I’m always drawn to a harbour. It’s the place to sit and watch the world go by. And in Stonehaven, the Shorehead, which edges the water, is scattered with public benches, pubs and restaurants where you can stop awhile and gaze at the fishing boats and pleasure craft.
This small Aberdeenshire town is a gentle pause between the steep cliffs, north along the coast from Dunnottar, one of Scotland’s most imposing castles. Its seafront stretches from the harbour in the south, past pools, recreation grounds and caravans to the village of Cowie in the north. Inland, the Market Square is the heart of the “new town”.
Although there has been a natural anchorage used by sailors and fishermen for hundreds of years, it was in the 19th century, when major improvements were made to the harbour, that the town’s economy blossomed. Today, its independent shops and small-town feel make it an attractive day trip or summer weekend away. For more information, see Visit Aberdeenshire, visitabdn.com.
The Essentials: How to get there and where to stay
Nearest station: Stonehaven is one stop before Aberdeen (15 miles north) on the East Coast Main Line.
