The eastern side of Scotland doesn’t always get the same amount of attention as the west coast unless it is on the North Coast 500 but there are some fantastic things to do in North East Scotland. For this guide we have picked interesting, unusual or just plain fun things you can do along the north east coast of Scotland.
Lunan Bay is a beautiful stretch of coastline on Scotland’s east coast between Montrose and Arbroath with a vast expanse of golden sand backed by rolling dunes. The bay is popular with walkers, beachcombers, surfers and horse riders. The area is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including seals, dolphins, and a variety of seabirds, making it a fantastic location for wildlife spotting without the crowds found at more famous nature reserves. Stay nearby so you can visit in the early morning or late evening. The soft light over the bay creates a serene and almost otherworldly atmosphere.
What sets Lunan Bay apart from other beaches along this coast, is its rich history and sense of mystery. Overlooking the beach are the atmospheric ruins of Red Castle, a 12th-century fortress once used to defend against Viking raids. The castle’s crumbling walls and overgrown grounds add a touch of eerie charm to the scene. Local legend says that hidden treasure is buried beneath the castle and ghosts wander the dunes. The beach was also a landing point for Viking invaders centuries ago, and relics from these past encounters have occasionally been uncovered in its shifting sands.
Visit Lunan Bay Farm and their herd of rare Scottish Cashmere goats. Scottish Cashmere is highly prized for its warmth, durability, and fine texture, making it a sought-after material in high-quality textiles.The farm hand combs the herd each spring to “harvest” the Cashmere so it is a cruelty-free process. Visitors to the farm will learn about the intricate process of cashmere production, from the care of the goats to the final crafted product.
The highlight of Lunan Bay Farm’s calendar is the Goats in Coats Festival. This year it takes place on April 12, 13, 19, and 20, 2025. Meet adorable baby Cashmere goats in their colourful, hand-knitted jumpers crafted by local community knitters. Over 3,000 visitors attending last year, so book early.
Lunan Bay Farm offers a variety of unique visitor experiences that blend interaction with their rare Cashmere goats and insights into sustainable farming practices. One of their offerings is the Goat Therapy Retreat, a 2.5-hour session where you can interact with the goats.
Discover one of Scotland’s most evocative prehistoric sites on a terrace above the River Nairn.
Clava Cairns is a well-preserved Bronze Age burial site dating back over 4,000 years. The site consists of three large cairns (stone burial mounds), ringed by standing stones, believed to have been used for ceremonies and astronomical alignments. The ancient cemetery provides many clues to the beliefs of Bronze Age society.
Fans of the Outlander series will find Clava Cairns fascinating, as it is said to have inspired Craigh na Dun, the fictional stone circle from the series. Many visitors report feeling a mystical atmosphere around the stones. Unlike more tourist-heavy sites, Clava Cairns offers a quiet, reflective experience nestled in woodland near the River Nairn. It’s an excellent spot for contemplation, photography, or simply enjoying the ancient surroundings.
Located just a few miles from Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns is a short drive from Inverness and can easily be combined with other nearby attractions. Entry is free, and the site is open year-round.
Things to Keep in Mind
There are no visitor facilities, so plan accordingly.
It can be muddy after rain, so wear appropriate footwear.
Interpretation signs provide helpful historical context, but visiting with a guide can enhance the experience.
Visit the Black Isle and take a walk through the enchanting ancient woodland to the Munlochy Clootie Well, a site steeped in tradition and folklore. Clootie wells are sacred springs or wells, often found with a tree beside them, and they have played an important role in Scottish and Celtic culture for centuries.
In early Celtic times, people would dip a rag or ‘cloot’ in the water of the well as part of a healing ritual. They believed that their waters held healing powers. The wet cloth was then tied to the branches of the surrounding trees, symbolising the hope that illness or misfortune would fade away as the fabric decayed. Some traditions dictated that the cloth should belong to the person seeking healing, while others believed a freshly torn strip of cloth would suffice.
Clootie wells were often places of pilgrimage, with individuals travelling from far and wide to seek blessings and good health. Originally these rituals were part of pagan culture – the wells were believed to be connected to ancient nature spirits or goddesses, such as Brigid, a deity associated with fertility, healing, and poetry. The practice evolved as Christianity spread through Scotland, with prayers directed to saints rather than pagan spirits.
The Munlochy well is believed to have been dedicated to Saint Boniface, who brought Christianity to the region in the 7th century. Today visitors still leave offerings at the well.
One of the most poignant aspects of the Munlochy Clootie Well is its association with the healing of sick children. Local legend tells of desperate parents who would bring their ailing little ones to the well, leaving them to stay overnight in the hope of a miraculous cure. Some stories suggest that the water’s healing properties were at their strongest during the festival of Beltane, an ancient Gaelic celebration marking the start of summer.
The area around the Munlochy Clootie Well has an undeniably mysterious air. After a walk through ancient woodland you will see hundreds of fluttering pieces of fabric draped over the trees, creating a surreal and otherworldly landscape. The practice of leaving cloth has continued to the present day although now visitors are asked to use biodegradable materials to preserve the site’s environment.
