From Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle

Recommended by
Our view
"Breezy clifftops lead you to the home of an inventor"
Walk directions

From the Market Square in Stonehaven, walk back on to Allardyce Street, turn right and cross over the road into Market Lane. Continue along Market Lane and when you come to the beach, turn right to cross the footbridge. Turn right at a sign to Dunnottar Castle to reach the harbour. Cross here to continue down Shorehead, on the east side of the harbour. Pass the Ship Inn, then turn right into John Street, then turn left into Marischal Street, right into Love Lane.

Turn left into Castle Street which becomes a steep path. You then emerge at the main road and maintain your direction walking along the road until it bends. Continue ahead, following the enclosed tarmac path, between arable fields and past a war memorial on the right-hand side. Cross the middle of the field, then above Strathlethan Bay. The path turns right across the middle of a field and then over a footbridge. You now pass a path going down to Castle Haven and continue following the main path around the cliff edge. Cross another footbridge and bear uphill. You’ll soon reach some steps on your left that run down to Dunnottar Castle.

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Location
Additional information
  Terrain  - Cliff edges, metalled tracks, forest paths
  Landscape  - Striking seascapes, ancient castle
  Dog friendliness  - Keep on lead along cliffs
  Parking  - Market Square, Stonehaven
  Toilets en route  - Market Square and harbour, Stonehaven
About the walk
The last castle Lying just to the south of Stonehaven, Dunnottar was the last Scottish castle to fall to Oliver Cromwell’s invading army during the Civil War of the mid-17th century. It held out for eight months, and it’s easy to see why it was such a hard nut to crack – it perches atop a 160 ft...
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About the area
Visitors to Aberdeenshire with any kind of interest in history are in for a treat. There are more castles to the acre in Aberdeenshire than anywhere else in Britain.
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From Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle

Recommended by
Our view
"Breezy clifftops lead you to the home of an inventor"
Dog friendly
Location
Nearest postcode:
Additional information
  Terrain - Cliff edges, metalled tracks, forest paths
  Landscape - Striking seascapes, ancient castle
  Dog friendliness - Keep on lead along cliffs
  Parking - Market Square, Stonehaven
  Toilets en route - Market Square and harbour, Stonehaven
About the walk
The last castle Lying just to the south of Stonehaven, Dunnottar was the last Scottish castle to fall to Oliver Cromwell’s invading army during the Civil War of the mid-17th century. It held out for eight months, and it’s easy to see why it was such a hard nut to crack – it perches atop a 160 ft...
Read more
Been on this walk placeholder

Been on this walk?

Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.

Walking in Safety placeholder

Walking in Safety

Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.

Get an AA guide placeholder

Get an AA guide

Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.

About the area
Area image
Aberdeenshire
Visitors to Aberdeenshire with any kind of interest in history are in for a treat. There are more castles to the acre in Aberdeenshire than anywhere else in Britain.