Cowie Chapel St Mary of the Storm
Ancient chapel ruins perched dramatically on a cliff edge, offering breathtaking sea views and a sense of historical contemplation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Cowie Chapel St Mary of the Storm
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient chapel ruins perched dramatically on a cliff edge, offering breathtaking sea views and a sense of historical contemplation.
"Lovely old ruin with incredible views, but the path can be rather muddy and slippy!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear good walking shoes, especially if using the coastal path. It can be muddy and slippy!
⚠️ Heed Warning Signs
The coastal path can be perilous. Opt for the road or clifftop path if you're unsure about your footing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Chapel Ruins
Cliff edge overlooking the sea
Explore the atmospheric remains of this ancient chapel, a site steeped in history with a dramatic coastal backdrop.
Historic Graveyard
Adjacent to chapel ruins
Discover weathered headstones and a sense of timelessness amidst the ruins, offering a poignant glimpse into the past.
Spectacular Sea Views
Cliffside location
Soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and coastline from this stunning elevated vantage point.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Coastal Path Caution
Parking & Golf Course Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear good walking shoes, especially if using the coastal path. It can be muddy and slippy! +1
⚠️ Heed Warning Signs
The coastal path can be perilous. Opt for the road or clifftop path if you're unsure about your footing.
🚗 Park Smartly
Use the designated carpark off the golf course access road; direct parking is limited.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Adventure
For the adventurous, the cliff walk from Stonehaven beach offers rewarding views, but be prepared for challenges. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Wear good walking shoes, especially if using the coastal path. It can be muddy and slippy! +1
⚠️ Heed Warning Signs
The coastal path can be perilous. Opt for the road or clifftop path if you're unsure about your footing.
🚗 Park Smartly
Use the designated carpark off the golf course access road; direct parking is limited.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walk Adventure
For the adventurous, the cliff walk from Stonehaven beach offers rewarding views, but be prepared for challenges. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cowie Chapel for its stunning coastal location and atmospheric ruins, offering a peaceful spot for contemplation. However, many caution about the challenging and potentially hazardous coastal paths, advising visitors to be prepared with appropriate footwear and to heed warning signs for safety.
"We walked up the coastal cliff path from the beach carpark rather than going the sensible route following the pavement but I enjoy a wee adventure! It was rather muddy and slippy but the views were worth it. Lovely old ruin and some very interesting headstones here. A lot of people on the golf course next door! We took the pavement back to the car ..."
Vicky Dunbar
"Nice ruins in a very scenic area , walk from the Stonehaven beach probably not recommended for the less adventurous as the path has been eroded after some winter storms so we walked in on ths clifftop path from the carpark above Cowie. The ruins are right on the edge of the golfcourse but there are a few interesting old stones and like i said the views are fab"
Tork Mackenzie
"A lovely (albeit crowded) little graveyard in Stonehaven, nestled in some ruins. The path that lead up to it was surprisingly extensive- I’d suggest heeding the warning signs and taking the road instead, as it did feel quite perilous (and muddy) at times. Definitely not for those of us who are wobbly on their feet!"
Maddy Sutherland
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Cowie Chapel by car, parking at the designated carpark off the golf course access road. Alternatively, for the adventurous, a cliff walk from Stonehaven beach offers scenic but potentially challenging routes. +2
While direct public transport to the chapel is limited, you can take a bus to Stonehaven and then walk or arrange local transport. Check local bus schedules for routes serving the Cowie area.
The most recommended access is via the clifftop path from the carpark above Cowie. The path from Stonehaven beach is less advisable due to erosion and can be muddy and slippy. +2
Yes, you can walk from Stonehaven harbour along the coast. This route offers incredible views but can be challenging and muddy, especially after storms.
Due to the natural terrain and the condition of the paths, the chapel ruins and graveyard are not easily accessible for wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cowie Chapel and its graveyard are open access historical sites and do not require tickets for entry.
As an open-air historical site, Cowie Chapel is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee to visit Cowie Chapel and its surrounding graveyard.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns related to the cliff edge and uneven terrain.
Visitors are asked to be respectful of the historical site and the adjacent golf course. Be mindful of the cliff edge and uneven ground.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the atmospheric ruins of the ancient chapel and wander through the historic graveyard with its weathered headstones. The dramatic sea views are also a major highlight. +1
Most visitors spend around 30-60 minutes exploring the ruins, graveyard, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
There are no facilities such as restrooms directly at the Cowie Chapel site. Facilities are available in nearby Stonehaven.
Visitors should exercise extreme caution near the cliff edge, as the ground can be unstable and the path is not always well-defined.
Capture the chapel ruins against the dramatic sea backdrop. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the cliff edge, capturing the chapel ruins with the sea and coastline. The graveyard also offers atmospheric shots.
Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, offers beautiful light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers dramatic views.
Drone usage may be restricted due to the proximity of the golf course and potential privacy concerns. Always check local regulations before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea views and ruins. A telephoto lens can be useful for details in the graveyard.
No specific photography restrictions are in place, but visitors should be respectful of the site and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the ruins themselves might not hold direct child-friendly attractions, the dramatic sea views and the sense of exploring an old, atmospheric site can spark imagination. Pack snacks and water, and ensure everyone is wearing appropriate footwear for uneven ground.
🚶♀️ Adventurous Explorers
Alternatively, exploring the less-trodden parts of the clifftop path can also provide a sense of discovery. Remember to always prioritize safety, inform someone of your plans, and carry a basic first-aid kit. The rewarding views are often worth the effort for the intrepid traveler.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Coastal Paths
The recommended approach involves parking at the carpark just off the golf course access road. From here, a short walk leads down to the chapel.
Regardless of the chosen path, sturdy footwear is non-negotiable. The unpredictable nature of coastal paths means that conditions can change rapidly, making good grip and ankle support essential for a safe and enjoyable visit.
A Glimpse into History
The graveyard itself is a treasure trove of weathered headstones, each telling a silent story. These ancient stones, some occupied by trees, add to the atmospheric and contemplative nature of the site.
While the chapel structure is minimal, its historical significance as a place of worship and burial in such a dramatic location makes it a remarkable site to visit. It's a testament to the enduring human connection to place and faith, even in the face of nature's power.
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