Famous Scottish Crystal Hunting Locations: Lunan Bay

Situated on the stunning – if craggy – Angus coastline, Lunan Bay has long been a hotspot for Scottish agate collectors.

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This is a typical Lunan Bay agate which we found in the river circa. 2021.

The Bay itself is a nice pause in the usually rugged coastline, with a lovely light sandy beach backed by impressive sand dunes. The dunes help prevent the sands from eroding to the sea here.

Now we all know by now (hopefully!) that we don’t take minerals from the beach. However, we also know that we can take minerals from nearby areas and any areas where we can get landowners permission.

What is the History of Lunan Bay?

Lunan Bay was once a famous landing site for the Vikings who attacked the British Isles from the 700s up until 1066 and that final, fateful battle. The Bay itself has a lovely beach, gradually lowering into the ocean. This makes it ideal for boats to land on.

King William the Lion of Scotland (William 1) had a castle built here specifically to deter the pesky Vikings. The Red Castle still towers over the bay today although, sadly, it lies in ruins. The Bay itself is known for shifting sandbanks, so that would also add to the chances of wrecked Viking ships out there under the water. The castle was finished in the 1200s but a tower was added to bolster defences in the 1400s.

 The castle was made a gift to the Earl of Ross in 1328 by Robert the Bruce. By 1579 the castle’s owner married a man who later confessed to falling in love with her daughter. She obviously chucked him out, being of good Scottish stock. He then returned with supporters to attack the castle.

A church minister occupied the building in the 1760s but it has since lain empty.

You might find traditional fishing on this stretch of coastline, tossing nets into the sea. You can learn more about Lunan Bay, Montrose, and all things Scottish, via Undiscovered Scotland. It lies about four miles north of Montrose in Angus, right on the coast.

Where to Hunt for Crystals at Lunan Bay?

Now… Because we already know that we do not remove material from the coastline – where do you go to crystal hunt in Lunan Bay? The trick is to avoid the beautiful sandy beach altogether and head either straight north or straight south and inland.

These two locations usually produce agates with high levels of clear silica. We have found stunning onyx and waterline agates here. Keep an eye out for striped rocks. You can also head north around the headland to hunt for rocks in the cliffs. Again, stay away from that shoreline.

What Type of Crystals do you Find at Lunan Bay?

You will find agates and chalcedony at Lunan Bay, although wherever there is chalcedony in Scotland you are likely to also find jasper. We do have one or two nice jasper stones from Lunan Bay.

As well as chalcedony, agate, and jasper, you will find quartz at Lunan Bay. By far, the agates are the most exceptional. Lunan Bay agates are internationally famous. If you can find them and polish them, you will add a great big tick to your crystal collection.

Further Resources for Finding Agates at Lunan

There are a number of websites which discuss finding agates at Lunan Bay in greater detail. We can recommend a few. Check out:

·       Mindat – wherever you are rock hunting, run the name in Mindat.

·       Lunan Bay in Angus on Agate Scotland.

·       The Scottish Geology Beach Pebble Guide is a great resource.

Where to Buy Scottish Agates?

We recommend that you buy Scottish Agates from The Stone Circle website. You can follow this link to buy Scottish Agates. Of course, we are a little biased. If we were forced to recommend another brand it would be Two Skies in Edinburgh.

Where to Buy International Agates?

First off: if you are about to buy a brightly coloured agate then it has been dyed. Avoid these at all costs. They will bleed colour out when wet and fade quickly on your window ledge. We warn you that the internet is full of these. It is becoming hard to find real, untouched agates.

Here are some of the reputable looking agates we found on Amazon:

·       These pieces are a green chalcedony.

·       The Psychic Tree sell Blue Lace Agate that is very pretty.

·       Interestingly, these agate coasters have had gold leaf edges.

·       For crystal healing: Energy in Harmony pink banded agate.

You might also enjoy picking up a copy of Scottish Agates by Nick Crawford and David Anderson.

Tips for Rock Hunting in Lunan Bay, Angus, Scotland.

What are our top tips for hunting agates in Lunan Bay? The same as always. Don’t remove material from the beach, stick to the rivers. Take a first aid kit in your car boot because rocks are sharp. Wear your wellies and be prepared to walk.

If you want to find the best material you need to go beyond the confines of the Bay to places where other people don’t go.

Try to avoid using a camper van in the car park. I am not sure they allow it, and it annoys the locals.

Take a little spray bottle filled with water to spray on rocks. When wet, they are easier to identify. You can buy empty spray bottles on Amazon, or you can pick them up in most chemists and stores which sell beauty products, as hair stylists use them.

Take a plastic carrier bag and remove any litter that you find. Don’t leave your own litter behind.

Check the Tide Times Before You Go

Go when the tide is out to give yourself more stretch of river to work with. You should always, always, always check tide times if you are planning a trip to anywhere seaside in Scotland. It’s good practice for staying safe.

The Met Office have a tidal monitoring station in Montrose, about four miles south of Lunan Bay. Tide times are fairly accurate as a result. Check tide times here before you visit.

Can I Wild Camp at Lunan Bay?

You absolutely can wild camp at Lunan Bay. Watch out for the shifting tide and make sure you follow the outdoor access code. Pay particular attention to camping fires. Try to use fire pits which already exist or bring a disposable barbecue instead.

Can I Take the Dog to Lunan Bay?

Absolutely. Lunan Bay is a dog-friendly beach and you can bring them at any time of year. Please bring bags for the mess as children play here.

Can I Swim in Lunan Bay?

Although you can swim in Lunan Bay, you should be careful of the waters. Four young women drowned here in the 1930’s at the northern end, in “the shadow of the castle.” You should not swim where the rivers meet the sea for safety reasons, but if the rivers are in spate? Stay out of the water.

Happy (Rock) Hunting!

Remember the rules with Lunan Bay: Don’t take from the beach where those sand dunes are protecting us from erosion. Otherwise have a great day out. We advise that you choose warm weather to visit in. Always check tide times and weather forecasts before you go.

Another example of Lunan Bay agate in typical colours, found on the same trip.

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