Fraileach : Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire
- K
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Nestled in the picturesque harbour of fishing village Cruden Bay, beside its award-winning beach, Fraileach Wild Sauna offers a relaxing wellness experience inspired by the surrounding coastline. Fraileach, the Gaelic word for seaweed, reflects the owners’ artistic connection to nature, the sea, and the ever-changing beauty of the Aberdeenshire coast.
Our Wild Sauna Visit
Aberdeenshire is home for us, so we were very excited to hear of new wild saunas popping up along this beautiful coastline. I visited this wild sauna solo on a hot July afternoon and somehow, despite it being booked before and after, managed to get the place to myself! A first for me so I made the most of it!
Slipway to the sea K in the sauna View out of window onto the beach Water is available Sauna interior Fraileach Sauna Seating area for cooling off K in the North Sea View of sauna from the sea
Guide to Facilities
Parking & Directions
Follow the main road through the village, which narrows and includes speed bumps as you continue towards the harbour at the end. Parking is available directly beside the sauna, although during busy periods at the beach and harbour you may need to park further back along the road. For detailed directions, open map link:
Changing
There are currently no changing rooms at Fraileach, although the owners are awaiting planning permission to complete this addition. Large buckets are provided for storing personal belongings during your session and newly fitted hooks outside the sauna mean you can hang towels close at hand. A well-maintained public toilet is also available nearby, supported through donations.
Host
Host, owner, and artist Carlie greeted me on arrival with a warm, relaxed, and friendly welcome. She was attentive and helpful throughout, striking the perfect balance between being available when needed and giving me the space to fully unwind and enjoy the session. The whole experience had a calm, laid-back atmosphere that immediately put me at ease.
The Hot Bit
This beautifully converted horse box sauna features U-shaped seating on one upper level, ensuring everyone enjoys the hottest part of the sauna. A glass door frames views out to sea, while a picture window looks across the grass towards the beach, allowing a little people watching to your experience. The wood-fired stove sits by the entrance, with a sand timer provided to help monitor your session. The light pine-clad wild sauna comfortably seats up to eight guests. Sauna hats are planned for the future, but for now, guests who like to use one are welcome to bring their own.
The Cold Bit
To cool down gently, there is a picnic bench outside where you can relax and take in views across the sea and beach. For those looking for a refreshing dip, the smooth sandy slipway provides easy access to the cool waters, sheltered by the harbour walls. Sand shoes or sandals are recommended for walking over the concrete slipway, although the seabed itself is soft and sandy.
Food/Drinks Nearby
Fraileach encourages guests to bring their own water, although bottles are available if you forget. The nearby Harbour Dunes Café, right next door, is a convenient spot for hot food, snacks, and drinks before or after your sauna session. There is also a shop in the village.
Good to Know
Spare towels are available if you forget to bring your own. The owners also have plans to create a small cabin gallery beside the sauna, showcasing their nature-inspired artwork and photography.
Link to website
This post is based on our own experience at the time of our visit.
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