St Cyrus Beach
Aberdeenshire
St Cyrus Beach is an exceptional nature reserve beach in Aberdeenshire, set within the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve on the Angus coast at the border with Aberdeenshire. The beach is a wide expanse of sand backed by dramatic red granite cliffs, and the reserve is botanically significant as the northernmost limit for many flowering plants in Scotland. The reserve has outstanding diversity of birds, insects and coastal flora, and the dune system behind the beach is internationally important.
No general dog restrictions on the beach at St Cyrus, though the NNR designation means dogs should be kept under close control to protect nesting birds and rare habitats, particularly in spring and summer. Year-round access with sensible precautions.
At a Glance
- Dog Access
- Year Round
- Dogs should be kept under close control at all times within the NNR to protect ground-nesting birds and rare coastal habitats, particularly April to August.
- Beach Type
- Sand, Dunes
- Tide Notes
- Wide sandy beach at low tide. Exposed North Sea conditions.
- Facilities
- NNR visitor facilities. Car park. Public toilets. Montrose nearby for full amenities
- Parking
- Car park at St Cyrus NNR off A92
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is St Cyrus Beach dog friendly?
St Cyrus Beach scores a solid 8/10 for dog friendliness and has no general dog restrictions in place. It's a wide, sandy beach set within the St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, so dogs are welcome but should be kept under close control to protect the reserve's outstanding wildlife and rare habitats.
Are dogs allowed at St Cyrus Beach year round?
Yes, dogs are welcome at St Cyrus Beach throughout the year. That said, the NNR designation means you'll want to be especially mindful during spring and summer when nesting birds are present, keeping your dog close to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
What should I know before visiting St Cyrus Beach with my dog?
St Cyrus is part of a National Nature Reserve with exceptional biodiversity — rare coastal flora, nesting birds and an internationally important dune system — so keeping your dog under close control is really important here, particularly in spring and summer. There's a car park off the A92 at St Cyrus NNR and public toilets on site, and the town of Montrose is nearby if you need fuller amenities after your walk.
What’s Nearby?
Beach4.9 mi awayMontrose Beach
Angus
A wide, sandy beach backed by dunes and links golf at the historic Angus town of Montrose with year-round dog access and the internationally important Montrose Basin bird reserve nearby.
Beach9 mi awayLunan Bay
Angus
One of Scotland's finest and most unspoiled beaches: a wide golden bay on the Angus coast backed by dramatic dunes and flanked by Red Castle ruins, with year-round unrestricted dog access.
Beach11.3 mi awayCatterline Beach
Aberdeenshire
A 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.
Beach15.2 mi awayStonehaven Beach
Aberdeenshire
A sandy beach at the charming harbour town of Stonehaven with year-round dog access, views of Dunnottar Castle to the south and excellent fish suppers in the town.
Beach16.2 mi awayArbroath Beach
Angus
The main beach at historic Arbroath, famous for its Declaration and smoked haddock, with year-round dog access and good town facilities including the famous Arbroath Abbey.
Beach22 mi awayCarnoustie Beach
Angus
A wide, sandy beach beside the famous Open Championship golf links at Carnoustie with year-round unrestricted dog access, rock pools at low tide and the backdrop of a renowned golfing town.
