Ciss Outdoors

Aberdeenshire works exceptionally well as a winter destination: the roads are accessible, the driving distances are short, and the coastline, castles and hills all sit relatively close together. You can fit a lot into the limited daylight without feeling like you’re racing the clock. This itinerary brings together coastal arches, historic ruins, wildlife and a classic set of Aberdeenshire summits. Explore three full days that feel varied, but still prioritise time outdoors.

I based myself at Tahuna Bothies near Newburgh, which worked perfectly as a winter hub. The accommodation made the entire trip easy. Every location in this itinerary sits roughly within 60 minutes’ drive, with one exception. Bow Fiddle Rock is around 1 hour 20 minutes from Tahuna Bothies. I travelled solo, though the itinerary works just as well for couples, families or small groups.

If you’re exploring more of the North East of Scotland as you plan this trip, you might also like the guide to Six Walks in Ballater.

Here’s how to make the most of three winter days in this often overlooked part of Scotland.

Where I Stayed: Tahuna Bothies, Newburgh

Tahuna Bothies sit just outside Newburgh, looking out over farmland and big skies. They’re small, cosy cabins with everything you need for simple winter living.

Inside, you’ll find:

• a fully equipped kitchenette with small fridge, microwave, toaster and kettle
• all plates, cutlery and glassware
• a shower room
• a double sofa bed downstairs
• a super king bed on the mezzanine (ladder access, stores when not in use)
• heating and large windows that pull in plenty of daylight

The Shepherdess’ Bothy is dog-friendly, but there are some restrictions. Check the Tahuna Bothies website for accurate info. The bothy I stayed in, The Beekeeper’s Bothy, had warm colours, bee cushions and an orange sofa that kept the place feeling bright even on grey winter days.

Although the bothies are advertised as sleeping up to four, realistically, they suit a couple or a small family best in winter. Storage is limited, and the person sleeping downstairs will need the living/kitchen area free before they can head to bed. For two people (or one, as in my case), the balance is perfect.

If this style of stay isn’t right for you, the map below shows a range of other places to stay in the surrounding area.

Day 1: Portsoy, Bow Fiddle Rock and Findlater Castle

Day one strings together three standout coastal locations in a neat loop. Although Bow Fiddle Rock sits just over the border in Moray, it fits naturally into the route and keeps the driving simple.

Portsoy

Begin with an easy wander around Portsoy, a harbour village of weathered stone, narrow streets, and sheltered corners that suit winter light. It’s a gentle first stop before heading along the coast.

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Findlater Castle

From Portsoy, it’s a short drive to Findlater Castle, a dramatic ruin perched on a narrow promontory. Many people choose to enjoy it from the bay, arguably the best viewpoint anyway.

The ruins remain accessible, but conditions can be extremely uneven and exposed:

• not ideal for young children
• sturdy footwear essential
• avoid in icy or high-wind conditions
• only explore what you genuinely feel confident doing

Even without stepping into the structure, the coastline and approach paths make this an unmissable place to visit.

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Bow Fiddle Rock

Your final destination for the day is Bow Fiddle Rock, one of the most striking sea arches in the northeast. The viewpoint is close to the car park, so you can take in the scene without committing to a long walk. If the ground is dry, the surrounding paths offer different perspectives.

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Day 2: Bullers o’ Buchan, Slains Castle and Newburgh Beach

Bullers o’ Buchan

Bullers o’ Buchan is a collapsed sea cave forming a huge open bowl, constantly hammered by the North Sea. Short paths trace the clifftops, and on clear winter days the light is incredible. Stay well back from edges, frost and wet grass can be slippery.

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Slains Castle

Just along the coast sits Slains Castle, a sprawling ruin with open corridors, doorways and windows opening up to the most dramatic North Sea views. You can park in the small car park near the castle (limited spaces) or in Cruden Bay and walk up from the village. End up here on a sunny, still day and you will be blown away.

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Newburgh Beach and the Ythan Estuary

Finish the day with a gentle wander along Newburgh Beach, just a short drive from Tahuna Bothies. It’s close enough that it’s ideal for a slow sunset walk before heading back to get cosy for the night. The dunes glow beautifully in winter light, and the wide, open shoreline feels wonderfully peaceful after a full day of exploring.

From here you can also look across to Forvie National Nature Reserve, a brilliant day out in its own right if you have extra time. The reserve is home to one of Britain’s most impressive seal colonies, with hundreds of seals often hauled out across the Ythan Estuary or swimming in the tidal waters. While they occasionally venture onto Newburgh Beach, you’ll usually get the best views by looking across to the reserve from the shoreline.

Bring binoculars and enjoy from a respectful distance; the area is sensitive, and signage will guide safe viewing.

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Day 3: The Bennachie Summits (Oxen Craig, Mither Tap and Craigshannoch)

Bennachie is the perfect way to round off this short adventure. It’s close to Aberdeen, packed with character, and home to a chain of distinct summits that feel far more dramatic than their height suggests. When I visited, winter conditions were set in from the start with icy ground, low visibility and snow showers drifting across the plateau. It was exactly the kind of day where layers, winter gear and confident navigation matter.

I followed the WalkHighlands route, which links Oxen Craig, Mither Tap and Craigshannoch in a satisfying loop. It is a brilliant outing if you are comfortable with steeper ground, featureless plateau sections and the possibility of fast-changing conditions. In winter, expect snow or ice on the plateau and pack accordingly.

That said, you do not need to tackle the higher summits to enjoy Bennachie. The lower slopes offer a wide range of easier trails including woodland paths, shorter loops and viewpoints. These are ideal if you prefer a gentler day or want something that feels more weather dependent. There is even a wheelchair-accessible Discovery Trail, along with several family-friendly circuits.

Bennachie offers a rewarding final day before travelling home, with quiet trails, wide-open views and an atmosphere that stays with you long after you have left.

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Why This Trip Works

Aberdeenshire is often overshadowed by the Highlands, but it really can hold its own for outdoor adventures. The combination of coast, castles, wildlife and hills makes it ideal for a long weekend, with enough variety to feel like several trips in one.

This three-day itinerary is ambitious but absolutely doable in winter daylight, and each evening I was back at the bothy with time to settle in, cook, or walk to the local pub. If you’re after a winter escape that balances adventure with practicality, the northeast coast is a superb place to start.

Related reading:

A Weekend in Ballater: Walks, Food and a Cosy Shepherd’s Hut Stay

Exploring North East Scotland: Coast, Glens and Outdoor Travel