Coming off of two months in England, we were fairly well adapted to the pace of life there. We had spent about a month in Ewelm (Oxfordshire), a couple weeks in Kenilworth, and then another three weeks in Long Eaton (a small suburb in Nottingham), and had similar experiences at each location. While we could easily take a train to the metropolitan parts of England, we were situated pretty far from any densely populated cities.
As a result, our experience of England was that of quaint villages, rolling hills, Co-op grocery stores, and Costa Coffee (and I mean all of these in the best possible way). We had very much adapted to the pace of Slow Travel, so we didn’t quite know what to expect when the time came for our train ride to Waverly station in Edinburgh.
Starting when we arrived in England in early April, we had booked back-to-back housesits clear through the beginning of June via Trusted Housesitters*.
(*This platform is a large part of how we were able to travel full-time and work remotely with no monthly rent payment – just an annual subscription.)
In mid-May, while trying to decide what the heck we were going to do after all of our England sits were over, we saw a listing for two and a half months near Aberdeen, Scotland. After interviewing and hitting it off with the owner, Michelle, we decided to go for it.
After all, Michelle had been generous enough to add us to her auto insurance so we could drive around with the dogs while there, so at least we’d have the freedom to explore!
Having been completely dependent upon the England train system for two months, this sounded like heaven to us. Plus, one of Kassie’s sisters was attending the University of Edinburgh, so it would also mean an excuse to visit family. Off we went.
A Quick Stop in Edinburgh
From the minute you get off the train in Edinburgh, you’re struck by the city’s unique skyline through the glass roof of the station. Then, walking up the stairs to the street level you’re immediately in a panoramic vantage point to take in the full glory of Scotland’s capital city. Even though this wasn’t our final destination, we were already wowed by Scotland.
We spent our few nights leading up to the housesit exploring the incredible museums, cathedrals, hikes and historic sites that Edinburgh has to offer (more on this amazing city another time). Just by being there, we both felt very alive and like the country had a unique energy to it like nowhere else we’d been. So naturally, we were a little upset when we had to leave Waverly station and watch the city recede into the distance on our way to Aberdeenshire.
Little did we know, however, that our Scotland experience was just beginning, and the best was yet to come…
Traveling from Edinburgh to Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Although we came in directly to Aberdeen, we ended up taking another short train to Dyce, where we then hitched a ride with Michelle back to her home in Westhill.
This was our Aberdeenshire home base from mid-June to mid-August. It was a tiny little suburb west of Aberdeen that you drive through without realizing it. With a population of around 11,000 people, it was a quiet and picturesque town with several nice parks, a Costco, a Tesco (basically UK Costco), and of course a Costa Coffee.
In other words, it had everything we needed.
Adding to the fact that it was a thirty minute drive from Aberdeen and all that it had to offer, Westhill was a surprisingly central location that provided us with access to dozens of sites and places to explore, if not hundreds.
This included beaches, beautiful countryside, awe-inspiring coastlines, forests, nature preserves, stone circles, historic landmarks, castles, other small towns, surprisingly good local coffee shops and more.
It was a lot to take in. But we tried our best to see everything we could within a two-month period. So if you find yourself planning a trip to Scotland and/or Aberdeenshire in the future, here are the top five things we recommended planning along your journey:
1. Aberdeenshire Castles – Scotland’s Famous “Castle Country”
Aberdeenshire is often called “Scotland’s Castle Country,” and with more than 260 castles, stately homes, and ruins spread across the region, it’s easy to see why. Some are picture-perfect and restored, others are crumbling into the landscape — but each has a story to tell. Touring castles here never felt repetitive, because the settings and histories were so varied. We’d leave one day wandering a ruin by the sea and the next day exploring a furnished manor that still felt alive with its former residents.
Dunnottar Castle
Perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, Dunnottar is arguably the most cinematic castle in Scotland. The ruins are stunning, the history is rich, and the views will stop you in your tracks. Unsurprisingly, it has actually been a filming location for multiple movies in recent decades, including Franco Zeffirelli’s 1990 adaptation of “Hamlet” starring Mel Gibson and the 2015 film “Victor Frankenstein” starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy.
Slains Castle
Situated roughly one kilometer east of Cruden bay, this one’s a windswept ruin on the coast. It is said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Exploring it feels eerie and unforgettable, especially if you have the courage to go there at night….
