Holiday apartment in Aberdeenshire: coast, nature and whisky

Aberdeenshire has a 208-kilometre coastline with golden sandy beaches as well as dramatic rocky and pebble beach sections. Between the North Sea, estuaries, dunes and highlands, different landscapes come together here with trails, nature watching, history and regional food and drink culture.

Nature and coast

Forvie National Nature Reserve covers almost 1,000 hectares of internationally important coastal habitats, with sand dunes and dune heath between the North Sea and the mouth of the River Ythan. Forvie is home to Scotland’s largest mainland colony of terns and black-headed gulls, as well as Scotland’s largest gathering of resting grey seals. Gannets, guillemots and razorbills breed on the cliffs of Troup Head.

The inland areas also offer distinctive nature experiences. Bennachie provides opportunities for wildlife watching, archaeological discoveries and panoramic views from its distinctive peaks. Near the Bennachie Visitor Centre there is a wildlife-watching area where, among other species, squirrels and various bird species can be observed.

Trails through the landscape

The Gordon Way is an 11½-mile, or 18.5-kilometre, route through woodland, farmland and heathland that begins or ends at the Bennachie Visitor Centre. The Bennachie Colony Trail passes through open woodland and by the ruins of the settlers’ houses and fields on Bennachie.

In Forvie National Nature Reserve, the Dune Trail leads through the Ythan estuary, across the dunes and along the beach. There are spectacular cliff walks along the coast. A 1,700-metre boardwalk leads from the main car park at Balmedie Beach into a dune landscape overlooking the beach. Aberdeenshire also has a core paths plan as well as cycling and walking routes, including long-distance trails and public rights of way.

The nearest bus connection to Forvie National Nature Reserve is the X63 operated by Stagecoach Bluebird between Aberdeen and Peterhead via Cruden Bay.

History and culture

Crathes Castle is a 16th-century castle with painted ceilings and oak panelling. The grounds have six signposted trails where, among other species, deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and herons can be observed.

The Peterhead Trail conveys more than 400 years of town history through 26 information panels. The Historic Harbours Trail leads to 12 of the oldest harbours in Aberdeenshire, while the Historic Churches Trail covers 12 historic churches in Aberdeenshire.

Macduff Marine Aquarium showcases local marine life and local exhibitions; its central tank complex forms part of the distinctive visitor experience.

Food and drink

Glen Garioch offers a 1.5-hour distillery tour with a tasting of three different Glen Garioch Highland Single Malt Whiskies, as well as an experience featuring an exclusive individual cask bottling from the distillery. Fettercairn Distillery offers various guided visitor experiences that end with a tutored tasting of selected Fettercairn whiskies. The guide Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire introduces eight distilleries.

At farmers’ markets in Aberdeenshire, visitors can meet local producers and learn the stories behind their diverse products.

Holiday apartment in Aberdeenshire

For a holiday apartment in Aberdeenshire, you can compare the available offers in the next step. Depending on your travel plans, the stated location may be more important than a general promise; the specific details provided remain decisive. Therefore, compare the options based on these points and keep an eye on the features that matter for your planned stay. The booking and cancellation conditions should also be clearly identifiable before completing the booking.

Other places in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeen, Portsoy, Peterhead, Newburgh, Inverurie, Banff, Ballater, Aboyne, Chapel Of Garioch, Logie, Banchory, Braemar, Rosehearty, Stonehaven, Balmedie, Kirkton Of Skene, Portlethen, Dinnet, Ellon, Fettercairn, Fraserburgh, Newmachar, Alford, Auchenblae, Peterculter, Cruden Bay, Insch, Kemnay, Longside, Bridge Of Don, Milltimber, Westhill, Mintlaw, Aberchirder, St Cyrus, Plaidy, Lumphanan, Strathdon, Whitehills, Turriff, Tarves, Macduff, Huntly, Fordyce, Gardenstown, New Deer, Monymusk, Inchmarlo, Gourdon, Johnshaven, Pitmedden, Tyrie, Tarland, New Aberdour, Kincardine O'Neil, Inverallochy, Inverbervie, Hatton of Fintray, Marykirk, Port Elphinstone, Strichen, Kintore

For the overarching travel overview: Scotland.