North East 250

What is the North East 250 Road Trip?

The North East 250 is Scotland’s ultimate circular road trip. Starting and ending in Aberdeen, it spans 250 miles of dramatic coastline, fertile countryside, and Highland wilderness. With stops in charming villages like Cullen, whisky havens in Speyside, and iconic sites such as Balmoral Castle, this route offers an unforgettable blend of nature and culture.

The North East 250 is Scotland’s ultimate circular road trip. Starting and ending in Aberdeen, it spans 250 miles of dramatic coastline, fertile countryside, and Highland wilderness. With stops in charming villages like Cullen, whisky havens in Speyside, and iconic sites such as Balmoral Castle, this route is a must-see for anyone exploring Scotland road trip itineraries.

The North East 250 Road Trip Route

• Stage 1: Aberdeen to Peterhead - Start your journey in the Granite City. Explore the urban delights before hitting the coastal road to Peterhead, with stops at Balmedie Beach and Newburgh’s seal colony.
• Stage 2: Peterhead to Fraserburgh - Drive along the Buchan coast and its dramatic cliffs to Fraserburgh. Don’t miss the Bullers of Buchan or the Kinnaird Head Lighthouse, two of the best stops on the North East 250 journey.
• Stage 3: Fraserburgh to Pennan - Head west to the small village of Pennan, where you’ll find a beautiful coastline and a red phone box made famous by the film Local Hero.
• Stage 4: Pennan to Cullen - Wander along the Moray Coast, famous for its sandy beaches, historic harbours, and Cullen Skink soup. This stage highlights North East 250 scenic drives and hidden gems along the coast.
• Stage 5: Cullen to Fochabers - Get into the Speyside region. Go for a forest walk and visit a distillery or two before reaching Fochabers and Gordon Castle’s beautiful walled garden.
• Stage 6: Fochabers to Aberlour - Get into the heart of whisky country on this leg of the North East 250. Tour the famous distilleries of Macallan and Glenfiddich and take in the views of the Spey River.
• Stage 7: Aberlour to Ballater - Head south into the Cairngorms National Park. Balmoral Castle, the royal family’s favourite haunt, and Highland trails are key highlights of the North East 250 Scottish road trip.
• Stage 8: Ballater to Spittal of Glenshee - Travel deeper into the Highlands and its dramatic landscapes and charming inns. Don’t miss Glenshee’s ski slopes or the Linn of Dee waterfall.
• Stage 9: Spittal of Glenshee to Drum Castle - Finish your journey with a drive through Deeside’s hills. Explore Drum Castle and its gardens before returning to Aberdeen.

Stage 1: Aberdeen to Peterhead (1 day)

Start in Aberdeen, Scotland’s Granite City, with its stunning architecture and great culture. From there, the coastal road takes you to Peterhead, a historic fishing port with a long maritime heritage.

Top places to visit between Aberdeen and Peterhead:

• Aberdeen Maritime Museum: Explore the city’s history with interactive exhibits on the oil, shipping, and fishing industries. The museum is in a 16th-century Provost’s House overlooking the busy harbour and is a must-visit spot for Scotland road trips.
• Balmedie Beach: Walk along miles of sandy dunes with great views of the North Sea. This beach is also great for horse riding and picnics in a peaceful setting.
• Newburgh Seal Beach: See hundreds of seals on the estuary sands. The area is part of the Forvie National Nature Reserve, home to a variety of birdlife.
• Peterhead Prison Museum: Go back in time and experience life as an inmate of this historic jail with guided tours and stories of famous escapes.
• Slains Castle: Explore the ruins of this clifftop castle, said to be the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and enjoy the coastal views.
• Peterhead Harbour: Explore one of Scotland’s oldest harbours. Visit the busy fish market and learn about the town’s maritime heritage.

Stage 2: Peterhead to Fraserburgh (1 day)

Travel along the Buchan coast from Peterhead to Fraserburgh, a lively town famous for its fishing heritage and Scotland’s first mainland lighthouse. This stage has cliffs and maritime charm.

