Monifieth: Beach, Paths and Local History

Monifieth Beach is a wide sandy beach on the north shore of the Firth of Tay. Monifieth’s coast, paths and local history offer different ways to shape your stay.

Beach and Protected Bay

From Monifieth Beach, there are expansive views of the Fife coast and Tentsmuir Forest. The beach is a notable landmark for anyone wishing to discover Monifieth through its coastal landscape.

Monifieth Bay is also significant: the bay is designated as an SSSI, and its tidal habitat is of international importance. Monifieth Bay SSSI is part of the Firth of Tay and Eden Estuary Special Protection Area. A tidal habitat is a coastal area shaped by the ebb and flow of the tides. This means the bay can be understood not only as part of the coastal landscape, but also in terms of its habitat.

Cycling, Walking and Getting There

A combined cycling and walking path between Dundee and Arbroath passes Monifieth Beach. If you plan to use this path, check the current conditions locally. The A92 cycle route is a separate cycle path alongside the main road. This gives you different types of routes to choose from: a shared path between two towns and a dedicated cycle path alongside a main road.

The Dighty Walk follows the Dighty Burn to the Balmossie/Seven Arches Viaduct. It offers a walk of about half a mile through attractive grassland and young woodland. Its approximate length makes it a different option to plan for than the path between Dundee and Arbroath; the landscape and destination are also clearly specified.

To get there, the A930 runs from Dundee through Monifieth; the beach car park is south of this road. Check local parking regulations before you travel.

Local History and the Heritage Trail

The Monifieth Heritage Trail starts at the Angus Council Access Office. One stop on the trail is the former Royal Hotel, originally an inn for coach travellers. A metal hook on its gable is a relic of the Monifieth Tramway Service, which ran from 1905 to 1931. The site thus brings together two distinct historical themes: the former coach traffic and the Tramway Service.

Monifieth Parish Church is also part of the town’s history. Since 1929, it has been known as St Rules. Five sculpted Pictish stones, discovered during the demolition and restoration of the church, are now held at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Monifieth’s connection to the stones lies in where they were found; their current location is Edinburgh.

Another historical link leads to golf: golf was being played on the Monifieth Links more than 400 years ago. Along with the Heritage Trail, the church and the Pictish stones, this offers a distinct way to explore the town’s history, separate from its coastal and path-related attractions.

Monifieth as a Destination for Your Stay

When searching for hotels in Monifieth, you can first decide what you would like to focus on during your trip: coastal scenery, cycling or walking paths, or local history. The places described offer clearly different experiences—from views across Fife and Tentsmuir Forest to the short Dighty Walk and the historic stops on the Heritage Trail.

Discover more destinations: Kirkton Of Glenisla, Carnoustie, Blairgowrie, Kirriemuir, Arbroath, Glamis, Dykehead, Tealing

For the wider travel overview: Angus.