Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar
Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar
Best natural monuments around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar are primarily found along its dramatic coastline, featuring rugged cliffs and diverse wildlife. This area offers a landscape shaped by the North Sea, providing varied natural features. Visitors can explore coastal paths and observe geological formations. The region is characterized by its wild atmosphere and opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
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Popular around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar
Hiking around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar
Cycling around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar
Running Trails around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar
Road Cycling Routes around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar
Gravel biking around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar
MTB Trails around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar
Stunning views and a great short walk to the War Memorial.
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Beautiful cliff top walk, spotted a few puffins. The noise of the birds is amazing, thousands of them. Well worth a visit.
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From the small car park walk down past the gate to Fowlsheugh and to the end of the road. A second costal path leads down the side of a field to a good viewpoint to the falls. The cliff edges are exposed and can be slippy.
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A spectacular waterfall and pool in this hidden den, just off the road. A small path leads from the road down some steps. It can be steep and slippy in places but there is a rope for assistance. Named after Lady Finella who apparently leapt to her death here shortly after assassinating the King of Scotland.
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There’s a small car park at the end of the road. From there the cliff top walk leads along the various nesting sites. To see Puffins come nearer sunset, as they spend their day out at sea.
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A small stream tumbles over the cliff and into the sea as a scenic waterfall. You can visit the source by hiking a short part of the trail leading into Fowlsheugh Nature Reserve. There is a tiny wooden bridge that takes you over the stream. It is also a decent water source (always treat the water, though).
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The Fowlsheugh Nature Reserve is worth a walk. The area is known as a breading spot for hundred thousands of seabirds like guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes. If you are really lucky, you might see a few puffins as well. There is a little wooden shelter for bird watching at the end of the trail that offers a stunning view of the cliffs with a 30-foot-drop.
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The waterfall is a little further than the road, so you'll need to push, off road or walk a little way to get the best view but it's well worth it. Crawton village is a deserted fishing village, the remains of the 23 houses are still visible. The last resident left in 1927.
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The most popular natural monument is the dramatic setting of Dunnottar Castle, perched on a 160-foot rocky headland. Visitors also highly appreciate Fowlsheugh Cliffs and Seabird Colony for its abundant birdlife, and the scenic Crawton Waterfall.
Yes, the Fowlsheugh Cliffs and Seabird Colony is a fantastic family-friendly option, especially during breeding season when hundreds of thousands of seabirds can be observed. The coastal paths around Dunnottar Castle also offer engaging walks with stunning views, though some sections may involve steps.
The coastline is rich in wildlife. At Fowlsheugh Cliffs and Seabird Colony, you can observe guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and sometimes puffins. The dramatic cliffs around Dunnottar Castle also provide nesting sites for various seabirds, and marine mammals like seals and dolphins can occasionally be spotted in the surrounding waters.
Yes, the area offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find easy hikes like the 'Crawton Bay – Crawton Waterfall loop from RSPB Fowlsheugh' or the 'View of Dunnottar Castle – Dunnottar Castle loop from Stonehaven'. For more options, explore the Easy hikes around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar guide.
The region is characterized by dramatic coastal geology. Dunnottar Castle is set on a 160-foot rocky headland with steep cliffs. Catterline Bay features a shingle beach and conglomerate sea stacks, while Fowlsheugh Cliffs are towering sea cliffs that provide ideal nesting sites for seabirds.
Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of some natural monuments, particularly Dunnottar Castle, are available from nearby towns like Stonehaven. However, for more remote sites like Crawton Waterfall or Fowlsheugh Cliffs, a car or a longer walk from a bus stop might be necessary.
The summer months are ideal for experiencing the vibrant wildflowers and bright yellow gorse along the cliffs, and for observing the large seabird colonies at Fowlsheugh during their breeding season. However, the dramatic coastal scenery is impressive year-round, even on stormy days.
Beyond the well-known sites, Den Finella Waterfall offers a spectacular and somewhat hidden experience. It's located in a secluded den, with a path leading down to the falls. Another interesting spot is Lady Kennedy's Bath, an oval stone-built bath found within Dunnottar Woods, offering a blend of natural setting and historical intrigue.
Besides hiking, the area is suitable for running and road cycling. You can find various routes, such as the 'View of Stonehaven Bay – View of Dunnottar Castle loop' for running, or the 'View of Stonehaven Bay – Dunnottar Castle loop' for road cycling. More options are available in the Running Trails and Road Cycling Routes guides for Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar.
Many of the coastal paths and natural areas are dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs on a lead, especially near cliff edges and nesting seabirds, such as at Fowlsheugh Cliffs. Specific rules for sites like Dunnottar Castle itself should be checked directly with the venue.
While the natural monuments themselves are often in wilder settings, nearby towns like Stonehaven offer a selection of cafes and pubs. Catterline village also has local establishments where you can find refreshments after exploring the bay and nearby coastal paths.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Catterline, Kinneff And Dunnottar: