Guide to Kincardineshire
Sightseeing
This dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland.
Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over.
Visit Dunnottar Castle for your own unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past.
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Castelul Dunnottar
This dramatic and evocative ruined cliff top fortress was the home of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland.
Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over.
Visit Dunnottar Castle for your own unforgettable experience and discover the importance of Dunnottar – an impregnable fortress that holds many rich secrets of Scotland’s colourful past.
There is a very enjoyable walk from Stonehaven Leisure Centre Car Park past Aunty Betty's ice-cream shop along to Stonehaven harbour passing by the beach en route.
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Stonehaven Beach
There is a very enjoyable walk from Stonehaven Leisure Centre Car Park past Aunty Betty's ice-cream shop along to Stonehaven harbour passing by the beach en route.
The Pool offers brilliant fun at any time, although there's nothing quite like swimming in warm water in the rain! On sunny days there are sheltered sun terraces with poolside furniture available at no additional cost. Tickets are valid all day, so you can really have a great day out, even on a tight budget. Bring your own picnic or enjoy the tasty hot and cold snacks and drinks available from the Splash Cafe.
The pool's bouyant seawater is filtered, treated and heated to a balmy 29°C or 85°F - for most of the summer, that's warmer than the Med, and certainly cleaner!
All season long (May - beginning of September inclusive) there are daily quiet sessions (no music and no unaccompanied kids), a fast chute/slide for swimmers and lane swimming available at different times. There's also inflatable fun for kids (and adults) who can swim on Saturdays and Sundays and a weekly Aqua Zumba session. Please check all timings on our website.
In high season (7 July - 20 August inclusive) the inflatable fun is daily and there's live music in the bandstand most Saturdays and kid's entertainment, under cover in the Green Room, on most Sundays. Wednesdays are Midnight Swim evenings, with doors open at 9.30pm and the 'aqua disco' swim from 10pm to midnight.
The Pool is located within a stunning Art Deco building which is also easily accessible for visitors with a range of disabilities including wheelchair users. There's also a hoist and friendly help available for swimmers who need it. The facility is owned, staffed and operated to a high standard by Aberdeenshire Council whose partners, The Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool, assist with its promotion and maintenance, and fundraise to provide enhancements such as free pool furniture, floats, hairdryers, and lockers (£1 coin required) as well as the all-important thermal pool covers, used to retain heat overnight.
The pool is easily reached by public transport (bus or train) or car and is well signposted from the main Dundee-Aberdeen road and within Stonehaven, where it is located at the north end of the bay close to the beach and caravan park. Car parking is free. (SatNav AB39 2RD
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Stonehaven Open Air Pool
The LinksThe Pool offers brilliant fun at any time, although there's nothing quite like swimming in warm water in the rain! On sunny days there are sheltered sun terraces with poolside furniture available at no additional cost. Tickets are valid all day, so you can really have a great day out, even on a tight budget. Bring your own picnic or enjoy the tasty hot and cold snacks and drinks available from the Splash Cafe.
The pool's bouyant seawater is filtered, treated and heated to a balmy 29°C or 85°F - for most of the summer, that's warmer than the Med, and certainly cleaner!
All season long (May - beginning of September inclusive) there are daily quiet sessions (no music and no unaccompanied kids), a fast chute/slide for swimmers and lane swimming available at different times. There's also inflatable fun for kids (and adults) who can swim on Saturdays and Sundays and a weekly Aqua Zumba session. Please check all timings on our website.
In high season (7 July - 20 August inclusive) the inflatable fun is daily and there's live music in the bandstand most Saturdays and kid's entertainment, under cover in the Green Room, on most Sundays. Wednesdays are Midnight Swim evenings, with doors open at 9.30pm and the 'aqua disco' swim from 10pm to midnight.
The Pool is located within a stunning Art Deco building which is also easily accessible for visitors with a range of disabilities including wheelchair users. There's also a hoist and friendly help available for swimmers who need it. The facility is owned, staffed and operated to a high standard by Aberdeenshire Council whose partners, The Friends of Stonehaven Open Air Swimming Pool, assist with its promotion and maintenance, and fundraise to provide enhancements such as free pool furniture, floats, hairdryers, and lockers (£1 coin required) as well as the all-important thermal pool covers, used to retain heat overnight.
