4.6
(67)
907
hikers
54
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Slains And Collieston traverse a captivating coastal landscape in Aberdeenshire. The region is characterized by dramatic sea cliffs, expansive sand dunes, and diverse natural features, providing a variety of routes. Hikers can explore coastal paths winding along the North Sea, offering panoramic views and access to sandy bays. The terrain includes coastal heathland and unique geological formations like the Bullers of Buchan.
Last updated: May 10, 2026
5.0
(1)
117
hikers
5.90km
01:32
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
28
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(3)
45
hikers
6.41km
01:42
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
39
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
34
hikers
5.17km
01:19
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The visitor centre is open daily 10am - 4pm. The impressive dune system is always open. 😉
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Don’t get confused with Slain’s Castle, which is further north :-) Very nice walk though!
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A beautiful little sandy bay. The coastal path goes above it or you can descend into the bay.
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Here you can find the ruins of the old church of Forvie. The village was buried by a shifting dune in the 16th century.
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Forvie National Nature Reserve is a treasure located north of Newburgh in Aberdeenshire, in the northeast of Scotland. Owned and managed by NatureScot, the reserve is one of Scotland’s most dramatic stretches of coast3. It covers almost 1,000 hectares of sand dunes and dune heath between the North Sea and the estuary of the River Ythan1. The Sands of Forvie, which are the fifth largest sand dune system in Britain, dominate the southern end of the reserve. These sands are the least disturbed by human activity in the country.
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In the 19th century, Collieston was a busy fishing village with an excellent natural harbour. To improve the safety for boats, breakwaters were constructed. This caused the harbour to fill with wonderful golden sand, creating the idyllic sheltered beach of today. The sandy beach is perfect for families and children. The nearby ‘Smugglers Cone’ shop serves delicious ice cream, drinks, and snacks. The beach is also dog-friendly.
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The church stands within 300 yards of the shore and was built at the beginning of the nineteenth century. It accommodates 654 persons with sittings. The church records contain a variety of documents which detail many aspects of the daily lives of all types of people throughout Scotland from the 16th century onwards.
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There are over 40 easy hiking trails around Slains and Collieston, offering a variety of coastal and nature reserve experiences suitable for all skill levels.
Easy hikes in Slains and Collieston primarily feature coastal paths, often winding along dramatic sea cliffs and through expansive sand dune systems. You'll encounter grassy cliffs, coastal heathland, and sandy bays, with generally gentle elevation changes.
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. For instance, the Newburgh seal beach loop – Forvie National Nature Reserve is a popular 3.7-mile option where children can enjoy spotting seals.
Many trails in the Slains and Collieston area are dog-friendly, but it's always best to check specific route details for any restrictions, especially within the Forvie National Nature Reserve where wildlife is abundant. Always keep dogs under control, especially near livestock or nesting birds.
You can explore dramatic sea cliffs, vast sand dunes, and unique geological formations. Highlights include the impressive Bullers of Buchan — Sea Cliffs and Rock Arch, the picturesque Hackley Bay, and the evocative ruins of Old Slains Castle. The Old Slain's castle from Collieston loop – Forvie National Nature Reserve specifically passes by the castle.
The Forvie National Nature Reserve is excellent for wildlife spotting. The Newburgh seal beach loop offers opportunities to see the large Newburgh Seal Colony at the Ythan Estuary. The low grassy cliffs north of Collieston are also home to abundant birdlife, including puffins in summer.
Yes, many easy trails are circular. A popular option is the Hackley Bay – Sand Loch loop from Collieston, a 4.0-mile route that takes you through coastal scenery and sandy bays.
The Aberdeenshire coast offers beautiful hiking year-round. Spring and summer provide opportunities to see abundant birdlife, including puffins, and enjoy milder weather. Autumn brings dramatic coastal colours, while winter can offer crisp, clear views, though conditions may be more challenging.
Parking is generally available at key access points for popular trails, particularly around Collieston and the Forvie National Nature Reserve. Specific parking details can often be found on individual route pages or local signage.
The easy trails in Slains and Collieston are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers frequently praise the stunning panoramic coastal views, the varied terrain including sand dunes and cliffs, and the opportunities for wildlife observation, especially the seal colony.
Absolutely. Many of the easy routes are under 4 miles, perfect for a shorter walk. For example, the Newburgh seal beach loop is 3.7 miles, and the Old Slain's castle from Collieston loop is 3.4 miles, both offering engaging scenery without being overly long.
While some villages like Collieston may have limited bus services, public transport access directly to all trailheads can be challenging. It's advisable to check local bus routes and schedules if you plan to rely on public transport, or consider driving to a central starting point.


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