Walks by Tracy

Portsoy and Sandend circular

Tracy undertakes lovely walks all over our beautiful country and we are delighted she has agreed to provide Lifestyle readers with the inside knowledge that she has gleaned from her many adventures. I hope you enjoy Tracy’s walks? Please do let us know and send us some photos. Follow Tracy goes outside on Facebook (www.facebook.com/tracygoesoutside)

This beautiful walk takes in the old harbour that dates back to 1693 that has been recently used for a film set for Peaky Blinders and Whisky Galore. You will explore the coastal path that runs along past the cliffs between Portsoy and Sandend with many paths that branch off to do your own exploring before arriving at the stunning Sandend beach and

Distance: 5 miles Time: 2hrs Level: Easy with some elevation Terrain: Tarred road, pavements, coast trail paths and beach. Access: Arrive by car, there is plenty of parking available in The Square, Portsoy AB45 2NX. The No35 service bus runs between Elgin and Aberdeen and drops off on Seafield Street only a short walk along South High Street to the start of the walk. returning along a quiet country lane with coastal views.

Route: At the square head down North High Street past the Boyne Hotel till you come to the Old Harbour. This is a great chance to have a look round with some fabulous photo opportunities. Head over to the left of the harbour where you will find the stunning bottlenose dolphin statue that was made by local artist Carn Stading. Next to the statue you will find the ruined remains of a cottage that has a lovely view out the window. To the left of the ruin there is a narrow path where you can skirt round the wee hill or go up the top to get a great view of Portsoy. Carry on down the narrow path which will take you to a small yard, follow the

path up towards the houses to where you will find a waymarker post for the coastal trail. The path will skirt past the houses till you finally leave Portsoy and into the countryside. Not long after you leave the town, Portsoy Lido the disused outdoor pool will come into view. The Lido was opened in 1936 and was in use until it was closed in 2001. Just after the Lido there is a short stretch on a narrow country lane so be careful of cars here.

The very well-marked path carries on along the coastline with plenty of paths off to the side if you are keen to look for seabirds along the coast line. You will reach Redhythe Point where there are remains of a building which would have been part of the WW2 rifle range that was once here. After the Redhythe Point the coastal path winds along the edge of the cliffs, you can choose to stick to the main path or explore the narrower paths closer to the shoreline. You will come to a grassy track with heather at each side on the left. In the not too far distance, you will see a vehicle barrier (that is your return route). Turn right to pass the bay with the ruined house.

Once past the small bay you will come to a gate, go through it and down the steep path and on to the steps to Sandend beach. At the end of the beach you will find a WW2 pillbox along with other remains from WW2 which can be found in several coastal areas around Aberdeenshire and Moray.

You could stop for a picnic here and walk along to the beautiful sandy beach or even explore Sandend more before returning back up the steps and the steep path and through the gate. Once past the small bay head to the right towards the vehicle barrier. Once past the barrier head straight on past a big house on your right. the coast and Portsoy as you are walking back. Once you arrive in Portsoy you will go along the street named Park Crescent which then goes on Cullen Street before leading you straight back to the square where you began. There are some lovely wee shops and cafes in Portsoy if you have plenty of time they are worth a look!