Inverbervie Beach

The beach at Inverbervie is a proper stretch of Aberdeenshire coastline that most visitors to the area overlook in favour of somewhere flashier. It's a working fishing village first, holiday spot second, which gives the whole place an honest, unglamorous feel. The beach itself is shingle and sand, backed by weathered buildings and the smell of fish that tells you exactly what's sustained this community for centuries.

Walks here are straightforward rather than spectacular. You can amble along the shore at low tide and explore the rock pools without any fuss, or head up to the clifftop for views across to Stonehaven and beyond. The village has a low-key charm - a few shops, a chippy worth seeking out, and enough character to make an hour worthwhile. Kids under ten will manage the walk fine, though they might get restless if the weather turns.

There's no charge to wander about, and the place works best as part of a broader Aberdeenshire coast sweep rather than a standalone visit. If you're camping at Cloak Caravan Park or Upper Crawton Park, both within five miles, Inverbervie makes a logical morning stop before heading elsewhere. St Cyrus Holiday Park is slightly further out but opens up a wider section of coastline to explore. Go on a clear day when the light hits the water properly, and don't expect manicured beaches or crowds. What you get instead is the real working coast of northeast Scotland.