along the river. The path is wide/flat and pass the ruins of Slains Castle. As you draw near to the road and a small parking area turn right along a poorly defined path. It widens after a short distance to a grassy path. Pass the Bullers of Buchan. When entering Long Haven Cliffs Nature Reserve please be aware that there are multiple paths-follow the post with the markers. A bridge has been closed and an alternative route has been put in. When it is unclear whether to turn right or go up the hill follow the path up the hill and you will come across another marker. Shortly after the large Quarry Loch there is a post with a painted on arrows. At this post turn right. At Murdochs Head where you spot two posts which no longer stand straight pass through them and follow the path getting closer to the sea. When you get to the ruined house (still within Nature Reserve) there is another section of eroded path. There is a flat section over the fence behind the ruin and you can rejoin the path after 200m. Before reaching the ruins of Boddam Castle there is a large dyke of boulders. At the end of this Dyke there are two possible ways to proceed past the Highland Cow farm both ending at the same place. Both ways are on the map.
Either
The marker posts on the left lead up to the road. Carry along the road for 200m and then cut through the farm and through a very muddy field. This is the shortest route.
Or
Take the path that leads round the back of the dyke and loops closer to the sea. Longer but no mud.
A short way after that the footpath leads to the road. There is only a single exit leading to the road. Walk along the main road to Thistle Seafoods. Just to the left of the main gate is the public footpath. A short way along the path there is a barrier indicating erosion. Go up the path leading to the top of the cliff. When you get to the ruins of Sandford Lodge there are steps and a path down to the Sandford Bay. In front of the yellow and green factory at the other side of the bay there is a path leading up to a house. Go up this path and climb over the wall. Turn right onto South Base Road. There us a wide grassy area on the left. Walk as far as the sign for the Prison and YOI. There is a path with bollards leading up to Burnhaven School. Turn right and walk along as far as Peterhead Marina Bay Holiday Park. Go down to beach level and walk as far as the first factory. A slip road leads up to the main road. Turn right onto Kirk St and then to the right onto Charlotte St.
Walk distance will 11.5 miles (additional distance on map due to testing out alternatives and walking on past the end point).
Walk Host Lynne Cursiter 07402602554
The tiny Bullers of Buchan bay was once home to fishing boats but they are long gone. The tough granite rocks were formed formed approximately 419 to 444 million years ago in the Silurian Period as part of the Peterhead pluton. According to Celtic Place-names in Aberdeenshire by John Milne, "'Bullers of Buchan' means 'fold at a small shieling'... the name is now given to a village at an inlet between high rocks, the end of which had served as a fold where cows were milked."
Dunbuy island, featuring a spectacular natural arch, is a prominent feature viewed from the coastal path between Bullers of Buchan and New Slains Castle.