Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail

This seafaring museum is the newest addition to the trail, and occupies an old coastguard station. It sits beside the old harbour in the heart of Gourdon village. 

The museum's centrepiece is the lifeboat, the Maggie Law. This was one of the first inshore lifeboats, built in 1890. Still in good condition today, she was in service for 40 years and saved 36 lives. The museum also shares many more fascinating tales of the Kincardine coastline in the upper deck.

A couple of miles north of Dunnottar sits the attractive fishing town of Stonehaven. Stop for a delicious meal at one of the cosy inns by the harbour and enjoy freshly caught seafood. Afterwards treat yourself to an indulgent ice cream at one of Stonehaven's wonderful ice cream shops, such as Aunty Betty's or Giulianotti's. Spend the night in Aberdeen and enjoy the pubs, restaurants and entertainment in the city.

Other great coastal attractions in this area include RSPB Fowlsheugh, Stonehaven open air swimming pool, Stonehaven Harbour and Tolbooth Museum.

This beautiful 1.5/2 hour walk, which starts in Cruden Bay, passes ruined Slains Castle, widely believed to have inspired Bram Stoker's horror classic, Dracula, and the Bullers of Buchan, a remarkable natural phenomenon that just has to be seen.

Snap pictures of the imposing castle (from a safe distance!) and watch the sea rushing through the archway of the Bullers of Buchan, a 30 m deep chasm created from a collapsed sea cave. Rare birds like mainland puffins can sometimes be seen nesting. Take care when walking along the path though as it is very close to the edge of the cliffs.

Travel north and spend the night in Fraserburgh, where your third day on the trail will begin.

Other great coastal attractions in this area include Torry Battery at the mouth of Aberdeen Harbour, where you can spot dolphins, Aberdeen Fun beach, just a short walk from Aberdeen city centre, Peterhead Bay, RSPB Loch of Strathbeg reserve and Rattray Head beach.

Continue west towards Macduff. This stretch of coast is known as Scotland's 'Dolphin Coast' and it's a magnificent driving route - you might even be able to see dolphins from the shore or from the historic harbours of the area, alongside whales and porpoises. Along this part of the trail you'll also encounter some delightful fishing villages like Crovie which consists of a single line of houses by the water's edge, and Pennan which featured in the classic Hollywood film Local Hero.

Spend the night in Macduff and enjoy a hearty meal in one of the local restaurants.

Other great coastal attractions in this area include Arbuthnot Museum, New Aberdour beach, Pitsligo Castle, Sandhaven Meal Mill, Maggie's Hoosie and Inverallochy.

Bring your journey to a close at Portsoy, home to one of the oldest harbours in Europe and also part of the Banffshire Coast Harbour Trail. Stop off at the Portsoy Salmon Bothy and discover Portsoy's salmon fishing heritage in this wonderfully restored building.

Portsoy also hosts the annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival where traditional vessels from Scotland and beyond gather in the harbour to celebrate the region's rich maritime and cultural heritage. This popular and busy festival also includes lots of boating activities, live music and delicious local food and drink stalls.

Other great coastal attractions in this area include RSPB Troup Head reserve, renowned Portsoy ice cream, Banff Links beach and Sandend beach which are popular surfing spots, Glenglassaugh Distillery and Cullen beach.