Explore the Mearns Coastal Heritage Trail.
Discover coastal scenery, local history and a rich natural environment along a 4.5 mile walking route between St Cyrus and Johnshaven.
Mearns Coastal Heritage Trail is a 4.5 mile / 7.3 kilometre coastal walking route from St Cyrus National Nature Reserve Visitor Centre to Johnshaven Harbour. This short route can be completed in a couple of hours and passes by a huge diversity of natural heritage including sand dunes, beaches, cliff tops, back lanes, shorelines and footpaths along the Mearns Coast, South Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The enormous diversity of built heritage and local stories is also highlighted and includes, castles, lime kilns, ice houses, harbours, a cemetery as well as cafes, a hotel, a caravan site and a shop.
Walkers are encouraged to follow the Outdoor Access Code.
This helps everyone enjoy the trail responsibly while respecting landowners, wildlife, and sensitive areas like farmyards and golf greens. Please also respect any reasonable requests from landowners, as their support is vital in the ongoing maintenance and design of the Mearns Coastal Heritage Trail.
Before setting out, please be aware of potential hazards along the trail:
• Steep drops in certain sections
• Tall weeds in summer
• Tidal areas
• Exposed paths (sun and wind)
• Slippery surfaces after rain
• Ticks
Check the Montrose Tide Times and local weather before starting your walk. The trail is explored at your own risk.
It is hoped that the Trail will extend Northwards at least as far as Inverbervie and eventually become part of the Doric Way, a long distance coastal path covering Aberdeen City and Shire by the North East Scotland Coastal Trust.
Support Us – The trail is maintained by volunteers using hand tools. If you would like to join us with the scything and gorse cutting then please get in touch.
caspar@mearnscoastaltrail.co.uk
We are also interested to hear feedback about the condition of the path.
Thank you to all these organisations who have helped with funding, advice and expertise.
