After studying abroad in Edinburgh for 2 weeks, Brandon flew across the pond to spend a week with me in Scotland. I love Edinburgh, but I wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and see some of Scotland’s gorgeous natural scenery. We decided to take a day trip from Edinburgh to Stonehaven, where we took a hike to Dunnottar Castle, a stunning fortress perched atop a rocky cliff.

If you want to take a day trip from Edinburgh to Dunnottar Castle, it is about a 2 hour journey by train. Around 20 trains a day make the trip from Edinburgh to Stonehaven, but I recommend catching an early one to beat the crowds.

The castle is known for having housed and protected the crown jewels of Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots visited twice, and her son, King James VI, stayed there in 1580. The castle also experienced some darker moments, such as when 167 prisoners were locked in Whig’s Vault for 2 months. The prisoners who did not die of starvation or as a consequence of trying to escape, were eventually transported to the colonies as slaves.

The Hike to Dunnottar Castle

Let me begin by saying, Brandon and I are not experienced hikers. We’ve only gone hiking a few times and found this one to be very manageable.

The hike to Dunnottar Castle is well marked and offers incredible coastal views. We walked from the train station and took the long route, which is about 3.5 miles each way. Some people opt to take a cab or bus to the harbor and begin the hike from there. We wanted to see as much as we could of Stonehaven though!

From the station, we simply started walking straight ahead, toward the coast. This first part of the trek is through quaint residential areas. Once you reach the coast, signs for the castle point you down well maintained paths that follow the shoreline. We lucked out with gorgeous weather which made the views even more enjoyable. Brandon was especially happy, because he had been wanting to see some of Scotland’s beaches.

After your seaside stroll, you will reach the harbor. We were hiking early and restaurants were not open yet, but on our way back, we stopped for lunch. The Ship Inn has a restaurant called The Captain’s Table Restaurant, which served us delicious fish and chips and chicken tenders – a meal that hits the spot after a long morning of hiking and exploring!

From the harbor, get to Castle Street via Love Lane (It sounds like a fairy tale doesn’t it?). Castle Street dead ends for vehicles, but continues winding up a little incline for those on foot. When you reach the top of the path, reward yourself by taking a breather on the bench located there and enjoy the aerial views of the harbor.

For the rest of the journey, keep following the path along the cliffs. You will pass the Stonehaven War Memorial in a field to your right, dedicated to the brave men from Stonehaven who lost their lives during the World Wars. Please be respectful if you choose to see the monument up close.

From the War Memorial, it is a 1 mile hike to Dunnottar Castle. You won’t be thinking about the distance though, because you’ll be too busy admiring the rocky cliffs towering above the sea below. Keep following the well-worn trail, and you will see Dunnottar Castle come into view on the cliffs ahead.

Exploring Dunnottar Castle

You cannot reserve your tickets online, but when you arrive at the castle, go down the multitude of steps to purchase your tickets from the kiosk. As of 2019, tickets are £7 for adults and £3 for children.

If you want to learn about the history of the castle as you explore, download the free smartphone app by searching for “Dunnottar Castle” in your app store. Otherwise, it is £5 for a guidebook.

Some of my favorite points of interest at the castle include the smithy, the chapel, and the kitchen. Several of the windows look out over the water, which makes for an excellent picture.

Know Before You Go

*The castle has a lot of steps leading down to it and may not be suitable for those who have mobility issues.

*Sometimes the castle closes due to inclement weather. It is also closed on December 19th, 25th, and 26th as well as January 1st and 2nd. Check the castle website before you make your trip.

*Be sure to take a bottle of water with you. It would be awful for you to get all the way to the castle only to pass out from dehydration. Don’t be that guy.

*Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be hiking after all!

*Dogs are allowed on the castle grounds, as long as they are on a leash. Be aware though, there are no trash receptacles.

*Don’t forget to download the FREE Dunnottar Castle app on your smartphone to learn the history of the castle as you explore!

There’s More to Stonehaven than Dunnottar Castle! Don’t Miss:

Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum: FREE ADMISSION. Housed in the old prison, the museum contains numerous artifacts associated with Stonehaven’s past. Don’t miss the fossil of the first known oxygen breathing animal and the original cell door. The museum also has specialized activities for children.

The Carron Fish Bar – Birthplace of the world famous deep fried Mars Bar!

RSPB Scotland Fowlsheugh: (3 miles south of Stonehaven) From May to early August, see some of Scotland’s renowned bird life at the largest seabird colony on the east coast of Scotland!

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