St Cyrus Beach
Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead around the nature reserve
St. Cyrus Beach presents one of Scotland's most spectacular natural theaters, where a three-mile stretch of golden sand meets towering red sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically from the North Sea. This National Nature Reserve protects some of Britain's rarest coastal plants and butterflies, creating a unique ecosystem where arctic and Mediterranean species coexist in unlikely harmony. The beach itself offers excellent swimming and surfing conditions, while the surrounding cliffs provide nesting sites for fulmars, guillemots, and kittiwakes. Visitors can explore the Victorian salmon fishing station ruins at the beach's northern end, or take the challenging cliff-top walk that rewards hikers with breathtaking views across the Montrose Basin. The beach's relative remoteness means it rarely feels crowded, even during peak summer months, making it a perfect escape for those seeking wild Scotland at its most pristine.