Heading East

ST JOHNS CHURCH

At St Johns churchyard, burials go back for centuries, coffins used to be transported by boat along the coast, and hoisted up the cliff face, as the roads into Gardenstown were so steep. There are wonderful views of Gardenstown and the quaint village of Crovie.

GARDENSTOWN

Once a very busy herring port before it became too small for the bigger fishing boats of today. Gardenstown, or Gamrie as the locals call it, is now a haven for artists and small pleasure craft. Visitors can park down by the harbour and walk to Crovie.

CROVIE

Crovie is a small conservation village clinging under the cliffs. It is delightful to walk along the footpath between the sea and the cottages. The village had its own Herring fleet and could only be reached by foot along the path running to Gardenstown, or by boat. The access road from the B9031 was only built in the mid seventies. Please use the car park, as there is no parking in the village itself.

CULLYKAN

An Iron Age settlement, accessed along a narrow pathway with steep drops on either side, not for the faint hearted, but with wonderful views of Pennan. Looking to the left, you may spot a cave named by locals as "Hells Lum". During storms, the sea crashes in and makes a tremendous howl, ---" the voices of 1000 drowned sailors souls" according to legend. Follow the sign-posted path down to the beach where caves abound, including the "Devils Dining Room". The water here is clear, clean and great for swimming.

PENNAN

Descend the steep hill to the quaint village of Pennan. The car park is to the left in the village. The film Local Hero was filmed here and the famous red phone box still sits outside the pub, where a refreshing drink or bar meal can be obtained.

Continuing east, there are numerous turn offs to the right, which will return you to the main Fraserburgh to Macduff road (A98).

This picturesque corner of Scotland will leave you with fond memories and a yearning to return whatever the season.

Photographs Supplied by Stanley Bruce

Click on a image below to see a larger version.

Banff and Macduff - Enterprise North East Business Centre - 8 Low Street - Banff - AB45 1AS - Scotland, UK - Telephone: 01261 882006

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