A92 Coastal Route

Much loved by our local residents, the Coastal A92 Road which connects Dundee with Dunnottar Castle and Stonehaven takes you into another world.

Click to view the map

On the map you will see that it follows the coastline, meandering alongside ancient towns and villages with harbours that have been testament to many fishing and rescue tales of old.

The stories and the legends abound: of ancient burial grounds, pictish forts, Kings and sherriffs, pressgangs and smugglers. There is romance and hardships and tales long told at the hearths of the home fires.

You will enjoy a variety of unique experiences as you walk around  the streets where some houses have roofs that begin at your shoulder height and once held families of 10 or more in two rooms.

The X7 Coastal Bus connects Dundee to Aberdeen via Dunnottar Castle and Stonehaven and stops at villages and towns in between. What views you get from the top of the bus, especially the front seat. You can even take a bike on with you. Imagine bus hopping for a few days, staying in places long enough to get a taste of this slow paced, serene way of life and enjoying the company of local residents. Dally a while and absorb the individual experiences and feelings that only the lucky few have seen!

Dundee

  • Delight in several fabulous experiences in this city.
  • It is named one of the ten must-visit European destination 2018 by Lonely Planet. It was selected as First City of Design 2014 by UNESCO.
  • The newly acclaimed V&A Museum of Design, The renowned McManus Art Gallery and Museum, the beautiful waterfront with Captain Scott’s Antarctic Ship, “Discovery” and of course “HMS Unicorn”,  a 19th Century frigate, to name but a few attractions.
  • Scotland’s sunniest city
  • Scotland’s Capital of Cool
  • For more information visit www.dundee.com






Carnoustie

  • A golfer’s dream , having the world famous golf course.
  • Carnoustie has hosted The Open Golf Competition 8 times.
  • It is the youngest town in Angus at 200 years old.



Arbroath

  • Arbroath was founded in 12th Century.
  • It has a superb harbour where Signal Tower Museum tells the entrancing story of the building of Bell Rock Light House which is 2 miles offshore.
  • Arbroath is famous for its majestic Abbey where the , “Declaration of Arbroath” was agreed. This attested to Scottish Independence from England in 1320.
  • You must see St Vigean’s Pictish Stones, an outstanding collection from the 9th Century and and 12th Century Church which replaced the 8th Century building.
  • For more information visit www.visitangus.com







Auchmithy

  • Auchmithy is where the Arbroath Smokie originated. (Haddock which is hot smoked in a barrel and traditionally it was on the beach). Visit Ian Spink’s shop which is specialist in this.



Lunan Bay

  • Walk the magnificent sweep of sand which extends 2 miles and is sheltered by beautiful sand backed dunes.
  • Enjoy the sights of the stunning beach which is overlooked by “Red Castle”, a crumbling 12th Century Fortress, standing overlooking the mouth of The River Lunan and seeming to defy gravity.
  • The Lunan Bay Diner is a welcome sight to enjoy food and refreshments directly as you come off the beach or just take a picnic.





Montrose

  • A 12th Century Borough and the harbour town that The Old Pretender, James III of England and VIII Scotland, (father of Bonnie Prince Charlie), sailed to France from when he was exiled.
  • See the Montrose Basin, (formed by an ancient tsunami tidal “lake” which fills and empties through a narrow river channel. Home to seals and multitudinous bird wildlife.
  • There is a small Museum, one of the first purpose designed Museums in Scotland. It is described as a ,”lucky find” by tourists and contains exhibits of Bronze Age Swords, Neolithics, Pictish Stones, the East Coast Whaling industry . There is an adjoining Art Gallery which includes some of the work of famous local artist William Lamb.
  • The House of Dun is an original and authentic attraction. You can really see what life was like upstairs and downstairs. There is a popular tea room and plenty of walks.
  • The Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre is a must see. It was the first operational military air station in 1913.
  • The Montrose Beach Splash. This is a really different playground and ultra attractive to the kids. Ice cream and coffee in the café and the beach stretches forever.
  • See visitangus.com






Garvock Hill

  • Between the two roads that can take you from Dundee to Dunnottar is a breathtaking  viewpoint of Howe O’ The Mearns. The A92 takes you the Coastal Mearns way and The A90 takes you through The Howe o’ The Mearns.
  • Garvock Hill is a spot where you can enjoy the full vista of the rural Howe o’ The Mearns as it pans across miles towards The Cairngorms. You can a walk to a Folly known as ….and small a picnic area too.



