Walk the East Grampian Coast - Forvie National Nature Reserve

Blue Route

6.2km, involves rough ground and sand, follows the beach for part of the way.

Start at Waterside car park by the Ythan Estuary and follow the track through the trees.  Keep to the track and you will see Newburgh to the south and views of Eider duck on the water or shoreline.  In summer the Eiders nest close to this path, so keep dogs under close control.  Terns can be seen diving for fish in the summer, while in winter, Redshank, Lapwing, Curlew and Oystercatchers flock in large numbers.  Leaving the estuary, the trail crosses huge shifting dunes before dropping out at the beach.  Follow the beach north to the end, then turn west to pick up a rough track which will take you back to the car park.  On the way, enjoy Forvie’s dune heath landscape, awash with purple heather in early autumn.

Red Route

5.9km one way (not circular) Rough paths with steps in places.

Start at Waterside car park or Stevenson Forvie Centre, Collieston. From the north, leave the Forvie Centre and follow the path south through a gate.  Keep left and soon you see Sand Loch at Collieston where Whooper swans are often seen in winter.  The path continues around the loch and eventually meets the coast.  Seabirds will be seen at all times of year, but the cliffs offer good vantage points for watching nesting birds in Spring.  The route continues south to Hackley Bay, a pretty spot for a picnic and there are stone steps at the southern end allowing access down onto the sand.

Continuing south, the path leads you to Forvie Kirk, a ruin of a 12th Century chapel and the top of the site of Forvie village- said to have been lost under the sand following a curse. Pick up the rough track across Oldkirk Burn and follow it over the moor and down towards the estuary and Waterside car park.

Green Route

3.3km Rough ground and sandy paths with some steps, can be wet underfoot in winter.

Start at the Stevenson Forvie Centre and follow the path towards the dunes.  At the gate, carry straight on up a slight rise.  The path winds its way through a wild moorland landscape of heather, marram grass and crowberry.  Bright lichens are found in patches on the ground.  Listen for Skylarks and Meadow Pipits in summer, while the pools are good places to look for tadpoles and toads.  At the cliff top, turn left to return towards Collieston and follow the path.  There is a gate at Collieston, but keeping to the path around Sand Loch will take you back to the Forvie Centre.