Crovie, pronounced Crivvie, is one of Scotland most extraordinary villages: a single row of cottages wedged on a narrow ledge between the cliff and the sea, so tight that there is no room for a road. Residents move their belongings by wheelbarrow along the sea wall.
Built by fishing families in the 18th and 19th centuries, Crovie was nearly abandoned after a devastating 1953 storm and is now largely holiday homes. Its improbable setting on Gamrie Bay makes it a photographer favourite on the Banffshire coast.
Location & Getting There
Crovie sits on Gamrie Bay between Banff and Fraserburgh, roughly 45 miles north of Aberdeen. A steep road leads down to a small car park at the end of the village, from where you continue on foot, as no cars can enter the row itself. Its twin village Gardenstown is next door and worth combining.
What to See & Do
Walk the single pedestrian path past the tightly packed cottages with the sea at your feet, and follow the coastal route between Crovie and neighbouring Gardenstown for cliff and bay views. Birdwatchers scan the cliffs and offshore for seabirds and dolphins. The appeal is the setting and the walk rather than any built attraction.
Who It Suits & Best Time
Crovie suits walkers, photographers and travellers seeking somewhere genuinely off the beaten track. Calm, dry days are best, as the sea wall path is exposed and can be dangerous in storms and high tides. It is a quiet residential and holiday community, so tread lightly and park only in the designated area.
Practical Tips
- Park in the small car park above the village; cars cannot enter the row
- Wear sturdy shoes for the sea wall path
- Avoid in storms or very high tides when waves cross the path
- Respect residents; many cottages are private homes
- Combine with neighbouring Gardenstown next door
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you drive into Crovie?
No. The village row is too narrow for vehicles, so you park in a small car park at the end and continue on foot. Residents traditionally move goods by wheelbarrow along the sea wall.
Why was Crovie almost abandoned?
A severe storm in 1953 damaged homes and drove many fishing families out, and the village never fully recovered as a working community. Most cottages today are holiday homes, though the historic single row survives intact.
