The best walks and hikes around Slains And Collieston

Yes, the region is excellent for circular hikes. A great option that combines coastal scenery with a bit of history is the Old Slain's castle from Collieston loop. This easy 3.4-mile (5.4 km) walk takes you along the cliffs to the ruins of the old castle and back, offering superb views of the North Sea.

The trails in Forvie National Nature Reserve are known for their unique landscape of vast sand dunes and coastal heath. You can explore a variety of waymarked paths, from easy strolls to more strenuous treks. A rewarding moderate route is the Forvie National Nature Reserve loop from the Forvie Centre, which is a 7.3-mile (11.8 km) journey through the heart of the dunes.

The Ythan Estuary is the prime location for wildlife spotting. It's a crucial feeding ground for birds and is famous for its large seal colony at the river mouth. The Newburgh seal beach loop is an easy walk specifically designed to give you the best chance of seeing the seals from a safe distance.

Absolutely. The area has several shorter, easier trails suitable for families. Besides the popular seal-watching walk, the path to the ruins of Old Slains Castle from Collieston is a great adventure for all ages. Most of the 16 trails in the area are rated as easy or moderate, so there are plenty of options for a family day out.

The Bullers of Buchan is a spectacular collapsed sea cave where the sea rushes in through a natural arch. This dramatic geological feature is a highlight of the coastal path north of Cruden Bay. You can experience it on the cliff-top walk from Cruden Bay, which also passes the ruins of New Slains Castle, famously linked to Bram Stoker's Dracula.

For a beautiful sandy cove, Hackley Bay is a local favorite. It's a perfect spot that can be admired from the clifftop path or explored on foot. The Hackley Bay from Ythan Estuary loop is a moderate 6-mile (9.7 km) hike that takes you through the dunes and along the coast to this stunning bay.

The trails are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the dramatic cliff-top scenery, the unique dune landscapes of Forvie, and the abundant wildlife, particularly the seabirds and seal colony.

Dogs are generally welcome on the coastal paths, but it's crucial to keep them under close control, especially near cliff edges and livestock. Within the Forvie National Nature Reserve, dogs must be on a lead during the bird breeding season (April to August) to protect ground-nesting birds. Always check local signage for the most current regulations.

The hikes range from easy to moderate. There are 9 easy trails, perfect for gentle strolls, and 7 moderate trails that offer more of a challenge, often with more elevation or longer distances. There are no routes marked as difficult, making the area accessible to most walkers.

For walks starting in Collieston, there is a car park in the village which serves as a good starting point for coastal trails. If you are visiting the Forvie National Nature Reserve, there are official car parks at the Forvie Centre and at the Waterside Bridge near Newburgh, which is ideal for the seal beach walk.

Yes, for a varied walk that captures the essence of the area, the Collieston loop is an excellent choice. This 5.2-mile (8.3 km) moderate hike combines clifftop paths, the sandy beach at Hackley Bay, and a return through the edge of the Forvie Nature Reserve's heathland.

The area features two main castle ruins. The scant remains on the cliffs near Collieston are of the Old Castle of Slains. Further north, near Cruden Bay, you'll find the much larger and more imposing ruins of New Slains Castle, a 16th-century fortress famously said to have inspired Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'.