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United Kingdom
Scotland
Aberdeenshire

Slains And Collieston

Easy hikes and walks around Slains And Collieston

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.

Best easy hiking trails around Slains And Collieston

  • The most popular easy hiking route is Newburgh seal beach loop – Forvie National Nature Reserve, a 3.7 miles (5.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 31 minutes to complete. This route offers opportunities to observe the large seal colony at the Ythan Estuary.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Old Slain's castle from Collieston loop – Forvie National Nature Reserve, an easy 3.4 miles (5.4 km) path. This trail leads past the evocative ruins of Old Slains Castle, situated on a rocky promontory.
  • Local hikers also love the Hackley Bay – Sand Loch loop from Collieston, a 4.0 miles (6.4 km) trail leading through coastal scenery and sandy bays, often completed in about 1 hour 42 minutes.
  • Hiking around Slains And Collieston is defined by dramatic sea cliffs, extensive sand dunes, and historical ruins. The network offers options for various ability levels, focusing on easy walks.
  • The routes in Slains And Collieston are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 40 reviews. More than 800 hikers have used komoot to explore Slains And Collieston's varied terrain.

Last updated: May 10, 2026

5.0

(1)

117

hikers

#1.

Ythan Estuary and Forvie Sands Trail

5.90km

01:32

30m

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Tips from the Community

Iris K
October 5, 2024, Forvie National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre

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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haertera
June 12, 2024, Hackley Bay

A beautiful little sandy bay. The coastal path goes above it or you can descend into the bay.

Translated by Google

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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.

Translated by Google

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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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Brian
January 19, 2024, Collieston Beach

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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Brian
January 19, 2024, Sand Loch

Sand Loch is an inland water body located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It’s situated at a height of 33.8m. The area around Sand Loch is known for its scenic beauty and offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking, running, and cycling routes near Sand Loch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many easy hiking trails are available around Slains and Collieston?

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.

What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes in this area?

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.

Are there any family-friendly easy walks in Slains and Collieston?

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.

Can I bring my dog on the easy hiking trails?

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.

What natural features or landmarks can I see on these easy hikes?

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.

Where can I observe wildlife while hiking in the area?

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.

Are there any circular easy walks around Slains and Collieston?

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.

What is the best time of year to go hiking in Slains and Collieston?

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.

Is there parking available at the trailheads for easy hikes?

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.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the easy trails here?

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.

Are there any short, easy walks suitable for a quick outing?

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.

Can I access these trails using public transport?

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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