The best walks and hikes around Carnoustie

Yes, many trails in the area are great for walking with dogs. The coastal paths are particularly popular, but be mindful of cliff edges, especially on the route towards Arbroath. Inland routes, like those in Crombie Country Park, offer woodland walks. Always keep dogs on a lead where livestock is present or in sensitive wildlife areas like Barry Links.

Certainly. For a simple and accessible walk, the Carnoustie Coastal Path loop from Golf Street is a great option. It's a relatively flat 5.8 km walk along the seafront. For more variety, Monikie Country Park and Crombie Country Park, a short drive away, have well-maintained paths, play areas, and opportunities to see wildlife, making them ideal for a family day out.

Yes, there are several excellent circular routes. A popular choice that combines coastal scenery with a bit of the town's heritage is the Carnoustie Beach – Carnoustie Beach loop from Carnoustie. This 7.9 km walk gives you a great feel for the local coastline and is easy to follow.

The walk from Carnoustie to Arbroath is a classic section of the Angus Coastal Path. The trail heads east from Carnoustie, passing the historic fishing village of East Haven. As you get closer to Arbroath, the landscape becomes more dramatic with the famous red sandstone Arbroath Cliffs. It's a fantastic walk for coastal views and birdwatching.

For dramatic cliffside scenery, the area around Arbroath is exceptional. The Arbroath Cliffs and the nearby Seaton Cliffs Nature Reserve are highly regarded by locals for their stunning views and well-defined paths. You can expect to see impressive sea stacks, caves, and an abundance of birdlife along this stretch of the coast.

Yes, the Angus Coastal Path provides the main opportunity for long-distance walking. You can hike a significant section by heading west towards Monifieth, a route that crosses the vast Barry Links dune system. The Monifieth Beach Park loop from Golf Street covers about 13 km of this terrain, offering a good challenge with rewarding coastal views.

The area is very welcoming for beginners. Most of the coastal paths are flat and well-surfaced. A perfect introductory walk is the Carnoustie Beach loop from Carnoustie, which is a gentle 5.7 km route along the shore. The paths within the local country parks are also ideal for those new to hiking.

Crombie Country Park offers a peaceful woodland and lochside experience. The park, set within 200 acres of woodland, features a network of paths around Crombie Loch. It's a popular spot for gentle walks, wildlife spotting (including red squirrels), and birdwatching. The trails are generally flat and suitable for all fitness levels.

The diverse habitats support a rich variety of wildlife. Along the coast, look for seabirds like eiders and cormorants, as well as waders. The Barry Links dune system is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), important for its unique plants and bird populations. Inland at parks like Crombie, you might spot red squirrels and various woodland birds.

Yes, parking is generally available. In Carnoustie itself, there are car parks along the seafront which provide good access to the coastal path. For trails further afield, popular spots like Crombie Country Park and the trailheads near Arbroath Cliffs have dedicated free parking areas.

Carnoustie is well-served by train and bus services, making it easy to access the start of many coastal walks directly from the town. The train line connects Carnoustie with nearby towns like Arbroath and Monifieth, allowing you to walk one way and take the train back.

There are over 30 designated hiking routes to explore around Carnoustie. These range from short, easy coastal strolls to more moderate inland and long-distance paths, offering plenty of options for all abilities.