Beaches, coastal walks, castles and great local food
Looking for the perfect day trip on Scotland’s east coast? If you’re staying in Aberdeenshire or nearby, this easy driving itinerary takes you from wild beaches and coastal walks to one of Scotland’s most dramatic castles—plus some excellent local food stops along the way.
It’s an ideal day out for anyone self-catering, travelling by car, and wanting to experience a mix of nature, history, and authentic local spots—without spending hours on the road.
This is a route we often recommend to visitors looking for a relaxed but memorable day out—and it never disappoints.
At a Glance: Your Coastal Day Trip Route
- Start: St Cyrus Beach & Nature Reserve
- Lunch: Mill of Benholm or Inverbervie
- Afternoon: Dunnottar Castle
- Optional: Forest walk (Fetteresso or Drumtochty)
- Finish: Westerton Farm Shop or Castleton Farm Shop
⏱️ Total driving time: approx. 2–2.5 hours spread across the day
Morning: St Cyrus Beach & Coastal Walk (One of the Best)
Start your day at St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, one of the most beautiful and often overlooked coastal spots in northeast Scotland.
With sweeping sandy beaches, dunes, and dramatic cliffs, it’s perfect for a relaxed morning walk. It’s also a haven for wildlife—look out for seabirds, butterflies, and even dolphins offshore on a calm day.
You can keep it simple or explore a bit further:
- A short walk down to the beach
- A longer stroll along the shoreline
- Clifftop paths with panoramic coastal views
This is one of those places many visitors drive past without realising how special it is—so take your time and enjoy the slower pace.
Lunch Stop: Local Café Favourites Near the Coast
After a morning by the sea, head for a relaxed lunch at one of the area’s much-loved local cafés.
Two excellent options are:
- Mill of Benholm Café – a charming rural café known for homemade food and a welcoming atmosphere
- Inverbervie – a classic coastal stop with simple, traditional café-style options. Consider Phoenix Bakery for sourdough and sandwiches
- Gourdon – the Harbour Bar in nearby Gourdon offer a range of popular local dishes.
This isn’t about fine dining—it’s about good, honest food in a laid-back setting. Ideal for refuelling before the afternoon and a chance to experience places locals actually use.
Afternoon: Dunnottar Castle (Aberdeenshire’s Most Dramatic Landmark)
No East Coast Scotland day trip is complete without a visit to Dunnottar Castle.
Set on a rugged cliff edge just south of Stonehaven, this iconic ruin is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland—and once you visit, it’s easy to see why.
Make time to:
- Walk the path down to the castle (the views are incredible)
- Explore the ruins and learn about its fascinating history
- Take in the coastline from multiple viewpoints
Even if you’ve seen it in photos, the scale and setting are far more impressive in person.
Late Afternoon: Coffee, Cake & Farm Shop Stop
Before heading back, make time for a proper local treat.
Two standout stops are:
Both are perfect for coffee and home baking, and they’re especially ideal if you’re staying in self-catering accommodation—you can pick up fresh, local produce to take back for dinner.
It’s a simple addition to the day, but one that many visitors say ends up being a highlight.
Alternative Stops & Detours Along the Way
If you’d like to tailor the day to your interests, there are a few worthwhile alternative stops you can easily include along this route.
- Montrose Basin Nature Reserve is a great option for wildlife lovers, offering peaceful walks and excellent birdwatching opportunities just a short detour inland.
- If you prefer to stay by the coast, Lunan Bay is slightly further south but well worth the drive for its wide sandy beach and scenic views—often much quieter than better-known locations.
These optional stops give you the flexibility to slow the pace or swap out part of the itinerary depending on the weather or your interests.
Who This Day Trip Is Perfect For
This itinerary works particularly well if you:
- Are staying in self-catering accommodation
- Have access to a car
- Enjoy walks, scenery, and relaxed exploring
- Want to experience local spots, not just tourist hotspots
Staying for a few days?
If you’re staying in Aberdeenshire, you don’t need to travel far for a memorable day out. This East Coast Scotland itinerary offers the perfect mix of scenery, history, and local flavour—without the crowds you’ll find elsewhere.
Take your time, enjoy the journey, and don’t be afraid to stop along the way—some of the best moments are the unexpected ones.
If you are staying a bit longer in our beautiful region, there here is a link to our regional map which offers other great ideas of places to visit.
Discover the Scottish East Coast
💡 Tip: Save this route in Google Maps before you set off so you can easily follow the stops.
