Beach
Sea dip
Images credit: Fraileach Sauna
At a glance
About this sauna
Fraileach Sauna sits right on Port Erroll Harbour in Cruden Bay, in a converted horsebox. It’s run by Carlie and Karen, who also make coastal-inspired art and handcrafted objects from the same site, using materials gathered from the shore.
The harbour itself is a working fishing harbour, with creel boats, holidaymakers and walkers passing through, giving it a lively, open feel.
What to expect
- Wood-fired horsebox sauna
- Social sessions for up to 8 people
- Optional sea swim, tide dependent
- Coastal art studio on site, run by the same owners
Additional experiences and sessions
- Private hire available, for celebrations, social gatherings or post-exercise recovery
- Monthly membership available
Plan your visit
Getting there
By car: Port Erroll Harbour, Cruden Bay, via Harbour Street. Postcode for sat nav: AB42 0HF
Parking: At the nearby Port Erroll car park, to avoid congestion at the harbour
Finding the sauna: A short walk from the car park along an even path, with a ramp to the sauna door
What to bring
- Swimwear
- Two towels (one for sitting on, one for drying off)
- Flip flops or sandals
- Warm layers for afterwards
- Water bottle
- Changing robe or loose layers for getting changed outdoors
Location
What’s nearby
Harbour Dunes Café sits right at Port Erroll Harbour for food and drink, and the historic Kilmarnock Arms Hotel in the village has associations going back to Bram Stoker’s visits in the 1890s. Cruden Bay’s two-mile stretch of sandy beach starts right at the harbour and leads towards the cliffside ruins of Slains Castle, which is said to have inspired Stoker’s Dracula. The coastal walk also passes the Bullers of Buchan, a dramatic natural sea arch popular with birdwatchers.
Before you go
If you’re new to wild saunas, these quick answers might help
No — you can enjoy the sauna on its own.
Yes — you can move between the sauna, the water and breaks outside at your own pace.
