ARBROATH CLIFFS WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
On the Edge: A Geologist-Led Walk Along Arbroath’s Cliffs
A guided geology walk along the Arbroath cliffs that explains millions of years of coastal geology and local human history, led by Stories of Stone.
On the Edge: A Geologist-Led Walk Along Arbroath’s Cliffs.
The Arbroath Cliff Top Walk traces a dramatic stretch of Angus coastline with an expert local geologist from Stories of Stone, moving from the base of the cliffs at Whiting Ness up onto the cliff-top path and out to Carlingheugh Bay while unpacking the geological and human stories written into the rocks.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Breathtaking cliff-top panoramas and sea-eroded formations
Walkers encounter dramatic cliff faces, sea-eroded features and a sequence of rocks that tell a time-travel story spanning millions of years, all visible along the cliff-top path.
Led by a local geologist with two decades of experience
Stories of Stone’s local guide brings more than 20 years of geological experience and connects the bedrock story to human history in the area, from Neolithic traces up through the medieval prominence of Arbroath Abbey.
Whiting Ness to Carlingheugh Bay — simple but revealing
The route begins at the base of the cliffs at Whiting Ness, ascends to the cliff top and follows the path to Carlingheugh Bay where the group pauses for tea and to inspect local pebbles before returning to the car park.
What the day feels like
What the walk feels like
The walk unfolds as a guided amble along the cliff-top path: a close look at features at the cliff base, an ascent to the top, interpretive stops at key geological and historical points and a relaxed halfway pause at Carlingheugh Bay to inspect pebbles and regroup before returning to the start.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided experience is scheduled as a three-hour geology walk along the cliffs.
Meet at King’s Drive, Arbroath DD11 5ED — the base of the Arbroath cliffs in the car park near the toilet blocks; use the car-park toilets before setting off as there are no toilets along the walk.
Bring decent walking footwear and dress for the weather: jackets, hat, scarf and gloves for cold conditions; hat, sunscreen and a filled water bottle for warm weather. Do not bring an umbrella—the cliffs are too windy for one.
The operator runs the walk in all weathers; dress appropriately for wind and changeable coastal conditions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Arbroath Cliff Top Walk?
The guided walk is scheduled to last three hours.
Where do we meet the guide?
Meet at King’s Drive, Arbroath DD11 5ED — at the base of the cliffs in the car park near the toilet blocks.
Are there toilets on the route?
Use the toilets at the base of the cliffs before the walk; there are no toilets along the walk.
What should I bring and wear?
Bring decent walking footwear and dress for the weather: warm layers, hat and gloves in cold weather; hat, sunscreen and a filled water bottle in warm weather. Avoid bringing an umbrella due to high cliff-top winds.
Is the walk suitable for children and less-fit participants?
Walkers must be fit enough to walk for three hours; the content is mostly suited to adults and children aged 12 and over.