(022) Pennan Circular (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This walk combines the scenic charm of a world-famous little fishing village on the Banffshire coast, almost hidden under low cliffs, with wild ravines, rolling hills, farmland and a conifer woodland. The return section on a quiet minor tarred road offers great wide-open views.

Duration: 3 hours.

Route Overview
Duration: 3 hours.
Transport/Parking: Stagecoach #273 from/to Fraserburgh on Saturdays only. Check timetable. Parking at the public car-park at the west-end of Pennan village.
Length: 8.130 km / 5.08 mi
Height Gain: 228 meter Height Loss: 228 meter
Max Height: 204 meter Min Height: 12 meter
Surface: Moderate. A mix of field paths, farm roads and tarred minor roads.
Child Friendly: Yes, if children are used to walks of this distance and overall ascent.
Difficulty: Medium.
Dog Friendly: Yes, but keep dogs on lead near to any livestock, and on public roads and streets. You are VERY likely to encounter sheep and cattle in fields on the route.
Refreshments: If open, the Coastal Cuppie kiosk at the harbour offers coffees and soft drinks. Excellent home bakes too! Otherwise, Fraserburgh is your best bet.

Description
This is an enjoyable circular walk from the iconic seaside village of Pennan, nestling under the low cliffs on the Banffshire coast. The route ascends through the rolling farmland along the coastal strip, with fine views all around and back towards the sea in particular. On the early outward stages of the walk, the path passes above the steep-sloped and narrow Den of Auchmedden, and on the returning descent, on a very quiet minor road, there are great views of the much wider valley called the Tore of Troup, with dens running off at various points from the valley floor. Dens are a notable feature of the coastal landscape in this area. The old Scots word “den” refers to a narrow ravine or valley, usually wooded, and, nowadays a marvellous haven for plants, and wild birds and animals. The village of Pennan, with its white-washed old fisher cottages, gable-end to the sea, is a pretty place, although it can be austere and wind-blown on a stormy day. The little settlement is world-famous as the fictional village of “Ferness” in the 1983 film Local Hero, starring Burt Lancaster, and directed by Bill Forsyth. The film gave Pennan one of the best known (and photographed) red telephone boxes in the world, sitting on the quayside opposite the Pennan Inn, and attracting visitors from across the globe ever since. You should note, however, that the scenes in the film on sweeping white-sand beaches were filmed on the west coast of Scotland at Arisaig!