Seaton Cliffs, Arbroath
Seaton Cliffs, Arbroath: A Coastal Haven for Wildlife & Walkers
Date: 1 July 2025
Weather: Overcast
Location: Seaton Cliffs Nature Reserve, Angus
Ownership: Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT)
Access: From Victoria Park, Arbroath. Readily accessible via clifftop path
The dramatic red sandstone Seaton Cliffs coastline.
Seaton Cliffs rise dramatically above the North Sea, forming one of Angus’s most iconic coastal landscapes. Sculpted from vivid Devonian red sandstone, these jagged cliffs, sea stacks, and natural arches tell a story of millions of years of erosion and elemental force. Owned and protected by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, the reserve offers a stunning clifftop path with panoramic views, rich biodiversity, and easy access from Arbroath’s Victoria Park. https://www.swtdundeeangus.org.uk/seatoncliffs
Wildlife Highlights
This stretch of coastline is a magnet for birdwatchers and nature lovers. A haven for seabirds and coastal species highlights included,
• Kittiwakes: black legs, yellow beak, black wing tips, piercing ‘kittiwake, kittiwake’ call; nesting with young on cliff ledges
• Shags: jet black plumage, crest atop head, dark bill with yellow spot
• Herring gulls, pied wagtails, meadow pipits, goldfinch, yellowhammer, reed bunting, linnets (male & female)
• 6-spot Burnet moth: striking black-and-red wings among wildflowers
Kittiwakes nesting on the red sandstone cliffs.
Floral Note
The cliffs and adjoining farmland brimmed with summer bloom,
• Foxglove, knotted cranesbill, red campion, willow herb, astilbe, harebell, thrift, knapweed, gorse
• Rich mosaic of coastal wildflowers supporting invertebrates and pollinators.
Atmosphere & Access
Despite the overcast sky, the cliffs held a quiet grandeur. A relaxed, open space—ideal for slow walking, photography, and birdwatching. The clifftop path offers sweeping views and intimate encounters with nesting colonies. Adjoins farmland, adding a pastoral edge to the coastal drama.
Planning a visit to Angus? Seaton Cliffs is a must-see for anyone seeking wild beauty, seabird encounters, and a taste of Scotland’s rugged east coast. For more field notes and nature guides, explore the Salt Fell Studio archives.