Lunan Bay

Looking Along the North Half of Lunan Bay

Lunan Bay is a broad east-facing beach of beautiful 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. Lunan Bay has to be on any list of Scotland's best beaches, alongside the likes of Sandwood Bay, Achmelvich, Sanna and Balnakeil Bay.

Looking South along Lunan Bay Traditional Fishing Nets Horse Rider 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.

Car Park from the Dunes

Viaduct at North End of Lunan Bay

Fishing Net

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 decade or so, and what is left should be approached carefully.

Lunan Bay has become much more accessible in recent years with the building of a car park behind the dunes. This has made it more popular than it used to be, but there's still more than enough beach to go round.

The beach is popular with surfers and horseriders, and traditional 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.

Red Castle Seen Across the Lunan Water