The north-facing coastline of Aberdeenshire, Scotland hides a collection of picturesque villages just waiting to be discovered. The charming streets of Cullen and the stunning beauty of Crovie are just two examples of the villages you can visit in a span of one day - each of them having its own unique qualities. I want to take you for a journey along the coast and tell you some fascinating facts about each of them.

Cullen: A Coastal Gem

Cullen, with its sandy beaches and historic architecture is a real timeless gem. Did you know that Cullen is a home to the world’s smallest street? Pennan Road is just a few feet wide and adds perfectly to the village’s charm. If you’re after authentic dining, Cullen offers the famous Cullen Skink soup, a hearty dish with smoked haddock, potatoes and onions.

Banff: Historic Harbor Town

Banff is a harbour town that makes you feel like time stopped a century ago. One interesting fact about Banff is its connection to James Cook, the famous Scottish explorer. It’s believed that Cook learned his seaman trade here in Banff before embarking on his voyages. Banff is also a home to one of Scotland’s oldest surviving mercat crosses, dating all the way back to the 16th century.

Crovie: Clifftop Beauty

Crovie is a hidden treasure just at the coastline of Aberdeenshire. Settled below rugged cliffs, this old fishing village is one of the best viewpoints of the North Sea. There is no car access to most of Crovie - residents park their cars on the road that comes down from the top of the cliffs and use wheelbarrows to transport their goods to their homes, along the 2m wide “High Street”. This is all that separates the houses from the ravages of the water. Crovie is also said to have inspired the setting of the village of Gamrie in Lewis Grassic Gibbon’s novel “Sunset Song”.

Pennan: Coastal Retreat

Pennan, the setting of the movie "Local Hero," is a stunning coastal village with timeless appeal. The film, made in the 1980’s, pretended that Pennan was a west coast village, and its beauty does indeed rival any west coast location. Regardless, it acquired instant international fame. Another lesser-known fact is that Pennan used to be a thriving fishing community, the traces of which can still be seen today in the harbour area.

The villages of Aberdeenshire are a perfect glimpse into Scotland’s beauty. Everyone can find something that will suit them perfectly - from the sandy beaches in and around Cullen, to the cliffs of Crovie and the historic harbour of Pennan, visiting this area is an unforgettable experience.