St Cyrus National Nature Reserve

  • If you drive through St Cyrus you have missed the beach and nature reserve! It is, according to Trip Advisor, “simply one of the most picturesque beaches in Scotland”. Dogs are welcome.
  • Walk the glorious beach, look in the caves, see Hen Rock, go into The Visitor Centre. Meet the staff and volunteers. Soak up all the beauty of the trails and the waterfall. Oh! and have a swim, or build a castle or a den ….. invigorating.
  • Check out The Tyrie Trail which includes the Old Kirk Graveyard where one of the sons of Montrose is buried. George Beattie, a tragic tale.
  • Steptoe’s is always open to those who enjoy a good rummage.
  • See visitabdn.com and St Cyrus National Nature Reserve Facebook Page









Johnshaven

  • We feel lucky to live in Johnshaven and it feels like we are always on holiday. We have a complete section on Johnshaven and our community but here are the main pointers.
  • The Hidden Treasure Tea Shop on the harbour serves wonderful coffee, cakes, light snacks, and very popular ice cream flavours. Closed Wednesday.
  • The Award Winning Anchor Hotel, Bistro and Seafood Restaurant is very close to the harbour. Food is served from 12 to 3pm and from 6 to 9 30pm.
  • The Ship Hotel which has had a license since the mid 1700s is old and authentic where locals meet and sometimes musicians gather.
  • If you want unique and unusual Artist made gifts and mementoes, then browse around our fabulous shop called The Starfish Studio.
  • Our ‘ Old Lifeboat Shed’ is now our Heritage Hub and Museum . In season it is a Museum and open weekends. Out of season we open it as an Art Gallery and various local artists exhibit often all week. Most importantly we have lots of extra events throughout the year.
  • The local Johnshaven Stores is well stocked in what we need and sells most items if you are staying here. On a short visit? Sandwiches and coffee available.
  • Murray Macbay has a lobster house. Call in to have a look and maybe buy some for tea.





Gourdon (Gurdin)

  • Award winning Fish and Chips at The Quayside Restaurant and Takeaway.
  • Enjoy food and a drink at The Harbour Bar next door.. Or just sit on a seat outside and watch the world go by.
  • The opposite side of the harbour at The Memorial is Stephens’ Fish Merchants. They smoke their own salmon which is DELICIOUS. The building is old and authentic, well worth a look. An experience.
  • The Maggie Law Maritime Museum is a little further into the village. The boat that rescued 36 people between 1898 and 1969is in pride of place and is surrounded by so many examples of past fishing lives. The guides are full of fascinating tales.
  • Gourdon is also featured in Undisovered Scotland.









Inverbervie (Bervie)

  • Inverbervie became a Royal Borough because the people looked after King David and Queen Joan when forced to land there on their return from France on June 2nd (Another search opportunity).
  • Hercules Linton who designed The Cutty Sark, (which is now the world’s only remaining Tea Clipper and is in London), was born in The Market Place in Inverbervie.  His Memorial is a full size figurehead replica. It is the scantily clad witch Nannie from the poem, “ Tam O’ Shanter “ by Rabbie Burns.
  • Visit the beautiful sensory garden behind the Church.
  • The beach is a pebble one and is not only beautiful but the beginning of  the  Core Coastal Walk to the Limekilns past Johnshaven. You can take a walk/bike ride to Gourdon (which is accessible); and continue to Johnshaven from Gourdon by walking and you can catch a bus back! X7 and X107
  • There are several shops including an Award winning Butcher , Bannermans, an intriguing and eclectic shop known as Touchwood, several Hostelries and a small Scotmid supermarket. There are places for light snacks too.





Arbuthnott

  • After the Bridge at Inverbervie you can take a short detour to The Grassic Gibbon Centre. It has a lovely little museum and café.
  • The famous Author, Grassic Gibbon lived here in Arbuthnott. His book Sunset Song is the book studied by most Scottish students and is now a movie.
  • St Ternan’s Church. ( 1242 AD). Still used for public worship.
  • Interesting tombstones from 1600s, including that of Grassic Gibbon.


Catterline

  • The curved bay of Catterline is said to be the landing point of St Ninian in 400 on his mission to convert The Picts.
  • It is seen as a line of attractive, original cottages. The harbour is well sheltered and visited by seals.
  • The Creel Inn is a very popular restaurant and serves excellent local and coastal food.
  •  It is known for its artists, namely the famous  Joan Eardly, Anne Soper, Angus Neil and Lil Neilson. They were drawn by the atmosphere and the light of this different village.


Kinneff

  • Kinneff Old Kirk has very famous connections with the history of Dunnottar Castle. The Honours of Scotland, (The Crown, Sceptre and  Sword of State);  were moved to Dunnottar Castle for safety when Oliver Cromwell…..?
  • It protected the Honours of Scotland in difficult times when Oliver Cromwell lay siege to Dunnottar Castle after the Beheading of Charles 1st in 1649.
  • The stories of how they were smuggled out of Dunnottar Castle and hidden in the Kirk are fascinating. See kinneffoldchurch.co.uk




Crawton (Fowlsheugh Bird Sanctuary)

  • Fowlsheugh meaning Bird Cliff
  • In the months from May to July these magnificent cliffs become energised by the swirling mass of well over 100,000 seabirds; kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars and some puffins.
  • At the end of the 2 mile cliff walk, past the lookout you can see the puffin burrows. Look carefully for this cheeky little bird. The sights, sounds and smells are extremely memory making.
  • Watch for the fountains of black crows as they try to steal eggs!
  • At the end of the walk, if you look down you will likely see seals basking on the rocks.
  • It’s not just the puffins that make this walk a treasured memory it is magnificent.
  • See visitabdn.com, RSPB.org





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