Bullers of Buchan, Cruden Bay

On the stretch of coastline between Cruden Bay and Peterhead lies the Bullers of Buchan, a dramatic collapsed sea cave carved out by the force of the North Sea. The result is a vast natural amphitheatre where waves surge and thunder, framed by sheer cliffs that rise sharply above the water. The name also belongs to the nearby hamlet perched on the cliff edge, a quiet cluster of cottages overlooking one of the most striking features of the Buchan coast.

It's also a haven for wildlife: thousands of seabirds nest on the surrounding cliffs in spring and summer, including puffins, kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. The combination of dramatic geology and teeming birdlife has made the Bullers a favourite stop for walkers exploring the Buchan coast, photographers chasing sea views, and anyone drawn to the raw spectacle of cliff and sea.

Our visit to Bullers of Buchan

Bullers of Buchan had long been on my list of places to visit, not just for the dramatic coastline, but to see a real puffin in the wild. On my section of the Moray Coast, near Buckie, we do not get puffins; they seem to prefer the east coast for some reason. So, on this visit, my family and I were determined to see one!

We visited on a cool but sunny Spring morning in May.

Bullers of Buchan Car Park

A well-sized car park is available, with sufficient spaces for many cars and even coaches if needed. We followed the obvious route past an information sign to the start of the walk. We passed some lovely cottages on the way. It must be amazing to live in such a beautiful area.

Passing the cottages, there were two routes available (part of the Buchan Coastal Footpath), one leading south and the other north. We chose the north route first. North takes you to some impressive cliffs, and further north to Longhaven Wildlife Reserve. The south takes in more impressive cliff scenery and eventually leads to Slains Castle.

Collapsed sea cave

Following the cliffside path, it's possible to look down into the collapsed sea cave below, which still has a natural archway. It's a long drop. If you're afraid of heights, this walk might not be for you.

The sound of seabirds is almost deafening, mostly from gulls precariously perched on the many rocky ledges. These cliffs are a dream for photographers, not only for landscapes but for birds.

Puffin Hunt

Along the entire north section of the path, we searched the cliffsides for any sign of puffins, but had no luck. It was about 10 am, and I had been told it was possible to see them at this time before they went hunting. The next time would have been in the evening, when they returned, which wasn't ideal.

We retraced our steps to the car park path but opted to go on the south path this time, and finally caught a glimpse of a solitary puffin sitting in the grassy cliffs. We were delighted. It was quite far away, so the photo below is the best I could manage.

Slains Castle

We continued further along the south path in the hope of seeing more puffins, but we were rewarded instead with more spectacular scenery. We saw the massive structure of Slain's Castle in the distance; we were heading there next by car, so we opted to return to the car park instead of walking.

FAQs on Bullers of Buchan

Is Bullers of Buchan safe?

The paths are well trodden and seem safe, but there are sheer drops pretty much everywhere. I would take extreme care with small children and dogs.

Is it possible to see Puffins at Bullers of Buchan?

Yes, it's possible - we saw our puffin in May at around 10 am. The general rule is that you can see them early morning and early evening between May and July.

What bird species can be seen at Bullers?

There are many species at Bullers of Buchan:

• Herring gulls

• Great black-backed gulls

• Northern fulmar

• European Shag

• Eider dicks

• Gannets

• Guillemots

• Razorbills

• Kittiwakes

• Puffins

Can you walk to Slains Castle from Bullers of Buchan?

If you're a seasoned walker, then yes, it's a great walk, just under 2 miles long.

Are there any tourist facilities?

No, there is no visitor centre, shop or public toilets. There are public toilets at Cruden Bay, or you could go to the superstores at Peterhead.

What else can be visited near Bullers of Buchan?

Here are the best places:

• Slains Castle - A ruined clifftop fortress near Cruden Bay, thought to have inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. Its dramatic setting makes it a popular stop for walkers and photographers.

• Peterhead Prison Museum - Housed in Scotland's former high-security jail, the museum offers an atmospheric glimpse into prison life, featuring original cells, stories from former officers, and even a historic lifeboat.

• Pitmedden Gardens - A National Trust walled garden famous for its colourful parterres, orchards, and woodland walks, along with a small museum of farming life.

• Fyvie Castle - A grand baronial castle with lavish interiors, fine art collections, a loch teeming with wildlife, and centuries of history woven into its walls.

Videos of Bullers of Buchan

Here are a few videos from our visit:

     

Key information

• A dramatic collapsed sea cave with a natural arch, carved by the North Sea

• Part of the Buchan Coastal Footpath, with routes north to Longhaven Reserve and south towards Slains Castle

• Rich birdlife, including puffins in season (best seen May–July, early morning or evening)

• Well-sized free car park near the cottages, but no visitor centre or toilets on site

• Popular with walkers, birdwatchers, and photographers for its scenery and wildlife

• Nearby attractions include Slains Castle, Peterhead Prison Museum, Pitmedden Gardens and Fyvie Castle

Conclusion

Bullers of Buchan offers one of the most striking coastal walks in northeast Scotland — a place where wild seas, bird-filled cliffs, and dramatic geology all come together. It may lack tourist facilities, but that only adds to the raw appeal. Highly recommended for the puffins, spectacular cliffside views or simply a bracing walk in the sea air.