North East 250

Your journey begins by leaving ‘The Granite City’ behind and travelling to Royal Deeside. Why not take a short but worthy detour to visit Dunnottar Castle? This dramatic cliff top fortress was once home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland: the Earls Marischal.

As you travel to Royal Deeside you could take the opportunity to visit some of the most charming castles in the country, such as Crathes Castle and Drum Castle.
Overnight – Royal Deeside

Royal Deeside is unmatched in the richness and diversity of its castles, and Scotland’s Castle Trail brings together some of the most splendid examples of castellated architecture on a clearly signposted tourist trail.

This stunning region has been a holiday destination for British royalty ever since Queen Victoria began visiting in the 1850s, and you can visit Balmoral Castle – the Queen’s Scottish ‘holiday home’, and enjoy exploring the castle grounds, gardens, and exhibitions of artwork and royal tartans.
Overnight – Royal Deeside

Travel north through the Cairngorms – Britain’s largest and wildest National Park – following the spectacular Snow Route to Tomintoul. The village lies at a height of 345m and is popular with visitors to the surrounding whisky distilleries, as well as the Lecht Ski Centre.

Visit nearby Glenlivet Estate, which has an information centre offering maps of local walks and cycle trails. From here, you could begin your Speyside whisky experience by paying a visit to the wonderful visitor centre at Glenlivet Distillery.
Overnight – Speyside

There are countless distilleries to visit as you wind your way through the charming towns and villages of Speyside. As you journey towards the whisky capital of Dufftown, you could visit Ballindalloch Castle situated in the magnificent Spey Valley.

In Dufftown, we recommend the Explorer’s Tour at Glenfiddich Distillery where you can see how the world’s best-selling single malt whisky is made. You could also arrange an exclusive tour of the Balvenie Distillery. The Speyside Cooperage at Craigellachie is a vital part of whisky production and also well worth a visit.
Overnight – Speyside

Continue northbound towards the breathtaking Moray Coast. Why not go on a wildlife adventure boat trip with North 58 ̊ Sea Adventures in Findhorn? Look out for bottlenose dolphins, seals, porpoises, minke whales, and maybe even orca!
Overnight – Moray Coast

Enjoy a leisurely day at stunning East Beach in Lossiemouth or visit nearby Elgin Cathedral. Even as a ruin, the 13th century cathedral is one of Scotland’s most ambitious and beautiful medieval buildings.

Travel to the Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay to spot bottlenose dolphins, and don’t forget to make a stop in Cullen to taste a hearty Cullen Skink – a local delicacy.
Overnight – Moray Coast

As you continue your journey around the North East 250, you will drive along the rugged and dramatic North East coastline with its secret bays, scenic viewpoints, and lovely villages. Pass through Cruden Bay, home to a sweeping expanse of pink sand and dunes.

Nearby you will find New Slains Castle – an atmospheric ruined castle built in 1597. It is often said that this magnificent courtyard palace provided Bram Stoker with the inspiration for Count Dracula’s castle when he stayed in the area in 1895.
Overnight – East Coast

Step back in time today to explore Scotland’s heritage as you continue your journey on the Castle Trail. Travel inland and visit a stunning example of Scottish baronial architecture – 13th century Fyvie Castle & Gardens, and for some contrast you could travel to the picturesque ruins of Tolquhon Castle at Tarves.

The East Coast is also home to some of the most beautiful and oldest golf courses in the world, such as Cruden Bay Golf Club.
Overnight – East Coast

From the East Coast it is a short drive back to Aberdeen, where your unique journey on the North East 250 will come to an end.