Muchalls Beach

Muchalls is a former fishing village just off the A90 a short drive south from Aberdeen.  Today many of the houses there are owned by commuters to Aberdeen.  

The small shingle and rock beach has some sandy areas at low tide.  What makes this place special are the many stunning rock formations to be found flanking the beach, including some excellent examples of sea stacks, arches and caves.  One of these caves, visible only at low tide, is reputedly the former haunt of local smugglers.  

From the beach there are fine views over the bay, known locally as Grim Haven.  

The area offers some good cliff-top walks, with spectacular coastal scenery.  Fowlsheugh Reserve is a seabird cliff colony run by the RSPB Scotland, offering birding enthusiasts a chance to spot puffins and fulmars as well as guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes. Grey seals, dolphins and even the occasional minke whale might occasionally be seen out at sea. 

A bar and a restaurant can be found in the village.