We are the Inverurie Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Maureen C.
From the St Combs Community Hall parking area we turn right down Church Street. Just before the cemetery, we turn right along a grassy track which heads downhill to join another track, then continues straight ahead behind the dunes with access to the beach. Unless there is a very high tide, we head onto the sand and continue walking south.
A gap in the dunes is reached where the outflow from the Loch of Strathbeg reaches the sea. Here we head inland around the edge of the lagoon - a great habitat for wading birds.
We continue crossing a footbridge over a drainage canal and then another larger bridge, across the main outflow of the Loch of Strathbeg. On the far side we turn left back downstream towards the beach. When the flat grassy area is reached we bear right (south), following the bottom of the sandy bank.
We follow faint grassy tracks, sometimes a little wet underfoot, for almost a kilometre until it is possible to cross the ground towards the dunes safely. A faint sandy vehicle track then eases the passage over the dunes and back down onto the beach. We now continue along the beach. The lighthouse at Rattray Head goes out of sight around a corner and three kilometres pass below the dunes before the corner is rounded and the lighthouse is seen again.
When almost level with the lighthouse there is a gap in the dunes on the right where a sandy route heads inland. This becomes a track and passes the former lightkeepers cottages. The walk continues along the track to Rattray cemetery where some cars will have been left. We will then return to St. Combs to pick up the remaining cars.
This walk is on beaches, dunes and rough grassland with uneven surfaces. Although graded leisurely the walking can be challenging at times because of the terrain.
This description may change after further reconnaissance.
Booking is essential. Please contact the walk leader Maureen using the contact details provided to book, or if you have any questions, by the Thursday evening prior to the walk. Please phone or text. If you leave a message please remember to leave your name and contact telephone number. Confirmation of your booking is required for attendance. It is essential for the walk leader to know who is coming on the walk and to be able to contact people should there be any changes. Please remember to contact the walk leader if you are no longer able to attend.
Good walking boots, and warm waterproofs essential. Bring food and drink. Walking poles if required.
Parking - Rattray Cemetery car Park / St. Combs Community Hall car park.
Toilets - There are no public toilets in St. Combs.
Rattray Cemetery car park
Community Hall car park, Corsekelly Place
Rattray Cemetery car park