Top places to visit between Peterhead and Fraserburgh:

• Bullers of Buchan: These towering sea cliffs are one of the best attractions on the North East 250 road trip, home to puffins, razorbills, and other seabirds. The drop is a photographer’s dream.
• Fraserburgh Lighthouse Museum: Visit Scotland’s first mainland lighthouse and learn about its importance in maritime safety. The museum includes a tour of the restored lighthouse tower.
• Rattray Head Lighthouse: On a remote sandy beach, this lighthouse is a peaceful retreat with great views of the North Sea and birdwatching opportunities.
• Cairnbulg Castle: A private castle with impressive architecture and history. Book a guided tour to see inside and learn about its past.
• Loch of Strathbeg Nature Reserve: A birdwatcher’s paradise, this reserve is one of Scotland’s most important wetlands, with peaceful trails and wildlife viewing points.

Stage 3: Fraserburgh to Pennan (1 day)

From Fraserburgh, head west along the coast to Pennan, a peaceful fishing village famous for its white cottages and red phone box, nestled into the cliffs.

Top places to visit between Fraserburgh and Pennan:

• Pennan’s Red Phone Box: Made famous by the film Local Hero, this photogenic landmark sits behind Pennan’s stone cottages and cliffs.
• Crovie Village: This hidden village has a row of cottages hugging the shoreline with great views and a sense of timelessness.
• Troup Head Nature Reserve: Scotland’s only mainland gannet colony where you can see thousands of these seabirds nesting on the cliffs.
• Gardenstown Harbour: A lovely coastal village for a peaceful walk, with quaint cafes and galleries showcasing local art and crafts.
• Macduff Marine Aquarium: Learn about the marine life of the Moray Firth in this family-friendly aquarium with interactive exhibits and underwater viewing tanks.

Stage 4: Pennan to Cullen (1 day)

The road from Pennan to Cullen runs along the Moray Coast, famous for its beaches, harbours, and Bow Fiddle Rock, a natural sea arch.

Top places to visit between Pennan and Cullen:

• Bow Fiddle Rock: A natural sea arch shaped like a fiddle’s bow, a photographer and wildlife enthusiast’s dream.
• Portknockie Harbour: Visit this fishing village and take a stroll along the coastal path for Moray Firth views.
• Cullen Beach: A big sandy beach perfect for families and those looking for a peaceful seaside break.
• Portsoy Ice Cream: Treat yourself to local ice cream in this lovely harbour town along the North East 250, with a 17th-century harbour.
• Findlater Castle: Explore the ruins of this cliff-top castle, which has great views and offers a glimpse into Scotland’s past.
• Duff House: A beautiful Georgian mansion in Banff with fine art from the National Galleries of Scotland. See the ornate interiors, seasonal exhibitions, and peaceful parklands.

Stage 5: Cullen to Fochabers (1 day)

From Cullen, the road heads inland to Fochabers, the gateway to Speyside. Here, historic sites along the North East 250 and forest trails offer the perfect combination of indulgence and outdoor adventure.

Top places to visit between Cullen and Fochabers:

• Gordon Castle Walled Garden: Walk through one of Scotland’s largest and most beautiful walled gardens with flowers and fresh produce.
• Speyside Way: Hike a section of this long-distance trail that follows the River Spey through forests, villages, and rolling hills.
• Strathisla Distillery: Visit one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries to learn about the art of traditional whisky making and sample their award-winning blends.
• Baxters Highland Village: Visit this famous food shop and café and buy Scottish delicacies and souvenirs.
• Fochabers Folk Museum: Explore local history at this museum, which features artefacts, photographs, and stories of Fochabers’ past. It’s definitely one of the best stops on the North East 250 journey.

Stage 6: Fochabers to Aberlour (1 day)

From Fochabers, head deeper into Speyside to Aberlour, where the Spey River runs through whisky country. This section is perfect for trying Scotland’s best and relaxing by the river.

