Slains Castle Walk
This walk takes you to Slains Castle on Aberdeenshire’s coastline.
You can start your walk from the public car park off the A975 near Cruden Bay. Head east to the coast and you can pick up the Buchan Coastal Footpath. Follow the trail south along the cliff tops and it will take you to Slains Castle (or New Slains Castle to distinguish it from the nearby Old Slains Castle).
Here you can explore the ruins while enjoying some splendid coastal views.
To continue your walking in the area head north along the coast to visit the wonderful rock formations at the Bullers Of Buchan. The nearby village of Cruden Bay also offers further exploration, with its sandy beach and golf course.
Slains Castle Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Slains Castle Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Slains Castle OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Slains Castle Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Slains Castle. The castle was originally built in the 16th century and expanded over the years, with significant remodelling carried out in the 1830s in the Scots Baronial style. It was the seat of the Earls of Erroll until it fell into ruin in the 20th century. The castle is also linked to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, with many claiming it inspired the author's vision for Count Dracula’s castle. Although the castle itself did not directly influence the plot of Dracula, Stoker’s visits to Cruden Bay during the 1890s are believed to have shaped his descriptions of the eerie, cliff-side fortress in the novel.
Cliffs South of Slains Castle. The walk takes you along dramatic coastal cliffs, providing expansive views over the North Sea. As you approach the castle, you will see the jagged coastline dotted with wildflowers and grasses, and you may also spot seabirds such as puffins, gulls, and kittiwakes. The Buchan Coastal Footpath is known for its rugged terrain, which includes rocky outcrops, sea caves, and natural arches. The area is also home to marine life, including seals and occasionally dolphins in the waters below.
Slains Castle
Coastal rocks