Angus Coastal Route: A Locals Road Trip Guide
The Angus Coastal Route is a 68-mile detour route from Dundee to Aberdeen or vice versa.
Dundee is a fascinating city with a rich industrial heritage with maritime traditions and Aberdeen is a city built on glittering granite. This tranquil route is excellent for rural explorers and adventurous travellers.
The normal driving route to connect these two cities is the dual carriageway called the A90.
However, alternatively, you can explore the dreamy coastline by completing the Angus Coastal Path. The path is an excellent scenic route for a stay-at-home holiday or drivers, walkers and cyclists.
While travelling on the Angus Coastal Route you will have the shimmering North Sea on one side and the magnificent Grampian mountains on the other.
There is plenty to do on this route including attractive nature reserves, small charming towns, historic castles near Dundee and spectacular geological formations.
This guide will take you through all the best attractions, including the secret gems which are only known to the locals.
Dundee
Dundee is slowly becoming a top tourist destination for the arts and culture as well as being a vibrant diverse city. Also, Dundee has been recognised by Lonely Planet in 2018 as being named in the top 10 cities in Europe.
Dundee is a UNESCO City of Design, and is an excellent host that showcases history and culture in a number of museums.
Dundee is the fourth largest city in Scotland and is known as the sunniest city in Scotland.
There is currently a waterfront development as part of a massive restoration of the city. Including the V&A that opened back in 2018.
Some of the notable museums with hands-on activities include the Discovery Point, V&A, Dundee Science Centre, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Verdant Works and McManus Galleries.
Also, you can visit Mills Observatory if you arrive in Dundee in the evening, where you can marvel at the stars in the night sky.
Alternatively, Dundee is home to lots of green space and country parks. You can climb to the top of the Law to gather picturesque views of the city and the sparkling River Tay.
Also, there is the massive Camperdown Country Park and the Caird Park which is home to Mains Castle.
Furthermore, you can walk along the waterfront from Invergowrie to Broughty Ferry.
In Broughty Ferry you can enjoy the cosy cafes and beautiful boutiques, stroll through the Barnhill Botanic Gardens, learn about the history at Broughty Castle or relax at the golden sand beaches.
In addition, you can keep an eye out for the local dolphin families, locals and tourists love watching them frolicking in the water.
Dundee Accommodation: Casa Fresa – Union Heights, Maritime House
Carnoustie
Carnoustie is a golfer’s haven and is a host for ‘The Open’. The 18 holes are known as Scotland’s most challenging golf course.
So if you are looking for a game of Golf, make sure to get out Carnoustie Golf Links.
Barry Buddon
The walking path from Dundee, through Broughty Ferry and Monifieth all the way to Carnoustie is excellent.
There is an excellent cycle path from Monifieth through Barry Buddon Training Camp to Carnoustie. The area is perfect to enjoy coastal walks and wildlife watching.
Barry Buddon dates back to 1850 when the area was used by local Rifle Volunteers, Artillery Brigade and a Royal Naval Reserve Battery.
The area is still in use today and it may be out of bounds, make sure you check on the Carnoustie Community Development Trust website or on their Facebook page.
Barry Mill
Barry Mill is a charming rustic working water-powered mill that is an extraordinary case of Scotland’s industrial heritage.
Here, you can get an experience of what life was like on a tough day working in a mill. The mill is still powered by the gentle flow of the Barry Burn.
Craigmill Den
Craigmill Den is just situated outside Carnoustie, it is a lovely nature walk in the quiet woodland and offers plenty of wildlife for nature lovers to enjoy.
There is a wide range of bird species including Dippers, Grey Wagtails, Linnets and Tree Sparrows. Also, you will come across the remains of the weir.
Carnoustie Accommodation: Carlogie House, At The Links
East Haven
East Haven dates back to 1214, making it one of Scotland’s earliest fishing villages. The railway line was built in the early 20th century making it more accessible for tourists.
Princess Margaret and Queen Elizabeth came here for beach days while they were having their holidays in Glamis Castle. East Haven was awarded Britain in Bloom gold Award and Best Coastal Village 2018.
The community respects the area as they keep up a beautiful community garden and do regular beach cleans. Also, the public toilets have been transformed into a local gallery displaying the best local art.
Arbroath
Arbroath Harbour
Now we are in a small coastal town known as Arbroath. Arbroath is home to one of the first fishing harbours built in Scotland, and it quickly became a major point of the thriving fishing industry.
However, nowadays there are only a few commercial fishing boats remaining. The teeming marina now has a visitor centre with lots of information and toilets.
Also, there is a friendly welcoming cafe. Although the harbour is small, it is colourful and pretty.
Arbroath is probably best known for the ‘Arbroath Smokie’. The Arbroath Smokie is a delicious smoked haddock which was traditionally produced in the backyards of smokehouses.
