SSC60 Scotland’s Secret Coast 60
Muker to Keld Circular Walk in the Yorkshire Dales
Forget the crowds of the NC500…
If you’re looking for dramatic sea cliffs, hidden fishing villages, ruined cliff-top castles, turquoise coves and one of Scotland’s most spectacular stretches of coastline, it’s time to discover the SSC60 – Scotland’s Secret Coast 60.
🗺️ Interactive Route Map
Explore the full route below, zoom in on key landmarks and plan your adventure before setting off.
Scotland’s Hidden Coastal Drive
Approx. 60 Miles | 10 Incredible Stops | Aberdeenshire to Moray
Created by Days Out Now, this stunning coastal route follows around 60 miles of Scotland’s beautiful north-east coastline, linking some of the country’s most underrated destinations into one unforgettable road trip.
If you’ve ever wished you’d discovered the NC500 before everyone else did…
This is that feeling.
Table of Contents
📍 Route Overview
🚩 Fraserburgh – Start of the Iconic SSC60
➡️ Pennan
➡️ Crovie
➡️ Gardenstown
➡️ Portsoy
➡️ Findlater Castle
➡️ Cullen
➡️ Portknockie
➡️ Bow Fiddle Rock
🏁 Spey Bay
Approx. 60 miles
Recommended: 1–2 days
Stop A – Fraserburgh
Begin at Scotland’s largest shellfish port before heading west along the spectacular Moray Firth coastline.
✔ Kinnaird Head Lighthouse
✔ Fraserburgh Beach
✔ Harbour views
Stop B – Pennan
The tiny village made famous by the film Local Hero.
One narrow road leads to a row of cottages squeezed between towering cliffs and the North Sea.
Don’t miss:
📞 The famous red telephone box
📸 Harbour viewpoint
🌊 Coastal walk
Stop C – Crovie
Possibly Scotland’s most unique village.
Cars aren’t allowed through the village itself—you park above and walk down into one of the narrowest fishing villages anywhere in Britain. The cottages sit shoulder-to-shoulder on a tiny ledge between the cliffs and the sea.
Tick off:
✔ Cobbled lane
✔ Sea wall
✔ Incredible photography
Stop D – Gardenstown
Just around the corner lies another beautiful fishing village with a working harbour and colourful cottages.
Grab a coffee before wandering along the harbour wall or taking the scenic coastal walk towards Crovie, a route that’s around 2.1 miles and hugs the cliffs.
Highlights:
⚓ Harbour
🥾 Coastal walk
☕ Café stop
Stop E – Portsoy
One of Scotland’s oldest harbours and packed with maritime history.
The historic harbour has featured in productions including Peaky Blinders and Whisky Galore.
Don’t miss:
⚓ Old Harbour
🍦 Ice cream
📸 Harbour photography
Stop F – Findlater Castle
One of Scotland’s most breathtaking castle ruins.
Perched dramatically on a rocky headland around 50 feet above the Moray Firth, the ruins date back to the medieval period and create one of the most spectacular viewpoints on the entire drive.
Expect:
🏰 Cliff-edge ruins
🌊 Huge coastal views
📸 Sunset photography
Stop G – Cullen
Beautiful beaches, colourful houses and home to Scotland’s famous Cullen Skink.
Spend some time exploring:
🏖 Cullen Beach
🌉 Cullen Viaducts
🥣 Cullen Skink
Stop H – Portknockie
A peaceful fishing village with one of Scotland’s finest coastal walks.
Follow the clifftop path for incredible views over the Moray Firth and towards Bow Fiddle Rock.
Tick off:
🌊 Harbour
🥾 Cliff path
📸 Viewpoints
Stop I – Bow Fiddle Rock
The icon of the SSC60.
This spectacular natural sea arch, formed from ancient quartzite, is named because it resembles the tip of a violin bow and is one of the most recognisable coastal landmarks on the Moray coast.
Perfect for:
📸 Sunrise
🌊 Storm watching
🐦 Seabirds
Stop J – Spey Bay
Finish beside the mouth of the River Spey.
This peaceful stretch of coastline is famous for wildlife and is one of the best places in Scotland to look for bottlenose dolphins along the Moray Firth.
Look out for:
🐬 Dolphins
🦭 Seals
🌅 Huge skies
Why Drive the SSC60?
✔ Beautiful fishing villages
✔ Hidden beaches
✔ Dramatic cliff-top castles
✔ Natural sea arches
✔ Fantastic seafood
✔ Scenic coastal roads
✔ Incredible photography
✔ Hardly any crowds
Book a place to Stay
Days Out Now Tip
Take your time.
Although the drive is only around 60 miles, you’ll want to stop constantly for viewpoints, cafés, beaches and photographs.
We recommend turning the SSC60 into a 2-day adventure, allowing time to enjoy each village rather than rushing from stop to stop.
Have You Driven the SSC60?
If not…
Add it to your Scotland bucket list.
The secret probably won’t stay secret forever.
Discover Amazing Attractions Nearby
From castles and boat trips to family attractions, guided tours and unforgettable experiences, discover even more to enjoy during your visit.
🎟️ Explore Attractions & Experiences✔ Instant Booking • ✔ Family Friendly • ✔ Top Rated Experiences
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is the SSC60 an official tourist route?
No. The SSC60 was created by Days Out Now to showcase one of Scotland’s most beautiful hidden coastal drives and inspire more people to explore this remarkable part of the country.
Are dogs allowed on the SSC60?
Yes. The route is ideal for dogs, with plenty of beaches, harbour walks and scenic coastal paths. Always check local restrictions during bird nesting season and keep dogs under control around livestock.
Why is it called the Scotland’s Secret Coast 60?
The route covers approximately 60 miles of one of Scotland’s most overlooked coastlines. Unlike busier tourist routes, the SSC60 showcases hidden gems, charming fishing villages and spectacular coastal scenery that many visitors never discover.
Is the SSC60 suitable for motorhomes and campervans?
Yes. Most of the route follows normal coastal roads suitable for cars, motorhomes and campervans. Some villages have narrow access roads, so drive carefully and use designated parking areas where available.
Is the SSC60 suitable for families?
Yes. Families will enjoy beaches, wildlife, castles, harbours and easy coastal walks, making it a fantastic road trip for all ages.
What is the SSC60?
The SSC60 (Scotland’s Secret Coast 60) is a scenic coastal road trip created by Days Out Now, linking some of north-east Scotland’s most beautiful fishing villages, castles, beaches and coastal viewpoints. Covering approximately 60 miles, it’s designed as a quieter alternative to Scotland’s more famous driving routes.
Places to Stay
Discover Amazing Attractions Nearby
From historic castles and fascinating museums to unforgettable boat trips, family attractions and unique local experiences, discover even more to enjoy during your adventure.
🎟️ Explore Attractions & Experiences⭐ Top Rated Experiences • 🚤 Boat Trips • 🏰 Historic Attractions • 👨👩👧 Family Friendly
Where Will You Explore Next?
Choose a region and discover unforgettable walks, scenic road trips, hidden gems, places to stay and days out planned to help you explore more of the UK.
Scotland
Highlands, lochs, castles, islands and wild road trip adventures.
Explore Scotland →England
Historic towns, countryside walks, coastal escapes and hidden gems.
Explore England →Wales
Mountains, waterfalls, castles, coastline and breathtaking adventures.
Explore Wales →Cornwall
Beaches, harbours, coastal walks, coves and Atlantic views.
Explore Cornwall →
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