The UK is home to a number of quaint seaside towns, but perhaps none more so than the one that banned cars and bikes. Tucked away in the north-east of Scotland on the Aberdeenshire coast, Crovie is one of the most charming seaside communities in the country. What sets it apart is its lack of roads leading through the village situated right at the water’s edge.
Cars are left outside the village, and even bicycles are not permitted. The only way to reach the row of approximately 60 houses is on foot, with a steep cliff providing a dramatic backdrop. Residents of Crovie transport their groceries using wheelbarrows, adding to the village’s quaint and secluded charm. Visit Aberdeenshire has dubbed it Europe’s best-preserved fishing village.
Crovie also boasts the narrowest gap between shore and cliff in Scotland.
Its unique layout is characterised by many houses built with their backs to the sea to shield them from the rapidly changing coastal weather.
One local, who also owns a holiday cottage in the village, revealed that there are only five permanent residents, with the rest of the properties being holiday homes.
These homes and self-catering accommodation are often decorated with brightly coloured pebbles and maritime art.
Crovie was once a bustling fishing village until a devastating storm in 1953 washed away parts of it, making it impossible for the fishermen to continue their work. This led many of them to relocate to the larger neighbouring village of Gardenstown.
For those wishing to visit Crovie, parking is available at a viewpoint overlooking the village and further along the road as you approach the village. However, visitors are advised not to drive all the way down to the village.
Once parked, there’s a steep walk down to the houses, or alternatively, stairs can be taken.
One person wrote on Tripadivsor: “Finally made the journey of 9 hours from my hometown. The place is in the middle of nowhere with no shops, cafe, pub etc so you need to take lunch with you. Very secluded and no one about.
“You get a good view from the viewpoint. It’s a steep walk down and obviously steeper going back up. At the bottom there’s a stoney beach that you can only access at the end!”
