The Mearns
Why not take a day out to explore the Mearns? Travelling a circular route southeastwards to Stonehaven, south to Fettercain and then back to Banchory over the Cairn O'Mount Road you will find many interesting places to discover and explore.
The picturesque Harbour Town of Stonehaven offers you a chance to take a dip in the open air Art Deco heated swimming pool. Coastal walks lead from the Harbour north to the Highland Boundary Fault and south to the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle, in a truly stunning setting on the cliff top.
From Stonehaven you have two options. Travel south on the A90 and six miles north of Brechin turn west to the attractive village of Edzell and famous Edzell Castle. Then continue to Fettercairn which boosts its own Distillery, established in 1824.
Or take a detour to visit the Lewis Grassic Gibbon Centre at Arbuthnott. Lewis Grassic Gibbon was born in Aberdeenshire but moved to the Howe of the Mearns where he wrote "Sunset Song", the first part of his trilogy about life in the Mearns in the early part of the twentieth century.
From Arbuthnott contine to Edzell and Fettercairn and then on to Banchory over the Cairn O'Mount Road. This is an ancient route used by the Roman's, medieval kings and cattle drovers. The Mount is in fact the Mounth, from the Gaelic monadh meaning moor. The road follows the River Dye which is crossed by one of the oldest bridges in Deeside. Dating back to 1680 it is now bypassed but can be easily viewed from the car or by stopping for a short walk. There is a superb walk from Glen Dye to the summit of Clachnaben, allow at least 3 hours for the round trip.
More information about places of interest along this itinerary:
