The best walks and hikes around Benholm And Johnshaven
4.5
(24)
261
hikers
27
hikes
Hikes around Benholm and Johnshaven explore the Aberdeenshire coastline, connecting the fishing villages of Johnshaven, Gourdon, and Inverbervie. The area is characterized by its well-defined coastal paths that run alongside the North Sea. The terrain consists mainly of level tracks with some moderate ascents, offering routes across varied shoreline scenery.
Best hiking trails around Benholm And Johnshaven
- The most popular hiking route is Gourdon Harbour – Johnshaven Harbour loop from Inverbervie, a 9.2 mile (14.7 km) trail that takes…
Last updated: April 27, 2026
4.8
(5)
36
hikers
14.7km
03:46
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.5
(2)
29
hikers
4.25km
01:04
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(5)
22
hikers
14.0km
03:33
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
16
hikers
6.68km
01:46
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
12.8km
03:25
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Gourdon Survival Station – small, blue, and absolutely essential for survival! Right on the harbor wall in Gourdon, you'll find everything you need for survival – in a charmingly Scottish miniature version: • 🥫 The Storage Box – A food donation box. Open, honest, and supportive. If you're hungry, help yourself. If you have anything left over, put it in. Works better than some refrigerators! • 📚 The Little Free Library – A blue bookcase with anchor decorations, packed with crime novels, children's books, and romantic dramas. For your mind when the weather turns to "horizontal rain" again. • ⚡ The Defibrillator – Safely stored in an old telephone booth with a retro mosaic. If the thrill of a JD Kirk novel or the stairs to the harbor sweep you away – here's power for your heart. Conclusion: Humans need three things: food, reading, and life. In Gourdon, you'll find everything – right next to each other, without any bureaucracy. You just have to brew your own tea.
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Imagine a tiny museum in an old Coast Guard building right on Gutty Harbor—charming, but with the heart of a captain. The superstar there is the "Maggie Law," a 30-foot surf rowing buoy built in 1890, rowed by six men, and ingenious at performing rescues between sharp rocks—it saved 36 lives in 40 years of service!
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There’s a great wee coffee shop right in the harbour and the staff are lovely and friendly. They have vegan cakes and you can have a choice of drinks.
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Johnshaven has been an important fishing village for centuries. In the herring boom 59 boats operated out of the harbour. The harbour itself is interesting, constructed from the local sandstone in late 1800's it has an outer harbour protected by a sea wall and then an inner harbour accessed by a side entrance from the outer harbour. Today fishing is still a major source of income here along with tourism. Look out for the Fish Festival and do try the Lobster Shop.
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Inverbervie which means mouth of the River Bervie is a small coastal town on the North Sea coast. It dates to at least the 12th century although it's likely that there was a settlement here for much longer. The harbour was once important but over the years a shingle reef built up offshore and eventually the harbour was abandoned. The town became industrialised in the late 1700's with Flax spinning dominating. By the early 1900's this ended. Today it's a small town with a selection of shops, cafes and pubs. The coast is pretty and it's worth a stop on a bike ride, it's a good distance from Stonehaven in the north or Montrose in the south so works well as a turnaround point.
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They have lovely vegan chocolate cake and oat milk coffee. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff.
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Down by the caravan park there is a good car park for the beach. Here walking along the costal path can be started.
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The walk between Inverbervie and Gourdon has a good path, tarmac surface and can easily be done as a round trip in around an hour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many circular walks available around Benholm and Johnshaven?
Yes, the area offers several loop trails. A great option that connects the two main villages is the Johnshaven Harbour – Gourdon Harbour loop from Johnshaven. This moderate route allows you to experience the coastal scenery without needing to retrace your steps.
What are the trails like? Is it very hilly?
Most trails follow the well-defined coastal path, which is generally level and easy-going. However, some routes include more challenging sections with moderate ascents that reward you with panoramic views of the North Sea. For a route with more varied elevation, consider the Inverbervie Stone Bridge – Gourdon Harbour loop from Johnshaven, which has around 150 meters of climbing.
Are the hiking trails suitable for families with children?
Definitely. There are 19 easy-rated walks in the region, many of which are perfect for a family outing. These shorter, flatter routes along the coast, like the path between Inverbervie and Johnshaven, offer plenty of space and engaging scenery for younger walkers.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the coastal paths. The routes offer wide-open spaces perfect for walking with a canine companion. Please keep your dog under control, especially near farmland with livestock and on cliffs. After your walk, you can look for dog-friendly pubs in Johnshaven to relax.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The coastline is a fantastic place for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for seabirds, and if you're lucky, you might see seals, dolphins, or porpoises offshore. For a dedicated nature experience, visit the nearby St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, a haven for peregrine falcons, wildflowers, and butterflies.
Where can I park to access the coastal walks?
You can find parking in the villages of Johnshaven, Gourdon, and Inverbervie, typically near the harbours. These serve as excellent starting points for many of the coastal trails. Arriving early is recommended, especially on sunny weekends, as spaces can be limited.
Is it possible to reach the trails using public transport?
Yes, the coastal villages are accessible by bus. This is a great option for linear walks, such as hiking from Inverbervie to Johnshaven and then taking a bus back. Check local bus schedules for services connecting the villages along the coast.
Are there any historical sites to see while hiking?
The area is rich in history. The trails connect traditional fishing villages like Johnshaven, with its historic harbour and heritage museum. Inland, you can find the Mill of Benholm, a historic watermill in a woodland setting. While the iconic Dunnottar Castle is further away, the walks themselves are steeped in the region's maritime past.
How many hiking trails are there in the Benholm and Johnshaven area?
There are over 25 hiking routes to explore around Benholm and Johnshaven. The collection includes a mix of 19 easy walks and 8 moderate routes, ensuring there are plenty of options for different fitness levels and time commitments.
What do other hikers think of the routes around Benholm and Johnshaven?
The area is highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning North Sea views, the well-maintained coastal paths, and the charm of the historic fishing harbours you pass through.
Are there any waterfalls in the area?
While the primary draw is the dramatic coastline, you can find smaller waterfalls in the surrounding landscape. Benholm Den, for instance, is known to have a waterfall. These are typically found on inland paths that explore the small burns and glens away from the immediate shoreline.
Most popular routes around Benholm And Johnshaven
Most popular attractions around Benholm And Johnshaven
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