Exploring Aberdeenshire

OutandaboutElaine

Just back from a family weekend in Stonehaven and wow did we pack a lot in!  Ticked off Dunnottar Castle which is truly spectacular, kicked around some pebbles on the beach in the Sunshine, then enjoyed a fully loaded ice-cream. The highlight was outdoor swimming in Stonehaven heated outdoor pool.  Unfortunately we missed out on the Wednesday evening 10pm to Midnight pool party disco! It was a bit of a whistle stop tour so sure we miss so many other great things! so who can help populate the list of other things to see and do in Aberdeenshire? 

 

Frauothemearns

St Cyrus nature reserve is just down the road from Stonehaven, a beautiful site with golden sands as far as the eye can see! 
The Grassic Gibbon Centre in Arbuthnott is also not too far away, and has a lovely cafe with play area for kids, as well the exhibition on Grassic Gibbon (author of Sunset Song). 

Neil1988

Keeping on the coastal theme, head a few miles north of Aberdeen to Balmedie Beach & Country Park, before going up to Newburgh to see the largest number of seals you will ever see (!!!) on the Ythan Estuary....literally hundreds, a short 2 minute walk over the sand dunes from the car park. Take your sledge along to do some sand sledging on the dunes while you are there!

ElmaScot

If you enjoy beautiful old buildings, stop off at Arbuthnott Church en route to the Grassic Gibbon Centre. It's just stunning!

Cookie

Lots of Castles, good beaches, and beautiful scenery in Aberdeenshire. Not as crowded as the West Coast but well worth visiting. 

mustseescotland

This is Kinnaird Head at the north-east tip of Scotland, in Fraserburgh. This 16th-century towerhouse was altered to be the base for Scotland’s first lighthouse built by the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1787. It is now part of the Scottish Museum of Lighthouses - a fascinating place to visit. It stands near the Wine Tower, on the edge of the sea, an even older construction than the castle, and about which there are local legends. (Usual ingredients – imprisoned lovers, phantom pipers and so on. More about it on this Scottish haunted places link.) For great fish and chips when you are in Fraserburgh - try Glovers in Broad Street.

Samantha_Grant

Braemar is beautiful sitting nestled amongst the mountains.  The drive there if you go via the Angus glens is stunning - up through Glenshee and the Cairngorms National Park.

There's the famous Braemar Gathering highland games and throughout the summer months you'll see the pipe bands play at the weekend. 




I also love Stonehaven and the iconic Dunnottar Castle.  The walk to the castle from Stonehaven harbour, along dramatic cliff tops is really pretty. 

Aberdeen has a lovely long stretch of beach.  It was a real surprise to me the first time I saw it. 

VisitScotlandSarahW

Ballater is beautiful village situated in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park. Driving East from Aberdeen, along the scenic North Deeside road, you will find many interesting Castles to visit along the way, including Crathes Castle and Drum Castle. In Ballater you will find lots of local speciality shops, many with elusive Royal warrants!




There are walks a plenty in Ballater and the surrounding area. A short drive from Ballater is beautiful Loch Muick, the inspiration for HRH The Price of Wales's much loved childrens' book the Old Man of Lochnagar. Cambus O' May Forest walks and Muir of Dinnet Nature reserve are also must see beauty spots to visit. Keep a beady eye out for local native wildlife including cheeky Red Squirrels, Red Deer and the majestic Golden Eagle! 

ScotlandAdventures

Having just driven part of the coast of Aberdeenshire I can recommend a visit to

RSPB reserve at FowlSheugh for stunning cliff walks and bird-watching
Dunnottar Castle for its spectacular location
Buchan Ness Point the most north easterly point in Britain, with a pretty lighthouse
Fraserburgh to see the busy working fishing harbour
Pennan, a picturesque village nestled in the cliffs which featured in the film Local Hero
Crovie, another pretty village dramatically nestled at the base of cliffs.  It is not accessible by car although there is a viewpoint overlooking it for some pretty photos
Portsoy, visit The Boatshed, a community project to keep the skills of tradiional boatmaking alive, they welcome visitors.  Also has a pretty 17th Century harbour

A beautiful stretch of Scottish coastline, very different to the west and much quieter!

Dontwarnthetadpoles1

Lovely photos

Gjw

The Facebook group "Aberdeenshire in colour" has lots of photos taken by locals with additions every few days, it's a great place to see what's been going on in the Shire.