Castle Fraser
A classic Scottish tower house with beautifully maintained grounds. Inside, you get the full historic Scotland experience. You’ll find winding staircases, hidden rooms, antique furniture, and storytelling plaques that give the whole place a sense of continuity throughout the centuries. Outside, the grounds are pristine, with a charming walled garden and quiet woodland trails for a peaceful afternoon walk.
Glamis Castle
A bit further afield – and technically not in Aberdeenshire – but well worth the drive nonetheless. Famous as the childhood home of the Queen Mother and the setting of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Glamis (pronounced ‘Glom’) Castle has been the home of the Lyon family since the 14th century, though the building as it stands dates primarily from the 17th century.
Craigievar Castle
A distinctively pink, fairytale-like castle that looks exactly like the kind of place Disney modeled their logo after. It’s no surprise then that this is one of the most photogenic castles in Scotland. Built in the early 1700s, Craigievar is surprisingly well-maintained, having never been substantially altered since its original completion. The inside is just like a storybook, with period furnishings and enough historical oddities to spark your imagination.
2. Coastline of Aberdeenshire
If you want to understand Scotland’s wildness, start with the coast. Aberdeenshire’s shoreline is an endless stretch of rugged cliffs, hidden coves, and sandy beaches that seem to appear out of nowhere. Driving along the coast, we kept pulling over just to stare — one moment at a quiet fishing harbor, the next at a cliff where seabirds wheel overhead. It’s a part of Scotland that feels raw and unpolished, in the best possible way.
Balmedie Beach
Wide, sandy, and great for long walks. On sunny days, it looks almost tropical (just don’t expect tropical temperatures). While housesitting in Aberdeenshire, we’d come here every week at least once with our favorite housesit dogs, Finn and Reilly, and run up and down the sand dunes with them. The hills are strewn with greenery and winding trails for miles, leading down to a flat stretch of beach looking out over the north sea. It’s an ideal place for a beautiful sunrise, a midday picnic, a long walk, or even some wild camping (which you’re legally allowed to do anywhere in Scotland, by the way)! Of all the spots on our list, this one is undoubtedly near the top.
Hackley Bay
A hidden gem. Tucked away with dramatic cliffs and a secluded feel that makes it one of the most rewarding short hikes in the area.
Bullers of Buchan
A collapsed sea cave that created a massive natural archway. Seabirds flock here in the summer, making it both scenic and alive with wildlife. The view itself is already stunning from the main trail, but if you’re daring enough, you can traverse the narrow winding trails out to the best vantage points for some killer shots – just watch your step…
Knaps of Downies
A cliffside walk across twin hills with sweeping ocean views. This is one of those rare places that feels like it should be more popular – but you’re glad it isn’t. Depending on the season, you might even spot a few puffins or seals in the water below! Peaceful and quietly cinematic – it’s the kind of place you go when you want to feel far away from tourists and selfie sticks.
Collieston
A charming little fishing village with sheltered beaches and coves, perfect for a calmer coastal day. It feels like a small step back in time, with its stone cottages, small harbor, and a sheltered bay that’s perfect for dipping your toes in or reading on the sand. There’s a timeless charm to Collieston – one that will make a quiet walk along the shoreline or a chat with a local fisherman feel like the highlight of your day.
3. Forest & Nature Preserves
Aberdeenshire isn’t just about castles and coasts — the forests are every bit as memorable. Some are quiet pine stands with trails where you might not see another person for hours, while others are sprawling estates with centuries of history layered into the land. These were the places we went when we wanted to breathe deeply, reset, and feel immersed in Scotland’s wilder side.
Forests in Aberdeenshire
Kirkhill Forest
Popular with hikers and mountain bikers, with trails that are both family-friendly and adventurous. The forest has a bit of everything: mellow paths for a Sunday stroll, and technical single-track routes that will test your legs (and brakes). If you’re into outdoor fitness, this is where locals actually go, not just tourists and photographers.
Cairnie Woods
Great for peaceful walks, especially in the summer when everything is green and vibrant. It’s not the place for adrenaline—this is a “slow down and listen to the birds” type of spot. Bring a snack, wander through the old trees, and let yourself remember that not every walk has to be about distance or elevation.
Nature Preserves in Aberdeenshire
Glen Tanar
A beautiful estate with ancient Caledonian pine forests and miles of trails. If you want to experience Highland landscapes without going too far west, this is the spot. You’ll find red squirrels scurrying across the path, wide-open glens, and trails that feel like they could keep going for days. It’s the kind of place that tricks you into thinking you’re deep in the Highlands when you’re actually still in Aberdeenshire.
