Description
Visit Angus is encouraging visitors to be responsible when exploring the local countryside. It’s essential that anyone who visits our communities and rural locations does so with respect.
If you plan on visiting you must:
Be aware of overcrowding
There is one car park at the North side of Lunan Bay, accessible via Lunan Farms. On sunny days and most weekends, this car park is full by midday. Go early or be prepared to have a plan B such as visiting some of Angus’ stunning neighbouring beaches, in Montrose or Arbroath.
Park in designated parking areas only
Do not park on verges, block roads or park on private property. If the car park is full, move on and visit at a later date. Access to Lunan Bay car park is through a busy, working farm.
Bin your litter or take it home
Do not leave litter behind. If you bring it, you must take it home or put it in the bins provided in the Lunan Bay car park.
Protect nature and wildlife
You are entering their habitat so please respect the surroundings. The Estuary at Lunan Bay is a wildlife sensitive area. Do not allow dogs to disturb resting shoreline birds. Keep dogs under close control around rivers, estuary, farmland & dunes. Stick to paths where possible. It is an offence to interfere with the nest of any wild bird, or obstruct a bird from using it, either intentionally or recklessly.
Wild camping permitted only under Access Code guidelines
Wild camping is lightweight, done in small numbers and for up to 2 or 3 nights only in one place. Pitch your tent out of sight of dwellings. Do not camp in fields with crops or livestock, on roads and paths or at historic buildings including the Red Castle ruin. Campers should leave the area as they found it.
Picnicking
Picnicking is permitted however, do not build and light fires or have BBQ’s in areas that are not designated for this purpose. No fires above the high tide mark, including in woodland and dunes. Remember to take home all your litter, including disposable BBQ’s, and leave the area clean.
Respect our residents and landowners
Remember to be kind and respectful towards those who live here.
Lunan Bay has attracted many visitors throughout the ages, from Viking armies in the 10th century to generations of holidaymakers. Today it offers a secluded haven on the dramatic Angus coastline.
This stunning east-facing beach is backed by sand dunes and framed by low cliffs to the north and south. From its northern end at Boddin Point, located about three miles south of Montrose, Lunan bay extends two miles south to Ethie Haven.
The crumbling ruin of Red Castle stands on elevated ground overlooking the Bay and dates from the 12th century. Originally built for King William (the Lion) of Scotland to defend against Viking invaders, all that remains of this once formidable fortified house is part of the 15th century rectangular tower and the curtain wall. Please note – Red Castle has restricted access following a recent mound landslip, please abide by the safety fencing and warning signage.
The beach is a popular destination for surfers and horse riders. The beach and estuary is also a fantastic place to go bird watching. Gannets, Terns (5 species), Mergansers, Long-tailed Ducks, Geese (3 species), Scoter (4 species), Red-throated Divers, Fulmars, Gulls (8 species), Cormorants, and Shags can be spotted. Bottlenose Dolphins and an occasional Harbour Porpoise can also be seen in the Bay.
Access to the beach is found via the Lunan Bay car park via Lunan Farms. Lunan Bay can be found to the north of Inverkeilor on the A92 between Arbroath and Montrose, at the Hawkhill junction (56°39’27.1″N 2°31’48.5″W). Follow the road for 1 mile then take a slight left over cross roads at the C45 coastal road into Lunan Farms, along a private farm track and you’ll reach Lunan Bay car park. Proceed with caution at the Lunan Farms/C45 junction. This is also National Cycle Route 1 used by many cyclist and walkers. Drive at 10mph along the single farm track.
Public toilet facilities are available within Lunan Farm Shop.
There is disabled access from Lunan Bay car park via a boardwalk to a viewing platform overlooking the beach.
Lunan Bay Car Park is closed overnight (please see signage upon entry for full details). Overnight parking is not permitted in the Lunan Bay Car Park.
There is a small campsite for tents, motorhomes and caravans at Lunan Bay (capacity 16 pitches).
Angus from the Air
Angus is home to some truly spectacular locations – from the breathtaking scenery of the rolling hills and glens, to the sandy white beaches and sheer cliff faces on our coastline.
You can experience Angus from the comfort of your own home with our stunning drone films and be inspired to plan your next visit to Angus to see these amazing locations in person. See our Angus from the Air blog for more.
Take a look at this stunning footage of Lunan Bay.
Explore Angus
Use the filters below to discover what there is to see and do, places to eat and where to stay in Angus.
