Newburgh: Coast, Wildlife and History

Newburgh brings the River Ythan together with a coastal landscape of beach, sand dunes and changing wildlife habitats. Newburgh Beach lies at the mouth of the River Ythan; a coastal path runs there, and the beach offers wide views across the estuary.

Beach, Estuary and Wildlife

The Ythan Estuary beside Newburgh Beach is an important habitat for diverse wildlife. There are opportunities to watch wildlife along the estuary and coast. The area around Newburgh is associated with a grey seal colony that regularly reaches more than 3,500 animals in winter. Seals should be watched from Newburgh; do not approach Forvie Spit.

From Newburgh Inn, it takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the best seal-watching spot. The route includes an accessible boardwalk suitable for all abilities. Conditions and facilities may change seasonally, so check the latest information before your visit.

The nearest bus service to Forvie National Nature Reserve is the Stagecoach Bluebird X63. If you plan to use this service, check the timetable before travelling.

Walking Routes with Different Destinations

A walking map for Newburgh shows four routes around the village. One signposted walk starts at Newburgh Village Hall, leads to a viewpoint on the River Ythan, then continues through the dunes to the beach. Another route follows the River Ythan from Newburgh Town Hall towards Knockhall. From the nature reserve car park, another signposted route leads through the dunes towards Collieston and then back to Newburgh. The destinations described offer different highlights: the river and viewpoint, the direction of Knockhall, or a route through the dunes that returns to Newburgh.

Knockhall Castle is also nearby and can be reached from Newburgh via a designated walking route. The listed monument comprises the remains of a 16th-century tower house with additions from the late 17th century. The medieval monument site of Forvie Church and deserted village is also nearby.

Local History and Historic Sites

Newburgh developed into a centre for salmon fishing. In 1828, it became the first port in Scotland with a lifeboat station, then called a Shipwreck Institution. The Newburgh Lifeboat Station building remained in use as a lifeboat station until it closed in 1961 and is now unused.

Holyrood Chapel also tells the story of the village: it was originally built as a school in 1838, and its clock tower was added in 1892. The Udny Family Mausoleum can also still be seen in Holyrood Cemetery. These sites add local architectural and maritime history to the coastal and nature themes.

More Activities

Newburgh-on-Ythan Golf Club was founded in 1888 as a 9-hole course. The course was expanded to 18 holes in 1994; today, the club has an 18-hole course. Paddleboarding is also among the outdoor activities along the coast around Newburgh. Availability may vary depending on conditions and provider.

Discover more destinations: Turriff, Ballater, Aberdeen, Marykirk, Whitehills, Kirkton Of Skene, Tarland, Milltimber.

For the main travel overview: Aberdeenshire.