Lunan Bay (3.8 miles)
Situated just off the A92 between Arbroath and Montrose, Lunan Bay offers a stunning sandy panorama set against a backdrop of curving cliffs. Consider an overnight stop at Lunan Bay Stays. They offer a range of accommodation - a guesthouse, bunkhouse (with dorms and private rooms) and a campsite. A bar/restaurant is located inside the guesthouse and close by is the Lunan Bay Diner - open during the day for hot and cold food. A spacious car-park is adjacent to the diner and a wooden walkway leads to the grand beach.
It's up to you how far you wander. A rocky promontory juts out at the northern end and its caves can be explored if the tide is receding. At the opposite end of the sands, the Lunan Water acts as a natural barrier and Red Castle towers above. If it's not viable to cross here, you can backtrack to the guesthouse entrance gate and take the narrow road over the stone bridge. After 700 yards a steep path leads up to the castle ruins which do glint red if the sun falls upon the stonework. Those interested in birdwatching should head three miles up the A92 to Montrose Basin. The Scottish Wildlife Trust operate a visitors centre where an elevated viewing gallery has telescopes and also an exhibition.
