
Usan Cliffs and Coves
Dramatic red cliffs, hidden coves, and stunning coastal walks offering breathtaking views of the North Sea.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Explore caves & coves

Usan Cliffs and Coves
Best Time
Explore caves & coves

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic red cliffs, hidden coves, and stunning coastal walks offering breathtaking views of the North Sea.
"The view is so dramatic it made me wonder if nature hired a Hollywood director."

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Gravel paths can be uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for comfort and safety on the cliffs. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun. Layers are key for a comfortable cliff-top experience. :cloudrain: :sunwith_face:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dramatic Red Rock Arches
Along the cliff edge
Marvel at the natural red rock formations, including stunning arches carved by the sea over centuries.

Hidden Coves and Caves
At the base of the cliffs
Discover secluded coves with clear blue waters and rocky beaches, perfect for exploration at low tide.

Spectacular Cliff Walks
Coastal paths
Enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the North Sea on well-maintained gravel paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Elements
Tide Times are Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Gravel paths can be uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for comfort and safety on the cliffs. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun. Layers are key for a comfortable cliff-top experience. :cloudrain: :sunwith_face:
⏰ Check Tide Times
Low tide is best for exploring caves and coves. Plan your visit accordingly for maximum discovery. :clock1:
📸 Phone Wallpaper Views
The dramatic scenery is perfect for photos. Expect stunning backdrops for your social media. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Gravel paths can be uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for comfort and safety on the cliffs. :athletic_shoe:
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Be prepared for wind, rain, and sun. Layers are key for a comfortable cliff-top experience. :cloudrain: :sunwith_face:
⏰ Check Tide Times
Low tide is best for exploring caves and coves. Plan your visit accordingly for maximum discovery. :clock1:
📸 Phone Wallpaper Views
The dramatic scenery is perfect for photos. Expect stunning backdrops for your social media. :camerawithflash:
🐬 Dolphin Spotting
Keep an eye out for dolphins and other marine life from the cliff tops. :dolphin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the magnificent cliff walks and dramatic red rock formations at Usan Cliffs and Coves, often describing the views as spectacular and worth the visit. The free parking and on-site amenities like toilets and a food trailer are appreciated. Some note the unpredictable weather and the need for sturdy footwear.
"Beautiful cliff walking place in Arbroath, parking is spacious and free parking, nice and clean toilet and other side is a lovely food trailer, guess it mother and daughter running, nice and reasonable price for items like burger, ice cream, loved there home made soup of the day: it was Cullen skink.
Nice path for walking, little to surprise most of the path was gravelled which is nice if it is raining as well.
Cliffs is magnificent, with natural red rock arch, carved caves, water is blue clear, rocky beach with polished stones simply amazing."
Kamms Sin
"Stunning cliff walk with loads of necks and crannies to explore, keep an eye out for kayakers cliff jumpers and dolphins.
Highly recommend and if you're feeling up to it you can walk all the way to Auchmithie and back."
Danny Flydays
"Stunning views, lovely walk along cliff edge. Suitable for all easy to access. Lots of Free parking."
K Thomson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Usan Cliffs and Coves are located near Arbroath. The area offers spacious and free parking, making it easily accessible by car. Follow local signage from Arbroath to reach the designated parking areas.
While direct public transport to the immediate cliff area might be limited, Arbroath is well-connected by bus and train. From Arbroath town center, you can consider a taxi or a longer walk to reach the cliffs.
The most popular way to explore is by walking the coastal paths. These paths are mostly gravel, making them suitable for walking even in damp conditions.
Yes, the cliffs are near Arbroath, a historic town with amenities. You can also walk to the charming village of Auchmithie from the cliffs.
The cliffs are well-signposted from Arbroath, and the free parking area is a good starting point. The dramatic landscape is hard to miss once you're in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Usan Cliffs and Coves. The area is freely accessible to the public.
Usan Cliffs and Coves are open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and the best views.
Yes, there is ample and free parking available at the Usan Cliffs site, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The site offers nice and clean toilet facilities. There's also a food trailer often present, offering items like burgers and ice cream at reasonable prices.
There are no official tours to book for Usan Cliffs. It's a natural attraction best explored independently.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy spectacular cliff walks, explore natural red rock arches and carved caves, discover hidden coves, and admire the clear blue waters. It's also a great spot for photography and wildlife spotting.
The paths are mostly gravel and can be uneven. While children can enjoy the views, close supervision is essential due to the cliff edges. The beach areas are rocky.
Visitors often report seeing dolphins from the cliffs. You might also spot various seabirds.
Wear sturdy walking shoes or boots, and dress in layers. Waterproofs are highly recommended as the weather can change quickly.
While there are coves with clear water, swimming is at your own risk due to the rocky terrain and potentially strong currents. It's more suited for exploration than swimming.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is often a food trailer on-site offering items like burgers, ice cream, and homemade soup, with reasonable prices.
The food trailer typically serves popular items like burgers and ice cream. They are also known for their delicious homemade soup of the day, such as Cullen Skink.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great option. There are scenic spots along the cliff paths where you can enjoy your meal with a view.
Arbroath offers a range of dining options, from traditional pubs to seafood restaurants. It's a good place to visit for a more extensive meal after your cliff exploration.
The food trailer usually sells drinks like soft drinks and water. It's advisable to bring your own water bottle, especially if you plan a longer walk.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire coastline offers stunning photographic opportunities. Focus on the dramatic red rock arches, carved caves, and the contrast of the blue water against the cliffs.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, provides beautiful lighting. Overcast days can also create dramatic, moody shots of the cliffs.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the sea and sky.
Look for the natural arches, the textures of the red rock, the patterns of the waves crashing against the shore, and any wildlife like seabirds or dolphins.
Include a person or a recognizable object in your frame to give a sense of scale to the dramatic cliffs and rock formations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Coastal Paths
These walks are not just about the scenery; they are also opportunities for wildlife spotting. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the water below or various seabirds soaring overhead. The dramatic landscape has even been described as having a 'Hollywood director's' touch, promising views that are truly unforgettable and perfect for upgrading your phone's wallpaper collection.
For those seeking a more adventurous exploration, the coves and sea caves are best accessed at low tide. This allows you to get up close to the natural red rock arches and carved formations, revealing the raw beauty of the coastline. The rocky beaches are scattered with polished stones, adding to the natural charm of the area.
Geological Wonders: Arches and Coves
At low tide, these hidden coves and sea caves become accessible, inviting exploration. Visitors can wander through these natural formations, discovering the textures and patterns etched into the rock. The rocky beaches within these coves are often covered in polished stones, perfect for a bit of beachcombing. The dramatic cliffs and their formations have been a source of inspiration, with their wild beauty often compared to more remote, untouched coastlines.
Local Amenities and Food
A popular feature is the food trailer often present at the site, run by a mother-daughter duo. They offer a selection of reasonably priced items, including burgers, ice cream, and a highly recommended homemade soup of the day, such as Cullen Skink. This provides a convenient option for a quick bite or a warm meal while enjoying the coastal views. For a wider range of dining experiences, the nearby town of Arbroath offers various restaurants and cafes.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit