Introduction
As an avid hiker, I’m always on the lookout for new trails to explore. Recently, I had the pleasure of discovering the hidden gems of Inverbervie, a charming coastal town located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. In this article, I’ll be sharing my experience hiking from Inverbervie to Gourdon, a picturesque fishing village situated along the coast.
Inverbervie is a small town that sits on the coast of the North Sea. It’s a quaint place with a rich history dating back to the 12th century. The town is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning cliffs, and rugged landscapes. Gourdon, on the other hand, is a small fishing village located about 3 miles south of Inverbervie. It’s a charming place with colourful houses, a bustling harbour, and a friendly community.
What to Expect on the Trail
The trail from Inverbervie to Gourdon is a coastal walk that offers breathtaking views of the North Sea. The trail is relatively easy, with a few steep sections here and there. It’s a great hike for beginners and experienced hikers alike.
The coastal walk from Inverbervie to Gourdon and returning along the A92 to Inverbervie is a varied coastal walk with interesting historical associations. The outward leg is an easy stroll along the flat rocky foreshore between the neighbouring settlements of Inverbervie and Gourdon, while the return section ascends onto a steep hillside with fine, open views1. The walk takes about 3 hours.
You can expect to see good views of the Bervie Water and Bervie Brow headland, Gourdon Harbour which is popular with visitors and still actively used by fishermen3. You will also see the L-shaped Hallgreen Castle which dates back to 1374 and has a reputation as one of Scotland’s most haunted sites.
Coastal Walk Route Details
The trail from Inverbervie to Gourdon is approximately 3 miles long and takes about 1 hours to complete. The trail starts at the Inverbervie beach car park and follows the coast south towards Gourdon. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow. Along the way, you’ll pass several beaches, rocky cliffs, and beautiful landscapes. The highlight of the trail is the stunning views of the North Sea, which are particularly impressive on a clear day.
Route Map
Route Details
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Things to See and Do
Inverbervie Beach Car Park (Old Railway Station) [1]
The Inverbervie to Gourdon Walk starts at Inverbervie Beach Car Park which is free to park in and has ample spaces. This car park is home to the old Railway Station.
Inverbervie railway station served the town of Inverbervie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland from 1865 to 1966 on the Montrose and Bervie Railway. The station opened as Bervie on 1 November 1865 by the Scottish North Eastern Railway. It was the northern terminus of the line, situated north of Gourdon station. The goods yard was to the east and there was a locomotive shed nearby as well as a carriage siding to the south of the platform. The station’s name was changed to Inverbervie on 5 July 1926. The station closed to regular passenger services in 1951 but continued to be used for goods trains until the last train (which was a passenger train to mark the occasion of the final closure of the station) ran on 22 May 1966.
Inverbervie Bay and Beach [1]
Inverbervie Beach, often referred to as Bervie Beach, is a pebble and shingle beach that follows the curved coastline of Bervie Bay from a position in front of the small town of Inverbervie. The river mouth of Bervie Water flows into the bay at the northern end of the beach and can be popular for fishing. A car park and picnic tables can be found next to the beach at the end of Kirk Burn. A coastal path passes the beach and offers excellent views of the rugged coastline in both directions.
Anti-Tank Blocks [1]
During World War II, anti-tank blocks were used for the defence of the United Kingdom against a possible enemy invasion. These blocks can be found at Beachgate Lane in Inverbervie.
Anti-tank blocks are specific obstacles used to obstruct and/or halt the movement of armoured vehicles. They were often used to funnel enemy vehicles into pre-prepared killing zones or obstruct their movement completely. The different types of anti-tank blocks include cubes, pimples or dragons teeth, coffins and cylinders. They can be found inland as well as on the coast.
Inverbervie Pill Box [1]
There is a former Army military pill-box emplacement at Inverbervie beach, Scotland.
A pillbox is a type of blockhouse, or concrete dug-in guard-post, often camouflaged and normally equipped with loopholes through which defenders can fire weapons. It is in effect a trench firing step, hardened to protect against small-arms fire and grenades, and raised to improve the field of fire. Pillboxes are often camouflaged in order to conceal their location and to maximize the element of surprise. They may be part of a trench system, form an interlocking line of defence with other pillboxes by providing covering fire to each other (defence in depth), or they may be placed to guard strategic structures such as bridges and jetties.
Hallgreen Castle Stables [1]
Prior to its demolition, a standing building survey was undertaken on the semi-ruined freestanding stable block for riding and carriage horses for Hallgreen Castle, Inverbervie. This elegant building was rectangular in plan with a gablet projecting in the centre of the front elevation above a central door flanked by windows and with arched carriage entries on either side. There appeared to have been stalls for four horses and a loft above. The walls were of dressed ashlar blocks with sandstone detailing. It can probably be dated to the early 19th century.
Gourdon Selbie Flax and Spinning Works [2]
Selbie Works is a moderately sized textile mill complex situated next to the beach in the village of Gourdon in Kincardineshire. It comprises a main block of predominantly single-story buildings (mostly with slate roofs), built from mainly pink sandstone. Selbie Works was taken over by the entrepreneur, Murray Scarlet, in the 1950s and was converted to produce light jute yarn, allowing for a transition to flax spinning if required (in this instance, ‘Tow’ which is short-fiber flax). His business merged with Jute Industries Limited in the 1970s, eventually becoming Sidlaw Industries. Selbie Works then specialized in flax spinning alone, emerging as the only flax spinner in mainland Britain, producing yarn for a variety of uses, including curtain and upholstery fabrics.
Gourdon Lifeboat House [2]
The Gourdon Lifeboat House is located at 18 William Street in Gourdon. This pink dressed sandstone building was built by the RNLI in 1877. The building opens onto William Street, along which the lifeboat carriage must have been taken to the harbor nearby. The Gourdon lifeboat station opened in 1878 and closed in 1969 after 91 years of service to the “Wild and Rocky Coast” of Kincardineshire. The Kincardineshire coastline is now serviced by the RNLI lifeboats from Montrose and Aberdeen.
Maggie Law Maritime Museum [2]
The Maggie Law Maritime Museum is situated in the old two-story coastguard equipment building in Gourdon. The museum is the home of the famous surf boat the Maggie Law and also houses an amazing range of maritime exhibits and items and historical information and artifacts in a small space. It sits beside the old harbour and slipway (the Gutty) on William Street, right in the centre of the picturesque fishing village of Gourdon.
| Opening Times | Admission Prices |
|---|---|
| Saturday 13:30 – 16:00, Sunday 13:30 – 16:00 | Free |
Gourdon Harbour [2]
Gourdon Harbour is a double harbour where the main section is totally given over to fishing and the original, or Gutty Harbour, is used by pleasure craft. There is a small fleet of inshore trawlers and creel boats. It was the last harbour in Scotland to have a fleet of boats working small lines baited with mussels, and fish can still be bought at the harbour. Gourdon is a south-facing harbour with protective storm gates. The entrance to the Gutty Harbour is rocky and can be difficult to navigate but the main harbour entrance is more accessible.
Gourdon Harbour was built in 1820. The earlier harbour was cramped holding only 8 boats. The harbour has a sheltered inner basin protected by storm gates. Halfway up the hill there is a small lighthouse. There is still a small fleet of trawlers operating from the port. The east breakwater was built in 1958 and the west breakwater built in 1970.
Gourdon Harbour – Upper Leading Light [2]
The Upper Leading Light in Gourdon is one of a pair of lights to guide boats into the harbour. It is situated high above the harbour on Brae Road.
Gourdon, Brae Road, War Memorial [3]
The Gourdon War Memorial is located at Brae Road at the junction with Greenbraes Road in Gourdon, Kincardine And Deeside, Grampian, Scotland. It is an obelisk on a three stepped square base. The memorial commemorates the men from Gourdon who gave their lives for their country in the struggle for righteousness and freedom in the Great War (1914-1918) and the Second World War (1939-1945).
Inverbervie Old Parish Church and Graveyard [4]
Inverbervie Old Parish Church is located on a prominent position in the town of Inverbervie or Bervie. The site rises above the surrounding area and overlooks the coast . The church was built in 1781 using local red sandstone rubble, roughly constructed in courses. Only the west gable remains standing and is now largely ivy-covered but the Gothic central doorway and pointed-arch window above are still visible.
Inverbervie Parish Church War Memorial [4]
The Inverbervie Parish Church War Memorial is located at the entrance to the church on King Street in Inverbervie, Montrose, Kincardine And Deeside, Grampian, Scotland. The memorial is a pillar/column type with a three-step base, surmounted by a plinth, surmounted by a column with a finial. There are dedicatory tablets on all four faces of the plinth. The memorial was made by James Hutcheon of Kings Street, Aberdeen (Mason) and was unveiled on 8 June 1921.
