On the third day of Christmas, the wee yin said to me…….. Hows about Stonehaven... fit like? 

We had our eye on Stonehaven for a while after lasts years #NC500 #roadtrip. The town is very well known for several things including the Castle, Harbour & beach, so it seemed a perfect locale for a weekend campervan away. 

The morning started with a very refreshing dip in Stonehaven’s outdoor pool. We are so blessed coming from Inverclyde and having the Gourock Outdoor pool, growing up and spending long summer nights there.  I guess you think every town has one. This is one of the few remaining in Scotland, and we weren’t going to miss the chance. It’s open from June to September and also has a midnight swim on Wednesdays throughout July and August, now that would be a trip? 

Now feeling completely bulletproof we ventured off along Stonehaven beach with a hot mug of coffee  Leaning headfirst into a bracing North Sea hoolie, thats how you kick start a day my friends. 

When doing her research Co-Pilot, McKendrick had identified a very popular award-winning local cafe The Bay, famous for its Fish and Chips. Absolutely magnificent and even better it has a lip-licking ice cream parlour, Auntie Betty’s, next door! You can’t do one and not the other …..I mean, come on, we’re on holiday!

Next up, the picturesque Stonehaven harbour. Unfortunately, we couldn’t take a cruise this day; however, it’s just one of the many things that will bring us back. The coast around here is absolutely teaming with wildlife, check out Stonehaven Sea Safari the website looks fantastic.  The tour will take you for a unique view past the magnificent Dunnottar Castle and with luck, you can take in the dolphins, seals, puffins and guillemots along the way. Sounds amazing.

You can’t come to Stonehaven and not take a trip to Dunnottar Castle with it’s deep historical links to Mary Queen of Scot, its a must. If you don’t know the Castle have a look at some of the amazing pictures online, quite stunning.  You can either drive there (3km south of Stonehaven just off the A92) or do as we did and take the lovely coastal walk starting at Stonehaven harbour.

Freedom Fact: During Oliver Cromwell's invasion in 1651 the Scottish Crown Jewels were brought for safekeeping to Dunnottar Castle. The Castle survived an eight-month siege thus temporarily saving the Honours of Scotland (a 1.3-metre sword, crown and sceptre). Unfortunately, the castle was eventually sacked the following year :(

With time against us, we had limited time to wander around the local shops. It was hearting to see so many small local businesses prepared to throw everything at their dreams. Local artists and entrepreneurs do deserve our support, image small towns like this without them #ghoasttown We have to stop that from happening. 

The beer-o-clock had already started counting down so we stopped off at the Marine Bar Hotel on our way back. It has a fantastic selection of craft beers including the gorgeous sixdnorth which had Lorna all excited. If you fancy a bit of casual dining, then they have a great selection of hearty meals and at great prices. If we hadn’t already booked a table round the corner, the great atmosphere and amiable locals would have tempted us to spend the night here. 

Tolbooth was a real treat with exceptional views across the harbour and a building that just oozes history. The menu boasts an array of locally sourced fresh seafood and shellfish that had Lorna in her element. Washed down with a glass or two of wine and topped off with the most delicious sweets ever, we had a wonderful meal and a great finish to a brilliant day.  

If you have any space left after all of that then head to Carron Fish bar the home of a Scots delicacy…..the deep-fried mars bars!!! Its actually very nice.

Fed watered and slightly merry we made our way back to base camp - Stonehaven Caravan Park, a lovely well serviced and maintained site next to the sea. For me waking up to hear the sound of waves crashing is an absolute luxury. A bonus is that these guys are members of the Caravan and Camping Club which means high standard, a bit of extra assurance. 

Stonehaven, another wee hidden gem