Cruden Bay

BeachAberdeenshire Council🐾 Dog-friendly all year

A large sandy Aberdeenshire beach backed by dunes, whose water quality has improved dramatically from 'Poor' in 2016 to 'Excellent' now.

📍 View on the map

Beach & safety

Water quality: Excellent

Hazards: Short-term pollution risk during/after heavy rain.

Dogs

No Aberdeenshire Council byelaw or beach-specific dog restriction was found after checking the council's beaches page and Animal Welfare Charter. Secondary tourism/dog-walking sources consistently list Cruden Bay as dog-friendly. Treat as unrestricted but keep under control; not verified against a council byelaw document.

Unofficial source: View the supporting source →Not an authority; check current signage.

Family

Large open sandy beach, good for a full day out; dunes system nearby.

Fishing

Sand, river influence and rocky margins support flounder, bass, codling, whiting, pollack, wrasse and mackerel.

Species reported: Flounder, Bass, Codling, Whiting, Pollack, Ballan wrasse, Mackerel

Crabbing

unknown

Access & parking

unknown

Researched 2026-07-24 — sources & disclaimer

https://bathingwaters.sepa.org.uk/profiles/profile?location=527186

https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/leisure-sport-and-culture/aberdeenshire-tourist-and-visitor-information/beaches

https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/local/public-toilets

https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/news/2026/jun/two-more-aberdeenshire-beaches-celebrate-20-years-of-environmental-excellence

https://www.thegooddogguide.com/aberdeenshire/longhaven/dog-friendly-beaches/cruden-bay/26673

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.