Spanning over 55 acres of natural woodland and parkland, the centre is home to a number of species of deer, including the iconic red deer, roe deer, and even the rare white deer. Visitors can walk through large enclosures and learn about the different species, their habitats, and the important role they have played in Scotland’s history and folklore. The knowledgeable staff at the Centre run talks about the deer and feeding demonstrations which will keep children amused.
Beyond deer, the Scottish Deer Centre is also home to a range of other native Scottish wildlife, including wolves, wildcats, and birds of prey. Visitors can see majestic birds such as owls, falcons, and eagles in action at the regular falconry displays. There’s also a fun opportunity to explore the treetop walk, which gives a birds ey view over the enclosures and surrounding countryside. Younger visitors will enjoy the adventure playground and a farmyard area where they can meet friendly animals like Highland cattle and goats.
The Scottish Deer Centre has a strong focus on conservation. The centre works closely with conservation projects to protect endangered species and preserve Scotland’s natural heritage. Visitors can also enjoy the well-stocked gift shop featuring locally made products and the on-site café serving delicious, locally sourced food. Just a short drive from St Andrews and Dundee, the Scottish Deer Centre is a cool place to visit with kids in its own right or can be combined with other local attractions.
The centre has a “pay as you please” admission system, allowing visitors to contribute an amount they feel is appropriate. This approach makes it accessible for various budgets while supporting the centre’s operations.
Approximately 16 miles northeast of Culloden, Nairn Beach boasts beautiful sandy shores and is less crowded than other coastal spots. It’s perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Nairn Beach has its own resident school of dolphins, or you can go a few minutes up the coast to Chanonry Point.
Nairn Beach is one of Scotland’s best, with wide golden sands and scenic views across the Moray Firth. It’s a great spot for a peaceful walk, sunbathing, or spotting dolphins offshore. East Beach offers a quieter, wilder atmosphere with dunes and coastal wildlife. Nairn itself is a quaint historic town with a growing food scene and home to the last remaining free Games in the Highlands which takes place on 16th August in 2025. Fort George & Culloden Battlefield are nearby attractions.
Get to the Fyrish Monument for sunrise for a truly memorable experience. Perched atop Cnoc Fyrish near Evanton, this 18th-century structure has panoramic views over the Cromarty Firth and the surrounding landscapes. Arrive at dawn to witness the first light illuminating the monument’s arches, casting a warm glow over the surrounding scenery. The peaceful ambiance at this early hour enhances the sense of connection to both the monument’s history and the natural beauty of the Highlands.
The Fyrish Monument was commissioned in 1782 by Sir Hector Munro, 8th of Novar. Having served as a General in India, the design replicates the Gate of Negapatam and commemorates Munro’s involvement in the capture of the Indian port city of Nagapattinam during the Battle of Negapatam. Beyond its commemorative purpose, the construction provided employment for local workers during the Highland Clearances.
The path to the monument begins at the Jubilee Path car park on the Novar Estate, near Evanton. It ascends for about 2 miles (3.2 km) with a steady climb through pine forests. As you approach the summit, the trees give way to open moorland, revealing expansive views of the Cromarty Firth and the distant peaks of the Highlands. The path is well-maintained, but sturdy footwear is recommended due to uneven terrain. Starting the hike early ensures arrival at the monument in time to witness the sunrise, so stay nearby to set off in time.
The Fife Coastal Path is one of Scotland’s most scenic long-distance walking routes, stretching for 117 miles (188 km) along the stunning coastline of the Kingdom of Fife. Running from Kincardine in the west to Newburgh in the north, the path offers a diverse mix of landscapes, including sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, quaint fishing villages, and historic landmarks. The route provides an ever-changing backdrop of seascapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Along the way, you can stop and explore towns such as Anstruther, Crail, and St Andrews.
Walkers can spot a variety of seabirds, including puffins and gannets, while seals and even dolphins are occasionally seen offshore. The route also passes by significant historical sites, such as the ruins of Macduff’s Castle, linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth and the iconic St Andrews Cathedral.
Elie Chain Walk, Fife
One of the most thrilling and unique sections of the Fife Coastal Path is the Elie Chain Walk, an adventurous coastal scramble near the village of Elie. Not for the faint hearted, this exhilarating route consists of a series of footholds and chains fixed into the cliffs which you use to help you scramble along the volcanic rocks of the coastal cliffs between Shell Bay and Earlsferry & Elie.
Originally installed to help locals navigate the coastline, the chain walk has become a popular challenge for those seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience. The route is best attempted at low tide, as sections can become impassable when the tide comes in. It’s important to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for a physically demanding scramble, but the reward is breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and the dramatic geology of the Fife coastline.
The route can be completed in either direction. This useful guide by James Carron, local writer and outdoor pursuit specialist, gives lots of helpful tips about preparing for the challenge. This includes a step-by- step (or knee-by-knee) guide to completing the route.
Photos courtesy of James Carron Walks.Scot
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We hope you are inspired by our choice of things to do in north east Scotland. If you are looking for a campervan to hire to explore the east coast of Scotland please take a look at our VWs. Our luxury campervans for hire come fully equipped with everything you will need for your road trip in Scotland. Automatic and manual vans are available.
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