Coastal Walk: Cruden Bay to Whinnyfold
Date: Wednesday 24th December 2014
Company: Myself, Becky and Cuillin
Distance: 9.2km, Ascent: 115m
Time: 2Hrs 5Mins
Another poor mountain forecast resulted in me heading East to catch the best of the weather. I decided to head to
one of my favourite North-East beaches, Cruden Bay. Today, I enjoyed the company
of Becky and Cuillin.
I parked in the beach parking area c.100m from the footbridge leading to Cruden Bay beach.
Despite visiting Cruden Bay numerous times previously I had not
before walked the full length of the bay. Today our plan was to walk the full length of the bay and a short distance beyond to Whinnyfold before returning back
to the car.
Bridge across Water of Cruden leading to Cruden Bay beach:
After crossing the bridge we walked along the length of the beach.
Water of Cruden:
WWII concrete blocks:
The early morning colours this morning were lovely.
Just after sunrise:
Cruden Bay beach:
Lovely colours:
Becky:
Cruden Bay beach:
Looking back towards Cruden Bay:
At the south-end of the beach we passed by numerous rocks.
Rocks:
Gulls:
Cruden Bay beach:
On looking back it was nice to see Slains Castle which is possibly the inspiration for the novel Dracula.
Slains Castle (zoom):
Rocks and the Skares:
Becky with Slains Castle in distance:
On reaching the WWII shelter at the south-end of the beach we went through a gate to access the coastal path leading to Whinnyfold. There is a warning sign advising to take care as the path makes its way round the top of some cliffs.
WWII Shelter at south-end of Cruden Bay beach:
The clifftop path wasn't particularly dangerous today but I wouldn't have fancied taking Becky along it had the weather been wet and windy.
Sandy Haven:
As we made our way round the cliff tops towards Whinnyfold, Becky spotted a number of seals on the rocks below.
Seals:
The air clarity today was pretty-good. Despite Aberdeen being 30km away as the crow flies, we were able to identify a few of the buildings.
Coast south of Whinnyfold:
There is a zig-zagging set of steps leading down from Whinnyfold to the shore. I will probably head down and up these steps when I undertake the next section of coast from Whinnyfold to Collieston.
Whinnyfold:
Aberdeen from Whinnyfold (zoom):
From Whinnyfold, we made our way back along the road to Cruden Bay.
Looking towards Cruden Bay from road:
Nice to get out for a wee coastal walk but I need a hill fix soon!