
RSPB Fowlsheugh Crawton
Dramatic cliffs teeming with seabirds, including puffins, and a unique waterfall cascading into the sea.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for puffins & parking

RSPB Fowlsheugh Crawton
Best Time
Best for puffins & parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic cliffs teeming with seabirds, including puffins, and a unique waterfall cascading into the sea.
"A bird watcher's paradise with stunning coastal views and the chance to see puffins!"

🎯 Limited Parking Alert
Only 12 spaces available. Arrive early or be patient, cars leave regularly. :car:
🦤 Puffin Spotting Tips
Visit April-July for puffins. They can be elusive, so patience is key! :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Puffin Paradise
Clifftops
Spot adorable puffins, guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes during breeding season. A true delight for birdwatchers!

Crawton Waterfall
Coastal cliff face
Witness a unique waterfall cascading directly into the North Sea. Best after rainfall for a more dramatic display.

Dramatic Coastal Cliffs
Along the coastline
Experience breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the vast North Sea from high vantage points.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Puffins
Cliff Safety First
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Limited Parking Alert
Only 12 spaces available. Arrive early or be patient, cars leave regularly. :car:
🦤 Puffin Spotting Tips
Visit April-July for puffins. They can be elusive, so patience is key! :camerawithflash:
⚠️ Cliff Safety
Stay on paths and keep a safe distance from the edge, especially with kids. :child:
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk
Enjoy stunning views and birdlife on easy-to-moderate clifftop walks. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Limited Parking Alert
Only 12 spaces available. Arrive early or be patient, cars leave regularly. :car:
🦤 Puffin Spotting Tips
Visit April-July for puffins. They can be elusive, so patience is key! :camerawithflash:
⚠️ Cliff Safety
Stay on paths and keep a safe distance from the edge, especially with kids. :child:
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk
Enjoy stunning views and birdlife on easy-to-moderate clifftop walks. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for incredible coastal scenery and abundant wildlife shots. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning coastal scenery and the incredible abundance of seabirds at RSPB Fowlsheugh, calling it a birdwatcher's paradise. The chance to see puffins and the unique waterfall are major highlights. However, the very limited parking and the inherent dangers of the high cliffs are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"It is a beautiful location with numerous cliffs and abundant wildlife. We were fortunate enough to observe hares, birds, and other creatures. However, the cliffs can be hazardous, so please exercise caution and maintain a safe distance."
Nikitha Mariam Koshy
"Fantastic views all around and thousands of sea birds. Nice easy walks, just be careful especially if you have kids with you as the cliffs are very high. We went looking for puffins and managed to spot the one only in a mass of other birds😂. A bird watches paradise for sure!
The parking is very limited with only about 12 spaces but cars arrive and leave pretty regularly so be patient and you will get a space."
Del Homar
"Great place to visit. Beautiful cliffs, perfect for birds watchers. Also very often puffins can be seen. We missed them though."
Sandi Keber
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
RSPB Fowlsheugh is located about 3 miles south of Stonehaven, just off the A92 coastal road. Take the Crawton turning. If traveling by public transport, research bus routes that go near Stonehaven and then consider a taxi or a longer walk to the reserve.
Yes, there is limited parking available, with space for approximately 12 cars. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak season, or be prepared to wait for a space as cars depart regularly. Some visitors have parked on the verge, but this is not encouraged.
Yes, entry to RSPB Fowlsheugh is free, and the reserve is open at all times, making it accessible for spontaneous visits.
While there isn't direct public transport to the reserve itself, you can take a bus to Stonehaven and then it's a walk or short taxi ride to Fowlsheugh. Planning your route in advance is recommended.
From Aberdeen, head south on the A90 and then join the A92 coastal road towards Stonehaven. Look for the sign for Crawton, which will lead you to the RSPB Fowlsheugh reserve.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, RSPB Fowlsheugh is a free nature reserve, so no tickets are required for entry. You can visit anytime.
The reserve is open at all times, offering flexibility for visitors to explore the stunning coastal scenery and wildlife whenever they choose.
There is no admission fee to visit RSPB Fowlsheugh. It's a fantastic free attraction for nature lovers.
Yes, you can visit RSPB Fowlsheugh year-round. However, the cliffs will be much quieter outside of the spring and summer months when the seabirds are breeding.
No booking is required for RSPB Fowlsheugh as it is a free-to-enter nature reserve.
🎫 🦤 Wildlife & Nature
