Wild Swimming
Lunan Bay
Lunan Bay is one of Angus's finest beaches — 3km of clean, north-facing sand between Red Castle and the Lunan Water mouth, with a distinctly wild, uncrowded character. The red sandstone ruins of Red Castle (13th century) stand on the dune edge above the northern end of the bay. Cold North Sea exposure, zero crowds on weekdays, and the ancient castle backdrop make this one of eastern Scotland's best wild swim beaches.
Quick facts
- Type
- Beach
- Region
- Angus
- Grid ref
- NO 686 513
- Entry
- Sandy shore
- Depth
- Medium (chest-deep)
- Summer water temp
- 9–16°C
- Midges
- Low
- Dogs
- Off-lead OK
Key hazards
- cold North Sea water
- cold water shock
- rip currents near the river mouth
Getting there
Car park off the B965 near Inverkeilor (DD10 9TD). Short path across the dunes to the beach. The Lunan Water can be crossed at low tide via the ford near the car park. SOAC rights apply.
Parking postcode: DD10 9TD
Safety
Rip currents can develop near the Lunan Water outfall on the ebbing tide — stay away from the river mouth for swimming. North Sea water is cold year-round.
Best for
- eastern Scotland beach
- Red Castle photography
- quiet weekday swim
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:06
- Sunset
- 21:07
- Civil dawn
- 04:18
- Civil dusk
- 21:56
NOAA Solar Calculator · 9 May 2026
Common questions
- Is Lunan Bay a good wild swim beach?
- Excellent for experienced open-water swimmers — clean, uncrowded, and dramatic. The rip current near the river mouth means beginners should stick to the central section of beach.
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