Top places to visit between Fochabers and Aberlour:

• Macallan Distillery: See the latest in whisky production at this stunning distillery with interactive tastings.
• Aberlour Village: Take a walk around this quaint village and sample the shortbread from the famous bakery— a must-visit on any Scotland road trip.
• Craigellachie Bridge: See this famous iron bridge designed by Thomas Telford, which spans the River Spey and is great for photos.
• Speyside Cooperage: Learn about the whisky barrel-making craft in this visitor centre and workshop.
• Ben Rinnes: Hike this Speyside Munro for views of the surrounding countryside and distillery valleys.
• Aberlour Distillery: A historic distillery with smooth single malts and a warm atmosphere. You can park up and wild camp nearby and walk to the distillery so everyone can enjoy the tasting without a designated driver.
• Highlander Inn: A whisky lover’s paradise, this cosy pub has whiskies you won’t find anywhere else. The nearby camping spots make this the ideal evening treat for guests, offering a convenient way to unwind after a day of exploring.
• Glenfiddich Distillery Visitor Centre: Ideal for whisky newcomers, this family-run distillery offers tours and tastings. It also has a luxurious lounge with log fires and a warm welcome.

Stage 7: Aberlour to Ballater (1-2 days)

From Aberlour, head south to Ballater through the Cairngorms National Park, a haven for walkers and history enthusiasts. This section is full of Highland scenery and royal connections.

A serene spot surrounded by mountains, ideal for hiking and wildlife spotting on any Moray Coast driving route or Cairngorms adventure.

Top places to visit between Aberlour and Ballater:

• Balmoral Castle: Visit the royal family’s Scottish home and its beautiful gardens in the heart of the Highlands.
• Loch Muick: A peaceful place to walk or spot wildlife on any Moray Coast driving route or Cairngorms adventure.
• Braemar Village: See the historic Braemar Castle and Highland Games Centre.
• Mar Lodge Estate: Hiking trails, picnic spots, and rare wildlife in the heart of the Cairngorms.
• Glenfarclas Distillery: One of the oldest family-owned distilleries in Scotland, Glenfarclas is a real treat. Their tasting room is styled as the dining room of a boat that was brought from London – it’s a lovely touch.
• Royal Lochnagar Distillery: Visit this distillery near Balmoral to learn about whisky making and try their premium single malt.
• Prince Albert’s Pyramid: Take a short walk from Balmoral Castle to this unique monument, a striking and unexpected feature nestled in the Highland landscape.

Stage 8: Ballater to Spittal of Glenshee (1 day)

From Ballater, head to Spittal of Glenshee and deeper into the Highlands. This peaceful section has dramatic scenery, waterfalls, and winding mountain roads.

Top places to visit between Ballater and Spittal of Glenshee:

• Linn of Dee: Walk to this waterfall and forest, great for picnics and wildlife spotting.
• Glenshee Ski Centre: Ski in winter, hike in summer, and enjoy views of the Cairngorms.
• Glen Clunie: Drive through this beautiful glen, famous for its heather hills and rugged scenery.
• Devil’s Elbow: A dramatic section of road with stunning views of the Highlands.
• The Cateran Trail: Walk parts of this 64-mile circular trail, which takes you through peaceful glens and historic landscapes.
• Dalmunzie Castle: Treat yourself to a bit of luxury on your North East 250 trip at this castle hotel. Log fires and fine dining make for a memorable experience, but do budget for it.

Stage 9: Spittal of Glenshee to Drum Castle (1 day)

The final section takes you from Spittal of Glenshee to Drum Castle through the rolling hills of Deeside. A peaceful end to your journey with history and nature in perfect harmony.

Top places to visit between Spittal of Glenshee and Drum Castle:

• Drum Castle: Visit one of Scotland’s oldest tower houses with its rose garden and ancient oak forest—a must-see for lovers of Scottish castles on the North East 250 route.
• Crathes Castle: Take a short detour to this fairy tale castle with beautiful gardens and interesting interiors.
• Deeside Railway: Take a nostalgic trip on this heritage railway with great countryside views.
• Falls of Feugh: Visit these beautiful waterfalls near Banchory, where you can see salmon leap upstream during the migration season.
• Castle Fraser: One of Scotland’s grandest baronial castles with beautiful gardens and a collection of historical objects.
• Glen Tanar: See Highland cows grazing in the fields of Glen Tanar, a hidden gem on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. The Glen Tanar estate also offers fishing on the River Dee, guided nature tours, bespoke photography workshops, and stargazing experiences.

Useful Links

Top Campsites on the North East 250

7 Sep, 2024•10 min read

Lenka Greckova

Frequently Asked Questions