June 24, 2016 Forbes Place

Aberdeenshire’s best beaches

With some of the most stunning scenery the UK has to offer right here in Aberdeenshire, how about a visit to the impressive coastline a little closer to home?

Aberdeen City Beach

Aberdeen City Beach

Aberdeen City Beach

For those not wanting to venture far, Aberdeen City Beach is roughly a 15 minute walk from the city centre, and on sunny days, you’ll find it brimming with activity. The beach itself stretches from the fishing village of Footdee across to the mouth of the River Don. Known for its glorious golden sand as well as the coastal breeze, the beach is popular with joggers, windsurfers and visitors alike.

Take a stroll down the sand and keep your eyes peeled for seals and dolphins swimming near the coast, not bad for a beach just off the high street.

 

St Cyrus

St Cyrus Beach

St Cyrus Beach

Enclosed by steep granite cliffs and set in a National Nature Reserve, St Cyrus is less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of the city, but feels like a world away. In the far south of Aberdeenshire, St Cyrus’s secluded beach is surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery including the ruins of the Kaim of Mathers castle and during the summer, an abundance of birds, butterflies and rare flowers.

Quiet, even on the busiest of summer days, take a walk across the clifftops for a panoramic view.

 

Stonehaven Beach

Stonehaven Beach

Stonehaven Beach

Stonehaven’s shingle beach is just over a kilometre in length and is popular with locals, whatever the weather. 30 minutes south of Aberdeen, the beach front has been adorned with metal sculptures and you’ll find plenty of people bracing the waves, mastering their water sports. If you’re not planning on dipping your toes, join the queue for Aunty Betty’s ice cream (well worth the wait) and wander down to the harbour at the sandier end of the beach for a spot of people watching.

 

Balmedie Country Park

Sand dunes on a Scottish beach

Sand dunes on a Scottish beach

Balmedie Beach is a short drive up the coast from the centre of Aberdeen, and is well loved for its beautiful sandy beach. With 14 miles of sand dunes and grassland, the Country Park sprawls up to Newburgh so even on a busy day, you’re guaranteed to find a space to relax. With picnic areas for barbecues, wooden walkways to explore the dunes and a visitor centre, a trip to Balmedie might well be in order.

Whilst we can’t guarantee the Aberdeenshire sun, getting out and exploring the stunning Scottish north east coast will be sure to clear away any cobwebs.