The pool is easily reached by public transport (bus or train) or car and is well signposted from the main Dundee-Aberdeen road and within Stonehaven, where it is located at the north end of the bay close to the beach and caravan park. Car parking is free. (SatNav AB39 2RD
Distance: 5km / 3 1/4 miles. Allow 1 1/2 – 2 hours, more if you visit the castle. Difficulty: Moderate (one or two steep sections)
Dunnottar Castle is arguably the most spectacular of Scotland’s ruined coastal fortresses, perched on a gigantic rocky outcrop almost detached from the mainland. It is the highlight of this coastal walk which goes south from Stonehaven harbour. You can retrace your steps to maximise the fanstastic views from both directions, make a loop by walking back along the minor road or use the Land Train to get back to the town centre (summer months only).
The walk is along a well marked coastal path with one steep ascent by the harbour and the path is close to some steep cliff edges so care must be taken. If you choose to go into the castle there is a steep stairway. Wear decent footwear as the path is rugged in parts and may get muddy in wet weather.
The walk can be done in either direction as there is car parking facilities both at the castle and at Stonehaven Harbour (behind the Tolbooth museum).
Starting in the picturesque harbour from the front of the Tolbooth Museum (a 16th century building that started life as a storehouse, then was the town’s courthouse and prison) follow the road left around the harbour walking past the Ship Inn and Marine Hotel. At Wallace Wynd turn right as signposted. Turn left behind the houses, signposted for Dunnottar Castle, and follow the road to the end and go up the steps. Climb this path up to the road, Bervie Brae (this is the steepest bit of the walk). Keep left and be sure to take in the stunning views of the town and harbour as you go. Follow the road until you come to a small parking area on the left, where the road turns to the right you now leave the road and follow the obvious path up towards the Black Hill monument.
As you reach the brow of the hill you catch your first view of the Castle but it is worth a detour here to go through the gate to your right and go up to the imposing War Memorial. Return to the path and continue onwards towards the castle. The path follows the contours of the rugged coastline where you will get stunning views of the cliffs, stacks and arches.
When you reach the head of the steps for the castle you have options:
turn right and follow the wide track up to the refreshments cabin for a hot drink, ice cream or food
turn left and descend the steps down to the beach and/or into the castle (admission charge applies)
continue along the cliff path to view the castle from the southern headlands
To return to the harbour you can retrace your steps along the cliff path or go up past the refreshments cabin to the road turn right and carefully follow it back to the path above the harbour.
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Stonehaven
Distance: 5km / 3 1/4 miles. Allow 1 1/2 – 2 hours, more if you visit the castle. Difficulty: Moderate (one or two steep sections)
Dunnottar Castle is arguably the most spectacular of Scotland’s ruined coastal fortresses, perched on a gigantic rocky outcrop almost detached from the mainland. It is the highlight of this coastal walk which goes south from Stonehaven harbour. You can retrace your steps to maximise the fanstastic views from both directions, make a loop by walking back along the minor road or use the Land Train to get back to the town centre (summer months only).
The walk is along a well marked coastal path with one steep ascent by the harbour and the path is close to some steep cliff edges so care must be taken. If you choose to go into the castle there is a steep stairway. Wear decent footwear as the path is rugged in parts and may get muddy in wet weather.
The walk can be done in either direction as there is car parking facilities both at the castle and at Stonehaven Harbour (behind the Tolbooth museum).
Starting in the picturesque harbour from the front of the Tolbooth Museum (a 16th century building that started life as a storehouse, then was the town’s courthouse and prison) follow the road left around the harbour walking past the Ship Inn and Marine Hotel. At Wallace Wynd turn right as signposted. Turn left behind the houses, signposted for Dunnottar Castle, and follow the road to the end and go up the steps. Climb this path up to the road, Bervie Brae (this is the steepest bit of the walk). Keep left and be sure to take in the stunning views of the town and harbour as you go. Follow the road until you come to a small parking area on the left, where the road turns to the right you now leave the road and follow the obvious path up towards the Black Hill monument.