The best time to see puffins and other breeding seabirds like guillemots, razorbills, and kittiwakes is during the spring and summer months, typically from April to July.
You can see a vast array of seabirds, including guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, and if you're lucky, puffins. Over 130,000 breeding seabirds can be present during peak season.
Visitors have reported seeing hares and even pods of dolphins swimming offshore. Keep an eye out for marine life and other local fauna.
Absolutely! RSPB Fowlsheugh is renowned as a birdwatcher's paradise due to the sheer number and variety of seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
Puffins can be elusive and are often seen among the masses of other birds. While sightings are common during the breeding season, patience and a keen eye are recommended.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
The terrain involves clifftop walks which are generally easy to moderate. Be mindful of uneven ground and the proximity to the cliff edge.
Information on specific facilities like restrooms or visitor centers is limited. It's advisable to check the RSPB website or be prepared with your own provisions. The focus is on the natural landscape.
While the views are spectacular, the high cliffs require extreme caution with children. Stick to marked paths and supervise them closely at all times.
The best way to explore is by walking along the clifftop paths, which offer stunning views and opportunities to observe the seabird colonies.
RSPB Fowlsheugh is located a short distance south of Dunnottar Castle. While you can see the castle from the clifftop at Fowlsheugh, it's a separate location and not directly connected by a continuous walking path.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic coastal cliffs, the unique Crawton Waterfall, and the abundant seabird colonies, especially puffins, offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The sea views are also spectacular.
A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing detailed shots of the seabirds. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive coastal landscapes.
Photographing puffins can be challenging due to their small size and tendency to be among other birds. Patience and a good zoom lens are your best friends.
Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted. Always be respectful of the wildlife and other visitors, and avoid disturbing the birds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the spring and summer, the abundance of seabirds, including the chance to spot puffins, can be incredibly engaging for kids. Pack snacks and drinks, as facilities are minimal. The limited parking can also be a challenge, so consider visiting during off-peak hours or being prepared for a short wait.
🐦 Birdwatchers & Wildlife Enthusiasts
Beyond the avian life, the chance to spot dolphins offshore adds an extra layer of excitement. The reserve is a testament to the success of conservation efforts, providing a vital habitat for these species. Plan your visit during peak breeding months for the most vibrant experience.
🚶♀️ Hikers & Coastal Walkers
Combine your walk with a visit to the unique Crawton Waterfall for added visual interest. Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for coastal weather, which can change rapidly. The limited parking means you might need to be flexible with your start time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seabird Spectacle
The star attraction for many is the puffin, with its colorful beak and comical waddle. While sightings are not guaranteed, the period between April and July offers the highest probability of spotting these charismatic birds. Redditors and social media creators often share their excitement upon spotting them, emphasizing the thrill of seeing them in their natural habitat.
Beyond the birds, keep an eye on the sea. Lucky visitors have reported spotting dolphins playing in the waves, adding another layer of wildlife wonder to the Fowlsheugh experience. The sheer density and variety of wildlife make this a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Crawton Waterfall: A Coastal Gem
Finding the waterfall is straightforward. Visitors typically park at the RSPB Fowlsheugh reserve and then follow a path that leads to a vantage point overlooking the falls. The contrast of the freshwater cascade against the salty expanse of the sea is a striking visual.
Photographers and nature lovers alike are drawn to the Crawton Waterfall for its unique setting. It offers a different perspective on the rugged coastline and is a memorable addition to the Fowlsheugh experience, often captured in stunning Instagram reels and TikTok videos.
Navigating the Cliffs Safely
Sticking to designated paths is crucial for safety. The terrain can be uneven, and the sheer drops are significant. Parents with young children must be particularly vigilant, ensuring constant supervision to prevent accidents. Social media content often highlights the beauty but also implicitly underscores the need for awareness of these natural hazards.
While the allure of getting closer for a better view or photograph is understandable, prioritizing safety ensures that your visit to RSPB Fowlsheugh remains a positive and memorable experience. The RSPB emphasizes responsible enjoyment of nature, which includes respecting the environment and its potential dangers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit