Cullykhan Cove Sauna : Pennan, Aberdeenshire
- K
- Aug 1
- 2 min read
Cullykhan Cove is one of those hidden gems you need to know about to find. Tucked beneath towering cliffs just north of the iconic tiny village of Pennan, this wood-fired wild sauna offers a simple, authentic experience of heat, sea, and stunning coastal surroundings.
Our Wild Sauna Visit
I was lucky enough to have this wild sauna to myself on a mild, overcast Tuesday afternoon, allowing me to fully enjoy the incredible coastal views and peaceful setting. It was the perfect end to a day spent at this pretty beach with a friend and her children.
View of the sauna and bay Sauna interior K having a dook View out of sauna window Entrance area Cullykhan Cove sauna sitting on edge of beach
Guide to Facilities
Parking & Directions
Follow the single-track road to the end and turn right into the car park, where there is plenty of parking for this little-known beach. From there, a grassy quad track leads downhill to the beach and sauna, with some steep and muddy sections before joining a boardwalk closer to the shore. Bear in mind that the return journey is uphill, so it's worth considering how much you carry with you. For detailed directions open map link:
Changing
There are currently no changing facilities; however, the sauna has an inner door that creates a small porch area with a glass outer door. This offers some shelter from the elements and a little extra privacy for changing, although it does become very warm. Benches in this space can be used to store belongings, but I chose to leave mine outside because of the heat. There are no toilet facilities nearby.
Host
The host was efficient, although interactions were brief and there was little introduction to the sauna or opportunity to ask questions. At the end of my session, I felt slightly rushed while getting changed, as the sauna needed to be locked up soon afterwards.
The Hot Bit
This barrel-shaped sauna seats four to six guests on benches facing each other, with a large arched window to the spectacular views over the beach to the sea, framed by the towering cliffs on either side. The wood-fired stove is tended from outside, allowing the peaceful atmosphere inside to remain undisturbed. A sand timer is provided to help gauge your session, and several sauna hats are available for guests to use.
The Cold Bit
To cool down gently and soak up the beauty of this stunning location, you can relax on the pebbles or sandy beach. For a more invigorating experience, the sea is just a short walk across the pebbles and sand. Sand shoes or sandals are recommended to make access more comfortable, and it's always worth checking the tide times when planning a visit to any seaside sauna.
Food/Drinks Nearby
Pennan is just a few miles along the road, where The Pennan Inn serves evening meals and The Coastal Cuppie offers coffee, cake, and outdoor seating. For a wider choice of cafés and restaurants, Macduff and Fraserburgh are both within easy reach.
Link to website
This post is based on our own experience at the time of our visit.
Comments