Lunan Bay

Red Castle and Lunan Water

Lunan Bay is a broad east-facing beach of reddish sand backed by dunes and framed by low cliffs to the north and south. From its northern end near Boddin Point, about three miles south of Montrose, it stretches for over two miles south to Ethie Haven. For us Lunan Bay has to be on any list of Scotland's best beaches, alongside the likes of Sandwood Bay, Achmelvich, Sanna and Balnakeil Bay.

Beach and Dunes at High Tide Lunan Church The North End of Lunan Bay

Half way down its length, Lunan Bay is interrupted by the curves cut into the beach by the Lunan Water as it escapes into the North Sea. High on a grassy bluff overlooking the river and bay are the ruins of Red Castle. Much of this was built in the 1100s, with a keep added in the 1300s.

Looking South along Lunan Bay

Horse Rider

William the Lion (William I) used the castle while hunting and it stayed in royal hands until given by Robert the Bruce to the Earl of Ross in 1328 (see our Historical Timeline). It suffered from attacks by Covenanters in 1579, 1580 and 1581 and has long been disused. Access to the castle is possible, but parts of the ruin have collapsed within the past ten years and what is left should be approached carefully.

Lunan Bay has become more accessible in recent years with the building of a car park behind the dunes, but there's still plenty of beach to go round. It is popular with surfers and horseriders, and fishing still takes place here, with nets strung from poles on the beach to trap fish in the falling tide.

The bay also has a reputation for being a good source of agates and other gemstones. These are best found in the areas of tiny pebbles spaced amongst the sand, and after storms. But you do need to know what you are looking for: the real thing is heavily outweighed by the large numbers of other pretty stones that catch the eye in the wetness of the retreating waves.

Slightly inland from Lunan Bay is the hamlet of Lunan. A quiet place, this centres on its attractive small church, set close to the narrow bridge taking the minor coast road over the Lunan Water.

Fishing Nets in the Surf, Lunan Bay