The Links

The Links near Fraserburgh is a sprawling coastal nature reserve where the dunes meet rough grassland and the sea crashes in without fanfare. You're walking through proper wildlife habitat here - breeding ground for seabirds, sanctuary for plants that thrive in salt spray and shifting sand. The trails are straightforward enough, nothing technical, though the wind can be relentless when it's up.

What strikes you most is how untamed it feels. This isn't a manicured nature reserve with interpretation boards every fifty metres. You get birdsong, the smell of marram grass, occasional glimpses of waders and terns if you're patient. Summer's your best bet for seeing the reserve properly alive, though winter storms have their own draw if you don't mind getting buffeted.

It's ideal for walkers who want something lowkey and unstructured - no entry fees, no opening times to worry about, just get out there. Families with older kids will find it engaging; younger ones might lose interest once they've clambered over a few dunes. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars and a field guide. Allow an hour minimum, though two hours lets you actually explore without rushing.

If you're staying at Down On The Farm just up the road, this is an easy half-day outing that fills the gap between breakfast and lunch without feeling like hard work. The reserve works best when you're not expecting too much - it's a proper wild bit of the Aberdeenshire coast doing what it does without any need for your approval.