
Longhaven Cliffs Nature Reserve
Dramatic coastal cliffs near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, teeming with birdlife and offering breathtaking sea views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird nesting season

Longhaven Cliffs Nature Reserve
Best Time
Peak bird nesting season

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic coastal cliffs near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, teeming with birdlife and offering breathtaking sea views.
"Stunning cliffs bursting with wildlife, the views are what people travel abroad to see!"

👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Paths can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear good walking shoes to navigate safely.
🔭 Bring Binoculars!
Essential for spotting the diverse birdlife and their nesting sites on the cliffs.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 59 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dramatic Cliff Faces
Coastal paths
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the North Sea from towering, rugged cliffs.

Abundant Birdlife
Cliff ledges
Witness a variety of seabirds, including nesting species, in their natural habitat.

Scenic Coastal Walks
A90 access road
Enjoy well-maintained trails offering stunning vistas, connecting to nearby villages.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Mind the Cliffs and Weather
Wildlife Spotting Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Paths can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear good walking shoes to navigate safely.
🔭 Bring Binoculars!
Essential for spotting the diverse birdlife and their nesting sites on the cliffs.
🌬️ Beware of Wind Gusts
Sudden strong winds can catch you off guard near the cliff edges. Stay alert.
🚗 Small Car Park
The car park is small and located right off the A90. Arrive early for a spot.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Paths can be slippery, especially after rain. Wear good walking shoes to navigate safely.
🔭 Bring Binoculars!
Essential for spotting the diverse birdlife and their nesting sites on the cliffs.
🌬️ Beware of Wind Gusts
Sudden strong winds can catch you off guard near the cliff edges. Stay alert.
🚗 Small Car Park
The car park is small and located right off the A90. Arrive early for a spot.
🚶♀️ Connect to Villages
Walk to Boddam or Cruden Bay for a longer exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning, dramatic cliffs and the abundance of wildlife, particularly seabirds, calling it a hidden gem right on their doorstep. The scenic walks are a major draw, offering views comparable to more famous coastal destinations. However, the slippery and potentially dangerous nature of the cliff paths, especially in windy or wet conditions, is a recurring concern, requiring significant caution.
"Stunning cliffs bursting with wildlife, even when we went in January! Cannot recommend enough seeing the beauty that's right on our doorstep here in Aberdeenshire. The views at Longhaven are the sort people travel to Cornwall or abroad to see but it's right under our noses! Can't wait to go back in Spring"
Saz
"Stunning views across a number of different cliff faces.
Small car park right off the A90, short well maintained road takes you up to initially a quarry then onto the cliff face.
You can walk into Boddam following the road to the left and Cruden Bay via Bullers & Slains via the road to the right.
It can get slippy underfoot when your walking on the grassy path, take care near the edge as sudden gusts of wind can catch you off guard."
Bearded Cowboy
"Nice hike from the tiny parking lot"
Iris Hunink
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is easily accessible via a small car park located directly off the A90. A short, well-maintained road leads from the car park to the cliff face. It's situated near Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Yes, there is a small car park right off the A90. It can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak times.
While specific public transport routes directly to the reserve are limited, you can likely reach nearby Peterhead or Boddam by bus and then arrange local transport or a longer walk. Check local bus schedules for Aberdeenshire.
From the small car park, a short road leads you to the quarry area, and then onto the cliff face. Follow the marked paths carefully.
The main access road to the cliffs is suitable for cycling, but the cliff paths themselves are best explored on foot due to their uneven terrain and potential slipperiness.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Longhaven Cliffs Nature Reserve is generally free to enter. It's a natural reserve managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, and access is open to the public.
As a natural reserve, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, but daylight hours are recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee to explore Longhaven Cliffs Nature Reserve. Enjoy the natural beauty for free!
Yes, you can visit Longhaven Cliffs year-round. The cliffs are stunning even in winter, though you must be extra cautious of slippery conditions.
While official guided tours may not be regularly scheduled, local wildlife enthusiasts or the Scottish Wildlife Trust might occasionally offer events. Check their website for updates.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The reserve is renowned for its rich birdlife, including various seabirds nesting on the cliffs. You might see different species and their eggs during the nesting season.
The trails are generally well-maintained but can be slippery underfoot, especially near the edge. Caution is advised, and sturdy footwear is essential.
While beautiful, the cliffs can be dangerous. It's recommended that children are closely supervised and kept away from the cliff edges due to the risk of slipping and strong winds.
Facilities are minimal, focusing on the natural experience. There's a small car park, but no visitor center, restrooms, or cafes directly at the reserve.
Bring binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera to capture the stunning scenery, sturdy walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire cliff edge offers dramatic perspectives. Look for interesting rock formations and seabird activity. Drone footage can capture the scale of the cliffs.
Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check current aviation rules and local guidelines before flying a drone in nature reserves.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the cliffs.
Yes, with patience and binoculars or a telephoto lens, you can photograph the diverse birdlife. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views, while a telephoto lens is useful for wildlife photography. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.







Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit