Saint Cyrus (Angus)
- Freeride, Shortboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Saint Cyrus is a spacious sandy beach on the Angus coast known for clean water and typically small waves, with water that is shallow and often flat-to-choppy depending on the state of the tide. Providers describe an easy beach access along the coastline between Montrose and Saint Cyrus, with launching possible along the sand rather than from a narrow managed site. For kitesurfing, the spot is described as versatile: freeride in the shallow/lagoons (especially toward low tide) and wave riding when swell conditions pick up, particularly with North East elements mentioned as important for surf/wave riding. Kite launch space is generally a strength, and typical kite sizing is given as commonly around 8–12 m². A major safety note is that the beach lies within St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, with strong guidance to respect nesting birds and avoid sensitive sections—especially the northern end. Wind conditions are framed as frontal, with a stated typical range of about 15–25 knots and best months from April through October. Cliffs are noted as a factor that can create turbulence or wind shadows close to shore, so site selection and launch position matter. There is also guidance to check tide times because the beach can become much narrower at high tide. Surfing at Saint Cyrus is described as a reliable sandy beach break that can respond to North to North East swells, with generally peeling, moderate-power waves and an optimal swell window given as roughly 1.0–2.5 m. West or North-West winds are described as providing cleaner offshore conditions for surf. In very large swell, waves may close out; and for navigation around the river mouth, avoid the channel and be cautious of local current hazards.
- Spacious sandy beach for kiting and launching
- April to October season window
- National Nature Reserve setting with access restrictions for wildlife protection
- Shallow lagoons at low tide for freeride options
- North/NE responsive sandy beach surf
- Large sandy beach with plenty of space for launching and landing
- Clean water and small-wave, shallow-to-choppy conditions suited to freeride
- Good seasonal window from spring into autumn (April to October)
- Cold water year-round
- River mouth currents and cliff-related turbulence create risk areas
- Beach width can change significantly with tide; conditions near the river mouth may be restricted
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NNE, NE, E, SE
- No-go directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Front-driven/coastal wind regime; described as frontal in provider data.
- Reliability
- Reliable during spring and autumn depressions (for the stated wind regime).
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small waves stated across provider data.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat-to-choppy conditions; small chop noted.
- Launch
- Medium — Accessible along the beach; wide sand for launching and landing.
Through the year
Quiet year-round; moderate use by walkers and birdwatchers on weekends.
Winter (November to February) prone to storms and heavy rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Spacious sandy beach with shallow, flat-to-choppy water and small waves; workable freeride and wave riding with lagoons at low tide and wave riding when swell picks up from the North East.
- Kite Sizes
- 8–12 m²
Good coastal windsurfing, particularly in North East winds which can give cross-shore conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Foil-friendly sandy bottom; walk to deep water can be long at low tide.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly described as yes.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Reliable beach break; picks up North and North East swells and can be cleaner than more exposed nearby options further south (provider phrasing).
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NE, E
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — Optimal tide described as mid.
- Shelter
- Semi-sheltered — Semi-sheltered for the break.
- Wind Effect
- West or North-West winds provide cleaner offshore conditions for surfing.
- Bigger Swell
- Can close out in very large swells exceeding 3 meters.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality described as average.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Moderate wave power.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Peeling waves; speed described as medium.
- Ride Length
- Ride length described as medium.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Saint Cyrus (Angus) in the full forecast view.
Saint Cyrus (Angus) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–34 ktsGusts 54 kts
- Direction
- SW221°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2434 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–2.7 m4s period
- Temperature
- 3–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Saint Cyrus (Angus) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–34 kts, peaking around 34 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 54 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.2–2.7 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- River mouth currents
- Cliffs
- Nature reserve restricted areas
- Seasonal bird nesting restrictions may apply to certain dune areas
- Avoid the northern end where birds nest
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards present.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — HM Coastguard is available; nearby lifeboat stations operate regionally.
- Emergency Info
- In an emergency call 999 or 112 (HM Coastguard available). Nearest major medical services are at Ninewells Hospital (Dundee) or Aberdeen Royal Infirmary; Coastguard contact via 999/112.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism indicated.
Rules of the spot
The beach is within St Cyrus National Nature Reserve; respect nesting birds and local wildlife guidelines.
- Do not kite in the immediate vicinity of the river mouth for safety and conservation.
- Seasonal bird nesting restrictions may apply to certain dune areas.
- The best lagoons form at the southern end near the river mouth at low tide, but stay clear of the actual river channel.
- Check tide times as the beach can become much narrower at high tide.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Dundee
- Nearest Town
- Saint Cyrus
- Parking
- Public parking is available at the Nature Reserve Visitor Centre at the north end of the beach.
- Access
- Accessible from Dundee north on the A90; follow signs for Montrose/St Cyrus National Nature Reserve. Get on the beach anywhere along the stretch between Montrose and Saint Cyrus.
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and local B&Bs available in Saint Cyrus and Montrose.
- Food & Drink
- Local shops and cafes in Saint Cyrus village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental gear is described as available via local mobile schools operating from the main sandy bays.
- Gear Storage
- Dedicated gear storage is limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Windswept, storm-battered dune habitat supporting 300+ plant and 70+ bird species, including peregrine falcons.
Historic ruins of a 12th-century monastery, famous for the Declaration of Arbroath.
Scenic walking trail with dramatic red sandstone cliffs and sea caves.
Enclosed estuary with over 80,000 migratory birds and a visitor centre.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Saint Cyrus (Angus)?
The best overall months at Saint Cyrus (Angus) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Saint Cyrus (Angus)?
Saint Cyrus (Angus) works with N, NNE, NE, E, SE winds. No-go directions are N.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Saint Cyrus (Angus)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Saint Cyrus (Angus): Kitesurfing: 8–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Saint Cyrus (Angus) suitable for?
Saint Cyrus (Angus) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner.