📌 Sandend, Aberdeenshire
★★★
🛠️ Landslips on the section between Sandend & Findlater Castle have resulted in the route becoming very overgrown due to infrequent use (checked March 2024). A less scenic diversion is possible inland via Brankanentham & Barnyards of Findlater
Perilously-perched Findlater Castle is just one highlight of the wonderfully scenic stretch of coastline divided by the border between Aberdeenshire and Moray. This route is bookended by two of the North East’s most picturesque fishing villages, with tiny Sandend at the start contrasting with bustling Cullen at the finish. The first half of the route mainly keeps to clifftop paths, with the second often running around rocky bays below the cliffs. A bus is needed to return to the start (or walk back the same way, doubling the distance).
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start at the minor road junction for Sandend on the A98
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NJ 554656
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.677898,-2.748976
🏁 Finish at The Square, Cullen village centre
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NJ 513671
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.691215,-2.819402
🚌 Bus to Sandend (walk start), & from Cullen (walk finish)
🚗 Car park (walk finish) – take the bus to the start (generally hourly, less frequent on Sundays – check times in advance)
📝 Key info
▶ 8 km / 5 mi | ▲ 150 m | ⌛ 2.5-3 hr | ⚠️ Linear route
Features: 🏖️ Sandend Bay ★★★; 🏠 Sandend ★★; 🏰 Findlater Castle ★★; 🏖️ Cullen Bay ★★★; 🏠 Cullen & village sights ★★★
⬤ Moderate | Mostly clear coastal path but with some rough or faint sections, sometimes close to cliff edges. Extreme care needed around Findlater Castle itself – steep drops and unstable ruins.
Download file for GPS➡️ Westbound linear walk: start – Sandend Bay – Sandend – Findlater Castle via coast path – Cullen Bay via coast path – Cullen & finish
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Rock pool life, seabirds. This is a good area to spot dolphins.
Weather: Sunny, humid and calm with temperatures in high teens.
June 2012
