The Lone Trip Around Aberdeenshire

On August 26th, I packed my bags, filled up my car, and set off alone on my 9 hour journey to Aberdeen. Travelling alone wasn’t something I ever imagined myself doing, but at the time, it felt like something I needed to do. For it’s easy to get stuck in a routine, even if it’s a routine you don’t necessarily enjoy. I felt like I was being constrained into my tiny village of just a couple thousand people. I live here, I work here, my friends are here - there wasn’t much need to travel far except to go to the supermarket for the weekly shop. And so for me, I needed to break the cycle - to open my eyes and remind myself that there’s more to life than the place where you grew up. I was nervous for what may lay ahead, but excited.

In order to keep this blog short, I’ve included only the highlights of my trip. I got up to a lot during my little adventure, including a quick stay in the Kingdom of Fife, which I’ll save for another blog. Therefore, I have comprised my journey into just the city of Aberdeen, three must-visit castles and my favourite quick trip - the village of Crovie.

I arrived at the Airbnb and got settled. This was going to be my new home for the next three weeks - the longest time I’ve ever spent alone. But, as I was yet to find out, it was going to be the most confidence boosting and inspiring three weeks I didn’t even know I needed.

The first few days I kept it simple; I explored Aberdeen and saw what there was locally to offer.

Cobblestone roads and old fashioned houses, Old Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a beautiful city; you can spend the day at the harbour, relax by the beach, or enjoy the many bars and restaurants on offer. I kept my itinerary to sightseeing, especially enjoying my stroll around Old Aberdeen. As a history graduate, I always love to see little pieces of heritage being preserved.

Wrights and Coopers’ Place, Old Aberdeen

Despite being my base camp, I didn’t actually spend too long in Aberdeen. However, if you ever find yourself here, I would recommend Footdee (or fittie, as Scots call it). It is an old fishing village located east of the Harbour and is one of those hidden gems that is worth going out your way for if you like little pieces of history.

After exploring the city and streets of Aberdeen, I knew I had to travel further afield for some landscape shots. After some research, I decided to visit Slains Castle - a 16th century castle ruin that overlooks the North Sea.

Ariel view of Slains Castle, Peterhead

Used for the inspiration of the tale Count Dracula, it’s easy to see why. Walking through the ruin, you get an extremely eerie vibe as crows circle above you and wind tunnels through the voids that were once windows. I loved how raw this place felt; no barriers, no entrance fees, just a derelict castle left to the mercy of nature. And if that wasn’t enough, only a fifteen minute walk along the cliffs will land you at the Bullers of Buchan - a collapsed sea cave that makes for some very interesting photos.

Keeping in theme of castles; the next place I decided to visit was Dunnottar Castle in Stonehaven. This was the place I was most excited to see, I’d seen pictures of it beforehand and couldn’t wait to see it with my very own eyes. I managed to time my visit for sunset and although the conditions ended up letting me down, the view certainly did not.

The staircase leading to Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven

If you ever find yourself in the area, I would definitely recommended visiting here. You can actually pay to get in and walk around the grounds, but for my purposes I preferred to walk around the outskirts of the castle and view from a distance. You can also walk down to the bottom of the stairs and enjoy a bottom-up view of the stronghold from the beach.

The final castle I ventured to was the very princess-esque Craigievar Castle in Alford. Said to be the inspiration for Disney Cinderella’s Castle, this beautiful tower house was incredibly well preserved and elegant.

The much beloved Craigievar Castle, Alford

Completed in 1626, the building was used as a family home up until the 1960’s, and is now open to the public to explore inside and out. Despite the light hearted, fairy tale appearance of the grounds, I actually found myself slightly harrowed by the sheer solitude of the place. What would usually be a bustling tourist hotspot was now a deserted attraction populated only by me. Empty car park; locked up facilities; vacant grounds; it was times like this where the realities of travelling alone - with the isolation and the quietness - became all too apparent. After another disappointing sunset, I packed up my camera, headed to my car and left the place desolate once again.

On my final day travelling, I decided to head to a tiny sea fishing village called Crovie.

Like stepping into a time machine, the tiny Hamlet of Crovie, Aberdeenshire

After driving down a number of tiny farm roads, swerving into lay-bys and getting stuck behind tractors, I pulled in to the only visitor car park Crovie offered. Only about ten steps away from your vehicle, you will be met with a beautiful overlooking view of the tiny village. I decided to get some photos from there, and then walk down the hill and have a wander round. As I made my way in, the first realisation I had was that it truly was just one row of cottages spanning from one side of the hill to the other.

The view of Crovie from the car park. The entire village had just one path for access.

Whilst walking around looking for photo opportunities, I said hello to many of the visitors who were sat outside their rented holiday homes, quietly reading books or simply taking in the scenery. It was a very friendly atmosphere. I imagine this place would be great to stay if you are looking for a complete get away. The only noises I could hear was the ocean waves slowly rolling in and the shutter of my camera. After walking from one end of the village to the other, I sat down on a lone bench and watched two seagulls follow each other round hunting for food. Small moments like this were some of my favourite of the trip, when everything slowed down and you were able to just enjoy the here and now. After some time passed, I reluctantly decided to call it a day. I made my way back up the steep hill, took one last look at the view from the car park, and headed home.

And that concludes the highlights of my trip around Aberdeenshire. I spent the next day packing everything up and reflecting on my journey; what I’d achieved, what I learnt, what I’d do the same and what I’d do different. But more than anything else, how proud I was of myself for doing something so out my comfort zone. Just two years ago, I was reliant on other people, and disliked travelling places alone. Now I found myself driving hundreds of miles each week around a country I wasn’t that familiar with, to explore new places daily and enjoying it. But that’s what the trip was all about, personal development and growth. Now, whilst writing this up in my office back at home, I can wholeheartedly say I have a new attitude; to be more adventurous, to not let opportunities slip, and that sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you have to experience alone.