Balmoral Estate
Yes, that Balmoral, the royal family’s summer residence. The surrounding estate is open to the public in parts, with gardens and trails that showcase the best of Highland scenery. Don’t expect to bump into Charles on your walk, but do expect manicured grounds that blend into wild landscapes. It’s equal parts royal history and raw Scottish beauty.
Cairngorms National Park
Technically beyond Aberdeenshire, but so close it’s basically part of the experience. Mountains, lochs, wildlife, and some of the best hiking in Scotland. It’s not just a “day trip” kind of place either – you could lose weeks here exploring without taking the same trail twice.
4. Stone Circles around Aberdeenshire
Scotland’s history goes much deeper than castles, and Aberdeenshire is one of the best places to see it firsthand. The region has one of the highest concentrations of stone circles in the UK, many of them older than the pyramids. Visiting them was unlike anything else — no ticket gates, no big signs, often just a field or hillside with ancient stones standing quietly in the grass. They’re mysterious, atmospheric, and strangely grounding.
Cullerlie Stone Circle
Compact, unique, and easy to visit. It’s surrounded by farmland, which makes it feel like a hidden relic tucked into modern life. The smaller stone circles/piles inside the main circle add an unusual detail you won’t see at every site.
Sunhoney Stone Circle
One of the most photogenic circles in the region, with tall stones that glow beautifully at sunset. Moss-covered and slightly weather, it feels like something straight out of a myth. It might even remind you a bit of Craigh na Dun from Outlander (if you’re into that sort of thing)!
Easter Aquhorthies
One of the best-preserved recumbent stone circles in Scotland, complete with a massive horizontal “recumbent” stone that sets it apart. Its reddish granite contrasts with the green hillside around it, making the site stand out even more.
Loanhead of Daviot
A double stone circle that’s not only ancient but also visually striking. The layout makes it feel larger and more dramatic than most, and it’s worth the short drive from Inverurie just to see how unusual it is.
5. Small Towns & Cafes near Aberdeen
While Aberdeenshire has plenty of big, impressive sights, some of our favorite memories came from the small towns and cafés that we frequented closer to Westhill. These were the kinds of places where we could slow down, sit with a coffee, and feel like we were part of the community for a little while. Each one had its own character — from fishing villages on the coast to Highland towns tucked against the forest.
Newburgh (Trellis Coffee Shop)
A quaint village with a cozy local spot that sells great coffee, homemade bakes and fresh meals. It’s right on the beach and a short drive from Slains Castle, so grab yourself a cup of joe so you have plenty of energy before exploring the coastal ruins and scenic trails. (Bullers of Buchan is literally right next to Slains, so you can hit two bird with one stone!)
Stonehaven
A harbor town famous for its fish and chips (seriously, try The Bay Fish & Chips). The Stonehaven Fireball Festival on New Year’s Eve is also said to be legendary. If you find yourself walking around here, make sure to grab a bite at one of the many local grocers before driving up the hill a few minutes to Dunnottar Castle!
Ballater
A picturesque town near Balmoral that blends royal connections with everyday Highland life. It’s well-kept without feeling touristy, with independent shops and cafés that make it a solid stop before heading deeper into the Cairngorms.
Banchory
A riverside town on the edge of Royal Deeside, surrounded by forested hills and trails. It’s quieter than Ballater but just as inviting, with plenty of coffee spots and easy access to outdoor walks right from the town center.
Conclusion
When we first boarded the train north from Edinburgh, we honestly felt a little reluctant to leave the capital behind. But Aberdeenshire surprised us in the best possible way. What started as a housesit in a quiet suburb turned into two months of castles, coastlines, forests, and stone circles that gave us a completely different perspective on Scotland. It wasn’t just about checking places off a list — it was about slowing down and actually living there, with the time and space to explore at our own pace.
Aberdeenshire felt like the best balance of accessibility and adventure. In less than an hour’s drive, we could go from grabbing a latte at a local café to walking along windswept cliffs, wandering through ancient ruins, or hiking in thick pine forests. That variety made it one of the most rewarding regions we’ve stayed in to date.
Scotland as a whole has a unique energy that’s hard to put into words, but Aberdeenshire distilled that feeling into something we’ll never forget. Looking back, we’re glad we left Edinburgh behind that day, because what we found was a different kind of magic — one that stays with you long after you’ve gone.
If you’re planning a trip to Scotland yourself soon, be sure to read our post on How We Lived in Scotland for Under $1,000/month before you go for some tips!
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