Peterhead to Cruden Bay
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Explore Peterhead to Cruden Bay
Stretching along the Buchan coastline, the route from Peterhead to Cruden Bay combines maritime heritage, striking landscapes and some of the North-east’s most iconic landmarks.
From Scotland’s largest fishing port and the historic Peterhead Prison Museum to the towering cliffs of Bullers of Buchan and the legendary ruins of Slains Castle, this coastline offers a memorable mix of history, wildlife and outdoor adventure. Along the way, visitors can discover picturesque villages, quiet beaches and scenic walking routes shaped by centuries of life beside the North Sea.
Peterhead
Known locally as the “Blue Toon”, Peterhead has long been shaped by the sea. Home to Scotland’s largest fishing port, the town remains a busy maritime hub where fishing boats, seafood industries and harbour life continue to play a central role in the local identity.
Peterhead Prison Museum is one of the town’s most distinctive attractions, offering a fascinating insight into life inside the former prison that operated from 1888 to 2013. Often referred to as “Scotland’s Alcatraz”, the immersive museum experience includes audio stories from former officers and explores dramatic moments in the prison’s history, including the only domestic siege in Britain involving the SAS.
The town also features a growing food and drink scene. Brew Toon, Peterhead’s microbrewery, has become a popular stop for craft beer lovers, producing a range of locally brewed beers inspired by the town and its coastal surroundings.
Nearby, Peterhead Marina and harbour area provide a chance to experience the scale and energy of one of Europe’s most significant fishing ports.
Image: Peterhead Prison Museum
Cruden Bay
With its sweeping sandy beach, fascinating history and relaxed seaside atmosphere, Cruden Bay is one of the most picturesque villages on the Aberdeenshire coast. From the historic harbour at Port Erroll and the striking ruins of nearby Slains Castle to beautiful beach walks and coastal views, this charming village offers plenty to discover along the Buchan shoreline.
The village is also home to the renowned Cruden Bay Golf Club, one of Scotland’s most celebrated traditional links courses, attracting golfers from around the world with its spectacular coastal setting.
Image: Cruden Bay Golf Club
Bullers of Buchan
One of the most spectacular natural landmarks on the Aberdeenshire coast, the Bullers of Buchan is a dramatic collapsed sea cave surrounded by towering cliffs and crashing waves.
The area is particularly popular with wildlife enthusiasts, as the cliffs provide an important nesting site for seabirds including puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes during the spring and summer months.
Walking routes around the cliffs offer breathtaking coastal views and excellent opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting, particularly on calmer summer evenings when seabirds gather along the cliff edges.
Image: Bullers of Buchan
History and heritage
The coastline between Peterhead and Cruden Bay is steeped in folklore, maritime history and centuries of coastal life.
One of the area’s most iconic landmarks is Slains Castle, perched high on the cliffs above Cruden Bay. The atmospheric ruins are said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula during visits to the area in the late 19th century. Originally built in the 16th century, the castle remains one of Scotland’s most striking coastal ruins.
Elsewhere, fishing, trade and seafaring traditions have shaped communities along the coast for generations, while sea caves, cliffs and rock formations reveal the power of the North Sea over thousands of years.
Image: Slains Castle
Coastal walks, trails and beaches
This stretch of coastline is ideal for exploring on foot, with clifftop paths, sandy bays and hidden coves waiting to be discovered. Walking routes between Peterhead, Boddam, Bullers of Buchan and Cruden Bay offer sweeping sea views, striking rock formations and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting along the way.
North of Peterhead, Rattray Head Beach provides a quieter and more remote coastal escape. Vast dunes and wide sands create a wonderfully wild atmosphere, while the nearby Rattray Head Lighthouse stands offshore as one of the Buchan coast’s most distinctive landmarks. The beach is particularly popular for walking, photography and wildlife watching.
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Events In Peterhead to Cruden Bay
Start Date
End Date
Businesses In Peterhead to Cruden Bay
- Coast
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- Nature & Wildlife
Bullers of Buchan
- Coast
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- Outdoors & Adventure
Berryhill Driving Range
- Coast
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- Family Friendly
Buchan Braes Hotel
- Coast
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- Family Friendly
Brucklay Park Alpacas
- Coast
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- Eat & Drink
Brew Toon Microbrewery & Cafe Bar
- Coast
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- Outdoors & Adventure
Buchan & Byers Golf Tours
- Coast
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- Nature & Wildlife
Peterhead Lido Beach
- Coast
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- History & Heritage
East Grampian Coastal Partnership
- Coast
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- Family Friendly
A Special Treat
Frequently asked questions
- What is Peterhead known for?
Peterhead is known as Scotland’s largest fishing port and has a strong maritime heritage shaped by centuries of life connected to the North Sea. The town is also home to attractions including Peterhead Prison Museum, bustling harbour areas and a growing food and drink scene.
- What is Peterhead Prison Museum?
A former prison turned visitor attraction exploring prison life from 1888 to 2013.
- What is the Bullers of Buchan?
The Bullers of Buchan is a dramatic collapsed sea cave surrounded by towering cliffs near Cruden Bay.
- Can you see puffins at the Bullers of Buchan?
Yes, puffins can often be spotted during the spring and summer nesting season. We recommend visiting early morning before 8:00am or early evening between 6:00-8:00pm.
- Is Cruden Bay Beach dog friendly?
Yes, Cruden Bay Beach is popular with dog walkers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- What wildlife can you see along the Buchan coast?
The coastline is home to puffins, seabirds, seals and occasionally dolphins.
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