Inverbervie Parish Church [4]
Inverbervie Parish Church is a B listed church built in 1837 using local sandstone. The church has original wooden pews and a fine pipe organ. There are preserved stained glass windows inside. The church also has a prominent clock tower visible from the surrounding countryside. There is a memorial to Hercules Linton of Bervie and the clipper ship Cutty Sark which he designed. In front of the church is a war memorial and adjacent to it is a Voyage of Life garden.
Inverbervie Market Cross [4]
Inverbervie Market Cross is located in a street off King Street in Inverbervie. The Market Cross dates back to 1737. Like many post reformation Scottish mercat crosses, it is not actually a cross at all. The chief purpose of these structures was to show the town or burgh had a right to hold a market in the place indicated rather than a religious one. It is a simple polygonal sectioned column surmounted by a cone-shaped ball on similarly polygonal stepping on a polygonal dais.
Getting to the Trail
The trail from Inverbervie to Gourdon is easy to access from Inverbervie. The Inverbervie beach car park is located at the start of the trail and offers ample parking. If you’re traveling by public transport, there are several bus routes that run between Inverbervie and Gourdon.
The Stagecoach Bluebird 107 bus has stops in Inverbervie and operates on weekdays. It departs once a day at 07:38 from Spurryhillock Industrial Estate, Stonehaven and ends at Kirkburn Drive, Inverbervie. Additionally, the X7 bus also has routes that pass near Inverbervie.
Tips
If you’re planning to hike from Inverbervie to Gourdon, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The trail can be muddy and slippery in places, so it’s important to wear shoes with good grip. Secondly, bring plenty of water and snacks with you.
Places to Eat and Drink Nearby
Quayside Restaurant and Fish Bar (Gourdon)
| Good Points | Bad Points |
|---|---|
| Well spaced out | Sausage disappointing |
| Great views | Some tables too close |
| Great quality food | Staff mocked customer’s mother |
| Friendly, knowledgeable staff | Meat undercooked, rude staff |
| Locally sourced seafood | Desserts not great |
The Big Bite (Gourdon)
| Good points | Bad points |
|---|---|
| Good food | Limited seating area |
| Reasonable prices | |
| Friendly service | |
| Superb chips | |
| Homemade dishes |
Salutation Hotel (Inverbervie)
| Good points | Bad points |
|---|---|
| Great hospitality 👏 | Waitress poor 🙁 |
| Friendly, helpful staff 👍 | Limited drinks choice 🍻 |
| Lovely food 😋 | Decor run down 🏚️ |
| Good value for money 💰 | |
| Made to feel welcome 😊 |
Queens Arms (Inverbervie)
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| Good food 🍴 | £4 for a pint 💰 |
| Friendly staff 😊 | Unfriendly staff 👎 |
| First class service 👌 | |
| Lovely spot for lunch 🍽️ | |
| Fantastic food menu 🍔 | |
| Basic pub grub 🍺 |
Places to Stay
The Crown Hotel (Inverbervie)
| Good Points | Bad Points |
|---|---|
| 👍 Great food | 👎 No menu available |
| 👍 Friendly staff | 👎 Some rooms need upgrading |
| 👍 Central location | 👎 Some rooms have shared bathrooms |
| 👍 Recently renovated | 👎 Billing errors |
| 👍 Excellent service | 👎 Poor breakfast quality |
Inverbervie Caravan Park (Inverbervie)
| Good Points | Bad Points |
|---|---|
| 👍 Close to river and beach | 👎 Tourer part closed |
| 👍 Lovely site | 👎 Hill to toilets |
| 👍 Nice and friendly staff | 👎 Gents toilet code issue |
| 👍 Clean and modern amenities | 👎 Elsan too far up hill |
| 👍 Scenic and peaceful | 👎 Risk of flooding on river pitches |
Hallgreen Castle (Inverbervie)
| Good | Bad |
|---|---|
| 👍 600-year history | 👎 Not modern |
| 👍 Comfortable | 👎 Not updated |
| 👍 Lovely bed & sleep | |
| 👍 Great host | |
| 👍 Beautiful & picturesque |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the trail from Inverbervie to Gourdon is a beautiful coastal walk that offers stunning views of the North Sea. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this trail is a must-see for anyone visiting the area. From the beautiful beaches and rocky cliffs to the charming fishing village of Gourdon, there’s plenty to see and do along the trail. So, pack your hiking boots, grab your water bottle, and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Inverbervie.
