Our Favourite Local Beaches

Our favourite local beaches

Easthaven- Carnoustie

This beach was a recent discovery for us despite only being a 15 minute drive away, I don't know how we haven't been here before. As it turned out it is a fantastic place to go with the dog, there are no dog restrictions making this beach entirely dog friendly!  It is a mostly sandy beach with rocky sections, and rock pools when the tide is out. There is also a costal footpath at the back of the beach that runs from the village of Easthaven to the town of Arbroath. The path is enclosed by fences either side meaning there shouldn't be anywhere for your dog can do a disappearing act. I however have yet to re-build the courage to walk Archie off lead (but thats a whole other story!). If you fancy a longer walk you can park in centre of Carnoustie and walk the 11km to Arbroath. We will definitely go back to Easthaven in the future when the weather isn't quite so cold!

Broughty Ferry:

Our local beach! Living in Broughty Ferry I definitely had to include this on our list of favourite beaches as we walk here at least once a week. I feel so lucky to have a beach right on our doorstep! Unlike Easthaven beach though Broughty Ferry has dog restrictions in place, however don't let this put you off as there are still parts of the beach that can be accessed all year round (there are signs that indicate the beach sections you can walk on). However there is also the option to walk along the back of the beach where there are large sections of grass for your dog to run around.  Walk Highlands also suggests a walking route from Broughty Ferry to Carnoustie, which is good if you like a longer walk along the coast. There are also a number of pet friendly eateries in Broughty Ferry should you fancy making it a day trip.

Above two photos taken from opposite ends looking towards Broughty Ferry  Castle

Archies first beach trip

Monifeith:

I wasn't sure whether to class this as a separate beach walk or not because Broughty Ferry beach and Monifeith beach are connected and we often walk from one to the other. A good option therefore is to park at the south end of Broughty Ferry beach at the "dog friendly" section and walk along to Monifeith. However be warned don't make the mistake I made and continue to walk along the beach and into a live firing range! The eastern part of the beach is part of a military training area and is off limits to the general public. I thought I was onto a winner with finding such a quite spot on the beach until some army man started running towards me - what an idiot I felt! However there is a path that backs the beach that you can continue to walk on safely, and not make the mistake I did.

Arbroath:

Arbroath lies on the north sea coast around 16miles from Dundee. Now this walk doesn't technically fall into the category of "favourite beaches" however I thought it was too nice a walk not to mention. It is in fact more of a costal walk, however there is a small beach section as you near the Arbroath cliffs, i think theres enough of a beach here to let your dog run around and explore, and this section is dog friendly which is what we are aiming for! The route I take when walking here is to park at West Links Park and walk along the coast through the harbour towards the Arbroath cliffs. On a sunny day its a beautiful walk and Archie loves all the different smells that the harbour brings. 

Maybe I could travel on a boat...

Beach Section

Lunan Bay:

Last but not least we have the picturesque Lunan Bay. Located 25 miles north of Dundee, Lunan Bay is one of the prettiest beaches on my list, stretching out at one mile long it has the reputation of being one of the best beaches in Angus. It is set within a secluded location meaning you get the feeling of being out in the middle of no where. The beach is divided in two by Lunan water so I would recommend wearing wellies as you may have to wade through the water. Once you have finished your walkies at the beach there is a cafe right by the car park- the Lunan Bay diner, where you can sit with your pup and grab some tasty food. 

Unfortunately I only have the one picture, this taken when Archie was a pup and before he discovered the camera!