Put your best foot forward with Stonehaven walks
It was beautiful but all too brief – summer is over for another year. And while we admit to having shed a tear over the loss of warm sunny days, we’re also pretty excited about the arrival of autumn.
While Stonehaven always looks majestic in the summer sunshine, we love getting out and about in the cooler weather and seeing the landscape change colour. There’s nothing quite like getting out on foot – and stopping off at The Ship for some post-walk refreshments!
If you’re looking for inspiration for some local walking routes this autumn, then look no further. We’ve compiled a list of our three favourite seasonal walks that are suitable for all members of the family.
The Harbour to Dunnottar Castle
Okay, so we’re maybe being a little bit biased here since we make an excellent starting point – or finishing spot – for this popular walk! But it’s a well-worn path for a reason. Not only will you be able to get a nosey at what’s happening around Shorehead, you’ll take in the stunning coastal landscape as you walk up the Bervie Braes and onwards to the War Memorial.
Not too much further and you’ll arrive at the jewel in our crown, Dunnottar Castle. It’s much quieter at this time of year and, even if you’re a local, we think this is a great walk. The castle is always worth a visit, not least because of the fascinating history that the guides can share with you. We’re pretty certain we’ve learned something new each visit. This walk is less than three miles – you might get a wee bit out of puff on the hills, which means you’ll have earned a pint of something cold and refreshing on your return.
Stonehaven Guided Audio Tour
What do Robert Burns, the humble Mars bar and the BBC have in common? Well, that would be telling. You’ll need to get yourself wired up to this great self-guided Stonehaven walk from Scot Free Tours to find out for yourself.
We’re big fans of this walk: not only does it take in the key attractions around Stonehaven, it’s packed full of facts, figures and funny anecdotes that will keep you entertained along the way.
It starts out from the Market Square and follows a route of around, taking less than 90 minutes to complete. The best bit is that you can pause the tour as you go along. We recommend a 30-minute rest at Giulianotti’s sweet shop to build your energy reserves – and find out why we serve their ice cream here at The Ship!
Chapelton Autumnal Walk
As much as we love Stoney, it’s not a bad thing to cast your net further afield. This is not so much of a walk – more of an event – which younger members of the family will love just as much as the young at heart.
Setting out from Liddle Park on October 6 at 2pm, Kincardine and Mearns Countryside Ranger Helen Young will lead participants around Chapelton on a wild walk, looking for crunchy leaves and muddy puddles.
After an outdoors adventure, the walk will return to the hut for hot chocolate and to enjoy an interactive story from Diana Peers of the Grampian Association of Storytellers. Sounds like the perfect autumnal activity to us!
