Lunan Bay
Lunan Bay is often voted as one of the best beaches in Scotland, featuring a massive stretch of golden sand and dramatic crumbling castle ruins. It is located near Montrose, Angus, and uses the postcode DD11 5ST.
What to Expect and Enjoy
The beach is spectacular, backed by huge sand dunes and divided by the Lunan Water stream. On the cliffs overlooking the bay sits the ruins of Red Castle, a 12th-century fortress that adds a real sense of drama to the landscape. It is a fantastic place for a long, breezy walk, beachcombing for agates (which are often found here), or just letting the kids and dogs run wild on the sand. The water is popular with surfers and kite-flyers when the wind is up. It’s a wild, natural beach that feels very remote and beautiful.
Best For and Time Spent
This is an ultimate spot for families, dog walkers, photographers, and surfers. It’s a great place to spend a whole morning or afternoon.
- Duration: Most people spend at least two hours here, though on a sunny day, you could easily stay for much longer with a picnic.
Helpful Tips for Your Visit
- Parking: There is a car park near the beach entrance. It can get very busy on sunny weekends, so arrive early.
- Food & Drink: A popular local diner near the car park serves great coffee, cakes, and hot meals, perfect for warming up after a walk on the sand.
- Safety: The ruins of Red Castle are very fragile and can be dangerous, so it is best to admire them from the beach rather than trying to climb the cliffs.
Nearby and Combine-able Hits
The bay is a short drive from both Arbroath (home to the Abbey) and Montrose. It’s a perfect outdoor stop to combine with the more “indoor” historical sites in the nearby towns.