The Wildpack Collective
Catterline Beach
Beach

Catterline Beach

Aberdeenshire

Dog Friendly Rating:8/10A dramatic cliff cove at the village that inspired Joan Eardley's famous paintings, with year-round dog access, a steep path to the beach and an intensely atmospheric character.

Catterline Beach is a small, dramatically situated cove at the clifftop fishing village of Catterline south of Stonehaven, famous for the paintings of the artist Joan Eardley who lived and worked here in the 1950s and 60s. The village perches above the cove on dramatic sandstone cliffs, and the beach is accessed via a steep path. Eardley's studio still stands in the village. The cove has an intensely atmospheric quality that inspired some of the 20th century's finest Scottish painting.

No dog restrictions apply at Catterline Beach. Year-round access. The steep path to the cove requires care, but the setting is extraordinary.

At a Glance

Dog Access
Year Round
Beach Type
Shingle, Rock
Tide Notes
Small dramatic cove. Dramatically affected by North Sea swells in easterly conditions.
Facilities
No beach facilities. The Creel Inn in Catterline (dog friendly). Village car park
Parking
Small village car park at Catterline. Steep path to beach

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Catterline Beach dog friendly?

    Catterline Beach is very dog friendly, with no restrictions in place for dogs at any time. It's a small, dramatic cove tucked beneath sandstone cliffs, and once you're down there the setting is really quite special. The Creel Inn in the village is also dog friendly, so you can round off a visit with a well-earned rest.

  • Are dogs allowed at Catterline Beach year round?

    Yes, dogs are welcome at Catterline Beach throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. This makes it a great option for an off-season escape, when the atmospheric clifftop setting is likely to be at its most dramatic and uncrowded.

  • What should I know before visiting Catterline Beach with my dog?

    The most important thing to be aware of is the access — the beach is reached via a steep path down from the clifftop village, so take care on the descent, particularly in wet conditions. There are no facilities on the beach itself, but there is a small village car park at Catterline and the dog-friendly Creel Inn nearby if you need refreshments.

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Catterline

56.8978, -2.2177

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