Just got back from a visit to Newburgh and the Ythan estuary, Newburgh, Aberdeenshire. I've been looking at the nearby hotel for several weeks as well as noticing many photographs online from the estuary so, off we went on Sunday, back today. It's only a 1.5 hour drive for us so no real hassle at all and I must say, we will be going back.
The Newburgh Inn is a short walk from the beach so was perfect for us and the prices are pretty good, good food, nice staff, we'll probably stay there again too. But, the beach, the river, the nature reserve! Loved it all. Part of the reserve is currently roped off for Tern breeding but a loop walk was 3.8 miles including the most beautiful, deserted beach with Grey Seals popping up to investigate us all the way along to the haul out where there are a few hundred of them every day.
Forvie Nature Reserve, runs by NatureScot is just on the outskirts of Newburgh and we enjoyed our 3.8 mile walk there, looking forward to a few more.
I'm going to add photos as I get them edited so, in the order I took them
We arrived mid day on the Sunday and walked into town just to see what there was shops-wise - One general store, then off to the estuary and the beach.
It's a half mile walk to the beach, a little less to the estuary via the golf course and they're currently adding a decked walkway which will make it more accessible, we chose to go over the dunes first, a bit more of a hike but it was a beautiful day and there's loads to see, LOTS of butterflies around at the moment.
Down onto the sandy beach eventually for a wander and explore. A beautiful, soft sand beach, the river flowing by to the sea and wonderful sand dunes on the opposite bank, where the birds nest and the reserve is.
Area explored, we went back for dinner, a wee drink maybe and bed.
First thing in the morning, I'm up, off and out.
Black-headed gull foraging
A group of mixed aged Common Gulls
A small sample of the Eiders on the estuary
There are, of course, a LOT of gulls of many varieties, the sea is a few hundred yards away so it's good to see and hear them in their natural environment, not a McDonalds car park
Black-headed Gull passing by
A few Oystercatchers on the far bank
A family? of Sandwich Terns
I think I read that four species of Tern breed here.
A camouflage of Sanderling
One of the other reasons the estuary is well know, is the colony of Grey seals that use it to haul out and doze on.
A rare lone Grey seal
I've said rare because there are SO many on the river and its banks, it is rare to see only one
Remember I mentioned camouflage?
Dunlin & Ringed Plover
I stood a few yards from a group like this on Wednesday morning and didn't notice them!
And there's the sea ....... in the background
So, I finally made it from the estuary itself out to the mouth area where the seals hang out but, I'm going to save them for later.
I've added this last shot of a group of mixed gulls with what I think is a young Black-backed dozing amongst them. Anyone like to agree / disagree? I'm not that good at gulls.
There are a few more shots to edit yet!!!!! I'll add them and finish this off asap.
Well, I wrote this several days ago but it got banned for some odd reason and I only just had it cleared.
Looks an interesting place to explore and thanks for all the information on area and accommodation and for the lovely photos. Lived up in Aberdeen for a couple of years (many moons ago ! ) but never visited that area. Glad you had such a good visit.
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Regards, Hazel
Thank you HAZY this was a first visit to the area for us too, despite being a Lossie Loon, born in Eberdeen and I'll definitely be going back.
So pleased it eventually got published, looking forward to seeing more!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Thanks WendyBartter it was VERY frustrating, no matter what I did on here, it was flagged as Spam! They've been in touch and all sorted now, they think it may have been because I was trying to post a few things? Working on Pt. 2 now
Interesting Scozmos, it’s always nice to visit new places I do it frequently especially when I have read about a place and then researched it. Thank you for sharing your photos of what looks like a really nice place.
Nice selection of photo's Scozmos, I liked your lone seal
A nice set of photos accompanied with an informative report. I'm sorry to read that this was marked as spam, when real spam gets through. The good thing is, you managed to get it sorted and we can enjoy the photos and report.
I've just had a quick look at the location, for a potential place to visit May 2025, having been to Spey Bay last year.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Thanks Mike B this was my first visit but will not be my last, there are several great coves / cliff locations all the way up the coast, we walked to the Bullers of Buchan because I'd seen it online and had the pleasure of Puffins nesting on the cliff ledges! A short visit and wish we'd had more time, next time.
Scozmos said:Thanks Mike B this was my first visit but will not be my last, there are several great coves / cliff locations all the way up the coast, we walked to the Bullers of Buchan because I'd seen it online and had the pleasure of Puffins nesting on the cliff ledges! A short visit and wish we'd had more time, next time.
You're welcome.
It looks good, plus what is also further down the estuary towards the delta. Very similar in some aspects to Spey Bay.