With 208 kilometres of coastline, Aberdeenshire offers striking variety: golden sandy beaches sit alongside dramatic stretches of rocky and pebbled shore. One special natural area is Forvie National Nature Reserve. Covering almost 1,000 hectares, it contains internationally important coastal habitats, with sand dunes and dune heath between the North Sea and the mouth of the River Ythan.

Coast and wildlife watching

Forvie is home to Scotland’s largest mainland colony of terns and black-headed gulls. It also has Scotland’s largest gathering of resting grey seals. Gannets, common guillemots and razorbills breed on the cliffs at Troup Head. The coast therefore offers different wildlife-watching highlights: dune and estuary habitats at Forvie, and nesting seabirds on the cliffs at Troup Head.

The Dune Trail in Forvie National Nature Reserve runs through the Ythan estuary, across the dunes and along the beach. Those interested in coastal landscapes will encounter several of the reserve’s defining features along the way. The coast also has spectacular cliff walks.

Trails through varied landscapes

The Gordon Way is 11½ miles (18.5 kilometres) long and passes through forests, farmland and moorland. It begins or ends at the Bennachie Visitor Centre. Bennachie itself offers opportunities to spot wildlife, traces of archaeology and panoramic views from its distinctive peaks. There is also a wildlife-watching area near the visitor centre, where you may spot squirrels and various bird species.

At Balmedie Beach, a 1,700-metre boardwalk leads from the main car park into the dune landscape and offers views of the beach. It is a useful landmark for anyone interested in the coastal dunes. The trails at Bennachie and the boardwalk at Balmedie showcase different landscapes, but are not part of the same route.

History at castles, harbours and churches

Crathes Castle is a 16th-century castle with painted ceilings and oak panelling. The grounds have six waymarked trails, where you may spot deer, squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards and herons. Architecture and wildlife watching are two distinct aspects of the same place.

The Peterhead Trail explores more than 400 years of the town’s history through 26 information panels. Maritime history is also the focus of the Historic Harbours Trail, which leads to 12 of Aberdeenshire’s oldest harbours. The Historic Churches Trail covers 12 historic churches. Together, these trails offer different ways to explore the past: through a town, its harbours or historic churches.

Whisky and local producers

The Secret Malts of Aberdeenshire guide features eight distilleries. At Glen Garioch, a 1.5-hour tour includes a tasting of three different Glen Garioch Highland Single Malt Whisky bottlings, as well as an experience centred on an exclusive, individually selected cask bottling from the distillery. Fettercairn Distillery offers a range of guided visitor experiences, ending with a tutored tasting of selected Fettercairn whiskies. As visitor offerings may change, check the booking details before your trip.

Farmers’ markets are another way to connect with local producers: you can meet the people behind the products and hear more about the stories behind their varied produce. Market locations and dates may change, so check the details in advance.

Planning your trip

The nearest bus service to Forvie National Nature Reserve is Stagecoach Bluebird’s X63 between Aberdeen and Peterhead via Cruden Bay. Check the timetable before travelling. For finding your way on foot or by bike, Aberdeenshire has a core paths plan as well as cycling and walking routes, including long-distance trails and public rights of way.

Discover more destinations

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, Huntly, Plaidy, Lumphanan, Strathdon, Whitehills, Turriff, Tarves, Macduff, 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 guide: Scotland.