The haddock is covered in salt then smoked over oak and beech chips, over whiskey barrels for an hour.
Arbroath Abbey
The Arbroath Abbey is found in the centre of Arbroath. To reach the town centre you can turn left at the end of the harbour.
The red ruins symbolise the immensely rich history that has occurred in Arbroath since the 12th century.
One of the most notable events is this is where the Declaration of Arbroath, which declared Scotland’s Independence was signed in April 1320.
Seaton Cliffs Nature Reserve
The walkway that takes you through Seaton Cliffs starts at Victoria Park. The path is very narrow and close to the sudden drops in some areas.
You can follow the route as it ascends above the incredible red limestone and twists through all of the geological wonders. One of the first fascinating features you will come across is Needle E’e.
The Needle Eye is a large rock formation with a hole in the centre of it. The hole beautifully frames the water into the horizon.
Also, keep an eye out for the best-hidden gems including a large single sea stack called Deil’s Heid. In addition, Dickmonts Den and Carlingheugh Brae are two other areas with picturesque views over the sea.
The rock formations and their landscapes change dramatically depending on whether the tide is in or out. Moreover, you can keep an eye out for seabirds, wildflowers and butterflies.
Arbroath Accommodation: Brucefield Boutique B&B, Wester Den
Auchmithie
The Arbroath Coastal Cliff route finishes at the old fishing harbour called Auchmithie. Auchmithie is three miles north of Arbroath.
The village is perched on 120-foot cliffs, with a pebble beach, some interesting rock architecture and a dingy harbour.
Back in the early 1800s, Auchmithie was famous in the fishing industry, the small village had a population of 400. Also, the first ‘Arbroath Smokie’ was produced here.
Red Castle
The walking route from the road to Red Castle is a small but steep one. You can park in a lay-by on the road across from an old rusty gate.
Once you walk through the small gate and follow up the steep hill you will be greeted with wildflowers and views over the horizon and Lunan Bay. If you are an early riser, one of the best times to get amazing views is during sunrise.
The ruins of Red Castle are dated from the 15th century, only parts of the tower are remaining.
The area is currently very dangerous and the castle is currently unstable. Make sure you check Visit Angus website to see if the problem is resolved before you head.
Lunan Bay
Lunan Bay is one of Scotland’s most stunning beaches. Once, it was voted Scotland’s most scenic beach and is one of the most gorgeous beaches on the east coast of Scotland.
There are boardwalks and viewing points that take you over the sand dunes. The beach is utilised by families, horse riders, surfers and walkers.
Also, the area is extremely popular on sunny days. In addition, when the tide is out you will get to enjoy the hidden caves on the north end on the beach.
Boddin Point
Boddin Point is an old secluded harbour, it is rarely used now, however occasional lobster catches are brought in.
There are some old eroded wooden boats perched on the cliff tops. In addition, there is a peddle beach and some abandoned worn-down cottages which are great for exploring.
Also, there is a limekiln which is the most prominent feature of Boddin Point.
The lime kiln dates back to the 1700s, there is severe erosion undercutting the structure and some people wonder how the structure is still holding up. Therefore, there are predictions that the structure will not hold for much longer.
Elephant Rock
Elephant Rock is a coastal arch of volcanic rock tucked away in a secluded bay. The fascinating rock formation closely resembles an elephant’s head and trunk!
You can reach the structure by walking from Boddin Point. Alternatively, you can park in a lay-by on a nearby coastal road and walk on an eroded path which takes you over a railway line.
There is a small graveyard overlooking elephant rock and it is home to the most interesting gravestone.
The gravestone belongs to George James Ramsay who died 19 years before he was born. Make sure you have a good look around the graveyard and you will find what I mean.
Also, you can continue to walk and admire the coastal cliff tops by walking through the small fishing town of Usan. At Usan, there is a small square tower which marks the history of the salmon fishing and a saltworks which operated between 1794 and 1820.
Scurdie Ness Lighthouse
Scurdie Ness Lighthouse is located on the south side of River South Esk. It sits prominently on the southern end of Montrose Bay.
Here, you can scan the coastline for hours to search for semi precious agate which was formed from the ancient volcanic rock. Also, this area is fantastic for spotting bottlenose dolphins, seals and if you are lucky enough the occasional humpback whale.
Scurdie Ness Lighthouse was opened on the first of March 1870. The structure was built by David Stevenson and Thomas Stevenson.
‘Scurdie’ is the word for the local volcanic rock which is found around the area and ‘Ness’ means headland.
Montrose Basin
Montrose Basin is an enclosed estuary home to over 80,000 migrating birds. The species that live here include pink-footed geese, Arctic terns, knots and sedge warblers.
