Slains Castle, Twa Havens, Robie's Haven and North Haven Loop

This easy coastal loop near Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, gives you a short but memorable outing of about 6 km / 3.7 miles with almost no sustained climbing, though there are a few gentle undulations on the cliff path. The route is best thought of as a scenic circuit linking the village edge, the dramatic ruins of New Slains Castle, and a string of rocky inlets and havens along the North Sea coast, including Twa Havens, Robie’s Haven, and North Haven. Although the total elevation gain is modest, the terrain can still feel exposed because much of the walk follows open clifftops above the sea. The usual start point is Main Street Car Park, Cruden Bay, near the old church on Main Street, Cruden Bay AB42 0NA, which is the most practical landmark for walkers arriving by car or bus. (aberdeenshire.gov.uk)

From the village, the route typically heads out on paths near the burn and coastal edge before curving toward Slains Castle. Expect a mix of village path, grassy coastal trail, and rougher cliffside sections. Even on an easy-rated walk, the footing can be uneven, muddy after rain, and close to unprotected drops in places, so sturdy shoes are still the right choice. The outward stretch to the castle is roughly 1.5 to 2 km / 0.9 to 1.2 miles, and from there the loop continues along the coast past the small havens before turning back inland or village-ward depending on the exact line taken. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

What the route feels like

The first part of the walk is gentler and more sheltered, with the burn, low vegetation, and village fringe softening the landscape. As you move out toward the headland, the scenery opens quickly into a much wilder coastal setting. Red granite outcrops, rough grass, sea cliffs, and constant views over the North Sea define the character of the route. Because the elevation gain is only around 0 m to very little overall / roughly 0 to 100 ft of cumulative ups and downs, this is a good option for walkers who want big scenery without a strenuous ascent. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The havens along this stretch are small indentations in the coastline rather than broad sandy bays, and they add variety to what might otherwise be a straightforward castle walk. Twa Havens, Robie’s Haven, and North Haven break up the clifftop section with rocky coves, sea-cut features, and changing angles back toward the castle and village. On a calm day the sea can look deceptively gentle here; in windier weather the surf and spray make the coastline feel much more dramatic.

Landmarks and historical interest

The dominant landmark is New Slains Castle, the large ruined mansion standing on the cliffs east of Cruden Bay. The building was begun in the late 16th century as the replacement for Old Slains Castle and was later expanded, creating the sprawling ruin seen today. It is one of the most atmospheric historic sites on this part of the Aberdeenshire coast, and its position above the sea is a major reason the walk feels so distinctive. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

The castle is also strongly associated with Bram Stoker. Cruden Bay was one of his holiday destinations, and Slains Castle is widely linked with the visual inspiration for parts of Dracula. While scholars are careful not to overstate the connection, the association is well established in local interpretation and walking literature, and it adds a gothic edge to the visit that many hikers enjoy. (walkhighlands.co.uk)

Cruden Bay itself has older layers of history as well. Local tradition connects the area with a medieval Scottish victory over the Danes, though historians generally treat that story cautiously because the evidence is late and uncertain. Even so, the village and surrounding coast have long been shaped by fishing, farming, and maritime life, and that sense of an old working coastline still comes through in the place names and the pattern of small havens cut into the shore. (en.wikipedia.org)

Nature and wildlife

This coastline is one to walk slowly. Seabirds are one of the main highlights, especially around the cliffs and rocky ledges, where you may see gulls, fulmars, and other coastal species riding the wind.