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Newburgh & The Coastal Dunes

Newburgh & The Coastal Dunes

Where sweeping sands meet wild beauty, Newburgh and the Coastal Dunes offer one of Aberdeenshire’s most captivating coastal escapes.

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Explore Newburgh and the Coastal Dunes

Just north of Aberdeen, Newburgh and the Coastal Dunes offer one of the most distinctive landscapes in Aberdeenshire. Here, golden beaches meet towering sand dunes, shifting wildlife habitats and wide-open skies, creating a coastline that feels wonderfully wild and unspoilt.

This stretch of coast is home to some of Scotland’s most important natural sites, from the dramatic dune systems of Forvie National Nature Reserve to the expansive sands of Balmedie Beach. Along the way, visitors can discover rich history, spot seals basking on the shore and explore landscapes shaped by centuries of wind, sea and shifting sands.

Whether you are looking for scenic walks, wildlife encounters or peaceful coastal escapes, Newburgh and the surrounding coastline reward those willing to slow down and explore.

Wildlife and nature

One of the highlights of the entire Aberdeenshire coast, Forvie National Nature Reserve is a spectacular landscape of shifting sand dunes, heathland, wetlands and wide-open beaches. Covering around 2,000 hectares and managed by NatureScot, it is one of the largest sand dune systems in Britain and among the most important wildlife sites in Scotland.

Wildlife is one of the defining features of this coastline. The nearby Ythan Estuary, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), is internationally recognised for its birdlife and attracts thousands of migratory birds throughout the year.

Visitors may spot eiders, terns, skylarks, oystercatchers, curlews and birds of prey, while the beaches around Newburgh are well known for their large seal colony, often seen basking on the sands near the estuary mouth.

Spring and summer bring nesting seabirds and thriving dune habitats, while autumn and winter transform the reserve into an important refuge for wildfowl and migrating species.

Walking trails wind through the dunes and along the coast, offering everything from gentle strolls to longer adventures, with spectacular views across this ever-changing landscape shaped by wind and sea.

Image credit: NatureScot

History and heritage

The landscape around Newburgh has been shaped by both nature and history for centuries. One of the area’s most fascinating stories lies hidden beneath the dunes at Forvie National Nature Reserve.

Forvie was once a thriving medieval settlement and parish, believed to have been abandoned after powerful storms and encroaching sand buried much of the village during the 15th century. Today, traces of this lost settlement remain beneath the dunes, adding a layer of mystery to this already remarkable landscape.

The reserve also contains the remains of St Adamnan’s Kirk, dating back to the 12th century, the atmospheric ruins sit quietly amongst the dunes and are one of the North-east’s lesser-known historic sites.

Nearby, Newburgh itself has long been linked to fishing and coastal life, while the mouth of the River Ythan remains an important wildlife habitat recognised internationally for its ecological significance.

Newburgh Beach & Seal Watching

Newburgh Beach is one of the best places in Scotland to see seals in the wild. The estuary at the mouth of the River Ythan is home to one of the largest seal colonies on the east coast, with hundreds of grey seals and common seals often seen resting on the sands.

The wide beach also provides excellent walking opportunities with views stretching along the coast and across the dunes.

Please remember to observe wildlife responsibly, keep a respectful distance and ensure dogs are kept on a lead.

Image credit: Highlands2hammocks

Balmedie Beach

Stretching for miles south of Newburgh, Balmedie Beach offers one of the finest beach experiences in the North-east.

Backed by rolling dunes and wide open sands, it is perfect for family walks, picnics and beach days. Boardwalk access makes reaching the beach easier, while the surrounding dunes form part of one of Scotland’s largest active dune systems.

On clear days the beach seems endless, offering plenty of space even during busier periods.

Image: Balmedie Beach and Country Park

Watersports & outdoor activities

The open coastline and expansive beaches around Newburgh make this area a fantastic destination for outdoor adventures. Paddleboarding, kayaking and surfing are all popular along this stretch of coast, while the surrounding dunes and beaches provide excellent routes for walking, running and photography.

For those looking to get out on the water or try something new, Forvie Outdoors offers guided experiences and activities designed to help visitors explore the coastline from a different perspective.

Golf is also a key part of the area’s outdoor offering, Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club sits on one of the UK’s finest golfing coastlines. Founded in 1888 as a nine-hole course before expanding to 18 holes in 1994, the championship links course is regularly featured among Scotland’s top courses and offers spectacular coastal views alongside a memorable round.

Nearby, Trump International Golf Links Scotland sits amongst the dramatic Great Dunes of Scotland, offering two championship courses with spectacular North Sea views. Set amongst towering dunes and coastal landscapes, the resort also features luxurious accommodation, extensive practice facilities and an impressive granite clubhouse.

This stretch of coastline offers a unique combination of beach adventures, outdoor experiences and world-class golf, all within one remarkable landscape.

Image: Trump International Golf Links