The area is managed by Scottish Wildlife Trust and entry is £4 for adults. Also, there are several nature walks to explore the bird haven around the basin.
Two miles outside of Montrose is the refurbished House of Dun.
The large Georgian country house was built back in the 1730’s and has been refurbished in the 1980’s. In addition, the site has lots of parkland and walled gardens to explore.
Montrose Accommodation: Charleton Farm Cottages
St Cyrus Nature Reserve
The nature reserve is one of the richest and most diverse nature reserves in Britain.
The beaches in the reserve are surrounded by magnificent volcanic cliffs, and the reserve contains an unbelievable range of wildflowers, insects and birds.
In addition, you might be lucky enough to spot grey seals on shore or porpoise, inke, humpback and killer whales offshore.
Also, you can admire the views from the clifftop at the village end. At St Cyrus Nature Reserve there are toilets and a visitor centre.
Den of Finella
Den of Finella is also known to the locals as the ‘Lost Waterfall‘. It is a tropical-looking waterfall not far from Aberdeen.
Many people drive over this waterfall daily and do not know it exists. The drive to the waterfall is only two minutes north of St Cyrus.
You can park on the high viaduct that is perched over the steep Den of Finella gorge. Nowadays, the impressive viaduct is hardly visible due to the leafy greenery that has grown on the verges.
There are limited spaces in this area, and the bottom of the waterfall is very difficult to get to. I would only try and get to the bottom of this gorge if you are an active confident walker.
However, in my opinion, this waterfall is one of the best waterfalls in Scotland. You can bring your swimming costumes if you are brave enough to go for a dip in the chilly waters.
St Cyrus Accommodation: Straton Cottage
Crawton Waterfall
The Crawton Waterfall is located in the RSPB Fowlsheugh Nature Reserve. Also, there are light nature trails, which circulate around the cliff tops.
You will be rewarded with stunning views of the jaw-dropping cliffs overlooking the North Sea.
Dunnottar Castle
Scotland is home to over 2,000 castles so there is no surprise that there is a castle on this route.
The dramatic castle ruin is perched in the most stunning location on a 200 feet high cliff. One of the most stunning castles on the east coast of Scotland.
Also, you can walk from Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle which will give you the best views of the site.
However, you can still get good views of the castle without accessing the grounds. There is a small car park that fills up quickly.
Also, there is a food truck which is good for getting a coffee and admiring the view.
Stonehaven Harbour
The harbour is busy with sailing yachts. A notable building on the Quayside is the Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum which has a fascinating history.
Also, in Stonehaven, you can take Sea Safari Boat Trips or go to the Outdoor Air Swimming Pool, many cute cafes and beautiful boutiques.
Stonehaven Accommodation: Lazy Puffin, Dunnottar Woods House
Aberdeen
Aberdeen is notably one of the most architecturally distinctive in Europe.
One of the biggest hidden gems in Aberdeen, sits in plain sight at the coast of central Aberdeen, it is the ancient fishing village of Footdee.
In addition, Aberdeenshire is home to over 263 castles. One castle ruin situated in Aberdeen is Slains Castle.
Some of the notable museums with hands-on activities include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Tolbooth Museum.
Also, you can wander around Old Aberdeen which is home to St Machar’s Cathedral, Brig o’ Balgownie, Powis Gate, The Snow Kirk and Kings College.
Alternatively, Aberdeen is home to lots of green space and country parks. You can walk around Johnston Gardens, peaceful Seaton Park and Hazlehead Park.
In addition, you can keep an eye out for the local dolphin families, locals and tourists love watching them frolicking in the water.
Aberdeen Accommodation: Footdee Cottage, Seaview House
Walk
The route is a low leveled and the ascents are short and well graded. The Angus Coastal Walking route is not formerly made yet.
There are some good walking areas with clearly detailed paths including the route from Dundee to Arbroath, including the nature reserve at Arbroath Cliff and Scurdie Ness.
The Angus part of this route is 35 miles long. However, walking from Auchiemuchie to Lunan is a bit of a pain, you will find yourself winding through unofficial farm tracks, and losing all the good views from the cliffs.
Another area to watch out for is walking between Lunan and Boddin Point, you may find yourself having to walk inland on the country roads to get from A to B.
Drive
The drive on the Angus Coastal Route is mostly country roads where you can drive up to sixty miles per hour.
However, beware of tight turns and sharp bends. Also, the route is well-signposted, and there are not a lot of junctions or turn-offs so you should not get lost.
Final Note
The Angus Coastal Route is one of the more tranquil and lesser known road trips in Scotland.
You can stop at some of the most scenic points on the east coast of Scotland including Lunan Bay, Den of Finella and Dunnottar Castle.
The route is perfect for solo travellers including drivers, cyclists and hikers. Or, alternatively, it is a perfect sightseeing trip for those who need a staycation.