Dunnottar Castle, from Stonehaven

Summary

Dunnottar Castle is the most spectacular of all ruined coastal fortresses, perched on a gigantic rocky outcrop almost detached from the mainland. It is the highlight of this short coastal circuit which extends southwards from the harbour at Stonehaven. For the return you can retrace your steps to make the most of the scenery, ride the Land Train service (summer only), or follow the path as described beside a minor road.

Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

4.25/5

Rating

Terrain

Well marked coastal path; steep ascent near start and dangerous cliff edges by the path. Road walking on the return.

Public Transport

Stonehaven has buses and trains.

Start

Stonehaven harbour. Open in Google Maps.

Walk Statistics

Distance: 5km / 3 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 144m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO877855

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Accommodation

Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

There is a public car park at Stonehaven harbour, situated behind the Tolbooth. This sixteenth century building was originally a storehouse, then a courthouse and prison; it now houses a small museum as well as a seafood restaurant. Turn right as you come out of the car park and walk past the front of the Tolbooth, then turn left across the back of the harbour. Look out for a footpath sign that indicates a turn to the right up Wallace Wynd.

Stage 2

Another footpath sign for Dunnottar Castle now points the way to the left past some modern and older houses, then climbing steeply up steps. Keep left to emerge on the road above; this is Bervie Brae and it gives great views back over the harbour and town. Turn left along the road until there is a small parking area where the road doubles back sharply to the right. Leave the road here and instead follow the obvious footpath uphill between two fences.

Stage 3

As the top of the rise is reached there is a first view of the massive ruins of Dunnottar Castle further along the coast. Before continuing, however, there is an interesting detour to be made through the gate to the right. This soon leads up to an impressive war memorial on the summit of Black Hill. The memorial was deliberately left looking unfinished - as ruined as the lives it commemorates. Return to the main path and continue towards Dunnottar.

Stage 4

The path contours round the coastline behind Strathlethan Bay before a signpost indicates where it turns to the right to cut across the next headland. As it reaches the coastline there are views of the dramatic cliffs, stacks and arches, home to thousands of seabirds. However the increasingly impressive castle ruins draw the most admiration. Whilst there are various paths worn to different viewpoints, one of the best views is at the top of the steps when the main route to the castle from its carpark are reached.

Stage 5

There is an admission charge to visit the castle which is well worth it if you haven't been before. The large site has eleven distinct buildings, dating from the 13th to 17th centuries; its rich history takes in a victory by William Wallace, a siege when held by the covenanters, and a siege against the English in 1651. On this occasion the Scots surrendered but not before the prize of the Scottish crown jewels had been safely smuggled out. The most scenic way back is to return the same way, which avoids road-walking.

Stage 6

Otherwise, after visiting the castle follow the wide path that leads inland to the parking area by the road. Here turn right and follow the road verge back towards Stonehaven, taking care to watch out for traffic. The outward route is rejoined above the harbour; turn back down the steps to return to the start.

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