Bullers of Buchan

Aberdeenshire | Cruden Bay | Collapsed sea cave | ★★★★

[Bullers of Buchan]

Bullers of Buchan is one of the must-see sights of the Aberdeenshire coastline: an enormous collapsed sea cave or pot (to use the local term) connected to the often turbulent North Sea by a tunnel or natural arch. If all this weren't already enough, the cliffs are a notable seabird colony, hosting species such as kittiwakes, guillemots, shags, gulls and a few puffins each spring and summer. We've also watched seals in the bowels of the bowl, and the luckiest visitors might even catch sight of a dolphin or two when looking out to sea. The natural spectacle has deservedly been a popular tourist destination for many decades - it even boasted its own railway station for a period in the early 1900s - but today lacks any facilities besides rough paths and a car park. Several nearby headlands, stacks and inlets are almost as spectacular, so exploring the vicinity (with care, given the terrain) is recommended. Alternatively, why not try a longer coast walk from Cruden Bay or towards Boddam?

[Nesting kittiwakes]

Location & info

📌 Bullers of Buchan ★★★★
Off the A975 2 mi northeast of Cruden Bay, G.R.: NK 110381 ///palms.bowls.tidal
Always open | Free

💬 From the car park at G.R.: NK 107381 ///tango.think.noises it's a 5-10-min walk (each way) to Bullers of Buchan. Walk down the tarmac lane past the houses to the coast, then turn left on the cliff path a short distance to the collapsed cave. Paths are narrow and close to large drops; the "path" around the seaward side of Bullers of Buchan is clearly very dangerous and shouldn't be attempted.