Aberdeenshire is a land of dense forests, tall mountains and never-ending coasts.  

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure where you’ll discover the best of what Scotland has to offer (as well as things you’d never expect to find here), then set your eyes upon the north-east. 

We’ve compiled this itinerary to show you why the experiences that await you here make this part of the world well worth discovering.  

It’ll take you from ancient castles on the cliffs, to beaches brimming with hundreds of wild seals, to giant pyramids hidden within the forests. 

The cairns at Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle probably needs no introduction - but just in case, it’s a breathtakingly beautiful highland estate, best known for being a frequent residence of the royal family. 

The castle itself is what most people come here for, but for those with an adventurous spirit, the grounds of Balmoral have much more to offer than just that.  

Scattered around the woodlands of this vast estate are eleven cairns, towering landmarks that have been made from stones stacked upon one another. 

These cairns are here to commemorate members of the royal family and important moments in their lives, with the largest being erected by Queen Victoria herself in 1861. Unlike the others, this cairn is actually a massive pyramid at the apex of a hill, a memorial to Victoria’s late husband Albert. 

Finding these historic cairns for yourself is a really special experience you shouldn’t miss out on. Not only are the cairns themselves striking and beautiful, but many of them are placed in locations with stunning panoramic views over the estate and the castle. 

If discovering these cairns sounds like your kind of adventure, there’s a six mile walk you can tackle that will take you to each of them, finishing with the magnificent Balmoral pyramid at the end. 

The dunes at Balmedie Beach and Newburgh Beach

Not too far from Aberdeen city are some of the most breath-taking beaches in Scotland.  

Balmedie Beach is as gorgeous as it is long, stretching for 14 miles, while further north is Newburgh Beach, known for its incredible wildlife. 

Balmedie Beach is truly picturesque, with soft, pale sand and large areas of lovely marram grass blowing in the breeze.  

Yet what makes it really memorable are its massive dunes - probably not the sort of hills you’d be expecting to see in Scotland! As you walk along the board walks, appreciate the lovely view of the seaside and feel the wind in your hair. 

Newburgh Beach, meanwhile, is similarly dune-covered. What makes this beach really special, however, is all the animals who call this place home: on the other side of the river, you’ll be able to spot the colony of seals who live here, thought to be 400 strong. 

These seals happily swim in the sea and the river within view of visitors, and we’d suggest keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales in the distance.  

Newburgh Beach is also just next to Forvie National Nature Reserve - a paradise for all sorts of wild birds, including the largest population of eider ducks in Europe! 

Both of these beaches are close to one another and well worth a visit, especially on a sunny day when the sand and the sea seem to shine! 

The dunes at Balmedie Beach and Newburgh Beach

Not too far from Aberdeen city are some of the most breath-taking beaches in Scotland.  

Balmedie Beach is as gorgeous as it is long, stretching for 14 miles, while further north is Newburgh Beach, known for its incredible wildlife. 

Balmedie Beach is truly picturesque, with soft, pale sand and large areas of lovely marram grass blowing in the breeze.  

Yet what makes it really memorable are its massive dunes - probably not the sort of hills you’d be expecting to see in Scotland! As you walk along the board walks, appreciate the lovely view of the seaside and feel the wind in your hair. 

Newburgh Beach, meanwhile, is similarly dune-covered. What makes this beach really special, however, is all the animals who call this place home: on the other side of the river, you’ll be able to spot the colony of seals who live here, thought to be 400 strong. 

These seals happily swim in the sea and the river within view of visitors, and we’d suggest keeping your eyes peeled for dolphins and whales in the distance.  

Newburgh Beach is also just next to Forvie National Nature Reserve - a paradise for all sorts of wild birds, including the largest population of eider ducks in Europe! 

Both of these beaches are close to one another and well worth a visit, especially on a sunny day when the sand and the sea seem to shine!