Exploring GB

Crovie in Scotland is built on a remarkably narrow ledge between the base of the cliffs and the sea.

Crovie, a fishing village in Scotland, is known for its stunning isolation.

Perched precariously between the towering cliffs and the North Sea, this tiny village has just one narrow road that runs through it.

The houses are tightly packed together, and the streets are so narrow that you can touch both sides with outstretched arms!

The shelf on which the village is perched on only has room for a row of cottages and the footpath in front of them.

Only a few feet from the cottages is the drop to the rocky foreshore or, depending on the tide, the sea itself.

This tight-knit community has a rustic charm that's hard to find elsewhere.

This charming hamlet, located in Aberdeenshire, is a well-kept secret, often overlooked by tourists in favour of more well-known Scottish destinations like Edinburgh or the Isle of Skye.

The history of Crovie is fascinating.

Originally established as a fishing village in the 18th century, its remote location made it the perfect hideaway for smugglers.

However, the end of Crovie's fishing industry came, finally and abruptly, on 31 January 1953.

A big storm that had been building since the previous night brought hurricane force winds and huge seas to the village.

The path to Gardenstown was washed away (it has since been replaced), together with stretches of Crovie's sea defences and a number of houses and sheds.

The village ceased to be viable almost immediately, and many residents simply moved round the bay to Gardenstown.

Crovie was left largely to be developed as holiday lets, and today it is a much more active place in the summer than at other times of the year.

The restrictions placed by its location on development throughout its history, plus the halt to commercial activity in 1953, have left Crovie as one of the best preserved fishing villages in Europe.

One oddity is that although the village has a pier, it can all but disappear as the tider comes in.

Today, however, the village maintains much of its original charm.

Many of the houses have been converted from old fisherman's cottages.

You can learn more about the village's history at the Crovie Heritage Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts and documents that tell the story of this unique coastal community.

A visit to the heritage museum is a must. Staffed by enthusiatic informative locals, you’ll learn more about the history of the village and the big storm.

One of the main draws of Crovie is its breath-taking natural beauty - the coastline is dotted with dramatic cliffs, rocky coves, and pristine beaches.

The village is a fantastic starting point for coastal walks, offering panoramic views of the North Sea and the surrounding countryside.

Be sure to take a stroll along the cliffside path to experience the awe-inspiring scenery, which is particularly beautiful during sunrise and sunset.

One of the unique aspects of Crovie is its limited mobile phone signal and no internet access.

While this might be a challenge for some, it's also an opportunity to disconnect from the digital world and fully immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings.

Crovie offers a chance to relax, read a book, or simply take in the beauty of nature without the distractions of modern life.

The reviews of this place are incredible, writing on TripAdvisor, one recent visitor said: “The most amazing, tranquil and beautiful place we have ever stayed.

”We stayed for a week and didn't want to come home. The walks, the beach, the sea ..really if heaven was a place on earth this would be it.”

Another person added: “Had a great escape to Crovie, loved the wildlife, views and sunsets from the doorstep of the cottage.

”Amazing Sensory experience, visited Troup Head, Portsoy, Cullen, Fraserborough, Banff!

”Visited many a beach and harbour, tried some local fare, Cottage was cosy and spacious, sat outside and sipped Champagne while the sun went down!”

You will find holiday homes and self-catering accommodation here.

Keep an eye open for the unusual house numbering system of brightly painted pebbles and maritime ‘art installations’.

There is a car park and viewpoint on the cliffs above, it is a fair walk from there down to and (especially) back up from the village.

There is another car park just above the final hairpin bend descending to the shore. From here steps and a path lead to the harbour area in the centre of Crovie.

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