As you reach the brow of the hill you catch your first view of the Castle but it is worth a detour here to go through the gate to your right and go up to the imposing War Memorial. Return to the path and continue onwards towards the castle. The path follows the contours of the rugged coastline where you will get stunning views of the cliffs, stacks and arches.
When you reach the head of the steps for the castle you have options:
turn right and follow the wide track up to the refreshments cabin for a hot drink, ice cream or food
turn left and descend the steps down to the beach and/or into the castle (admission charge applies)
continue along the cliff path to view the castle from the southern headlands
To return to the harbour you can retrace your steps along the cliff path or go up past the refreshments cabin to the road turn right and carefully follow it back to the path above the harbour.
Food scene
Stonehaven harbour is a must see for visitors to the town. Originally a working fishing harbour it is now a hub for recreation, though there are still some local fisherman that bring in a daily catch. It is the home of the Tolbooth Museum, housed in a 16th century storehouse that later became the town’s prison. Upstairs in what was the courthouse there is now the seafood restaurant, The Tolbooth. Along the Shorehead are The Ship Inn and The Marine both containing a restaurant and pub . On a fine summers evening, enjoy a drink sitting outside one of these establishments on the harbour wall with the locals.
The Stonehaven Harbour to Dunnottar Castle Walk commences here and we’re sure you’d welcome a nice pint or meal one your return!
The geeky bit…
Stonehaven Harbour was first built prior to 1607 but was destroyed by storms. It was repaired and again destroyed by storms so in 1678 it was built more robustly but this too broke up under the force of the North Sea. A new plan was drawn up in 1825 by Robert Stevenson and the Harbour works were constructed successfully. The Harbour was handed over to Stonehaven Town Council in 1962.
Stonehaven harbour is the largest of the recreational harbours in Aberdeenshire and has three basins extending to 18,200 square metres and 550 metres of berthing space on the quays. There are also additional mooring chains in the inner harbour totalling about 140 moorings. Both the inner and outer basins dry out at low water but the cofferdam basin, an open area protected by the breakwater, has a depth of three to four feet (1 metre) at MLWS.
There is no longer a Fish Market at Stonehaven and it is now more of a recreational harbour but it is still used by several fishing boats in the 50-foot class.
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Portul Stonehaven
Old PierStonehaven harbour is a must see for visitors to the town. Originally a working fishing harbour it is now a hub for recreation, though there are still some local fisherman that bring in a daily catch. It is the home of the Tolbooth Museum, housed in a 16th century storehouse that later became the town’s prison. Upstairs in what was the courthouse there is now the seafood restaurant, The Tolbooth. Along the Shorehead are The Ship Inn and The Marine both containing a restaurant and pub . On a fine summers evening, enjoy a drink sitting outside one of these establishments on the harbour wall with the locals.
The Stonehaven Harbour to Dunnottar Castle Walk commences here and we’re sure you’d welcome a nice pint or meal one your return!
The geeky bit…
Stonehaven Harbour was first built prior to 1607 but was destroyed by storms. It was repaired and again destroyed by storms so in 1678 it was built more robustly but this too broke up under the force of the North Sea. A new plan was drawn up in 1825 by Robert Stevenson and the Harbour works were constructed successfully. The Harbour was handed over to Stonehaven Town Council in 1962.
Stonehaven harbour is the largest of the recreational harbours in Aberdeenshire and has three basins extending to 18,200 square metres and 550 metres of berthing space on the quays. There are also additional mooring chains in the inner harbour totalling about 140 moorings. Both the inner and outer basins dry out at low water but the cofferdam basin, an open area protected by the breakwater, has a depth of three to four feet (1 metre) at MLWS.
There is no longer a Fish Market at Stonehaven and it is now more of a recreational harbour but it is still used by several fishing boats in the 50-foot class.