​This is shameful on my part as I pride myself on knowing most parts of Scotland reasonably well and I have travelled pretty extensively around most other areas of Dumfries and Galloway, a region that I have a real soft spot for.  However, for some reason Moffat had fallen under my radar until recently.  This is despite the fact that I visited frequently as a child and have happy memories of walks among the green, rolling hills. Perhaps grown up memories of coach stops at the aforementioned woollen mill are responsible for not leaving me with a burning desire to return to the town!

​On a couple of recent return visits to South West Scotland, I was encouraged to factor more of Moffat in to my travel plans and I thank those locals that introduced me to the many gems in and around the town that reaffirmed my childhood love of the place and wiped out any notions of it as a mere tourist coach stop from a bygone era.

Hopefully my guide of recommended things to do in Moffat will in turn encourage you to spend a bit more time in the town which is brimming with history and friendly folk.

You can find full details of all the places I recommend below and I've added them all to this handy map to help your planning.

With free parking and a plentiful offering of independent businesses, including shops and cafes, Moffat High Street is a joy to explore. Many of the buildings have retained their historic character which adds to its attractive appeal.  Some places of note to look out for as you walk around include Moffat Museum, the famous Moffat Toffee Shop, the Star Hotel (see below for more info), the oldest pharmacy in Scotland and the Moffat Ram, a bronze sculpture which sits on top of a fountain.

The sculpture was commissioned in 1875 to celebrate the town's long association with sheep farming and the wool trade.  The sculptor of the ram was William Brodie who is probably best known for another of his statues, Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh.  If you look closely, you will see that the ram has no ears, a mistake that was publicly pointed out at the unveiling ceremony to the rather embarrassed Brodie!

If you've worked up an appetite, I can recommend Brodies on Holm Street for something to eat.

Officially recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records - The Famous Star Hotel, which dates back to the late 1700s, is the narrowest hotel in the world.  It is a mere 20 ft wide although thanks to its height and length it manages to pack in 8 en-suite bedrooms, 2 bars and a restaurant.
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The distinctive tall, narrow building is found on the High Street and visiting it is a unique experience that should be on your Scotland bucket-list.

The old churchyard dates back to around 1600 and can be accessed from the town centre.  It was a little overgrown and unkempt looking when I visited but still worth venturing in to as it has some fascinating history.

The gable end wall of the pre-reformation church still remains and if you look at the wall there is partial carved monument dating to 1665.  After this building collapsed towards the end of the 18th century, a new church was erected nearby in 1790. 

In 1747 the original graveyard was covered over with 4 feet of soil to create room for more burials.  Some notable headstones include those of John Goodfellow and James McGeorge who are remembered for their dedication to the Postal Service.  In 1831, they attempted to deliver mail to Edinburgh during a terrible snowstorm.  They had to abandon their coach and horses and continued on foot, carrying mail bags weighing 7 stones.  Unfortunately they never made it and their bodies were found over a week later just 5 miles north of Moffat.
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Another headstone marks the grave of John Loudon McAdam who died in 1836.  He was a pioneering engineer who revolutionised road construction around the world.  He invented a road surface called macadamisation which produced a smooth, hard-wearing surface.  Modern roads originate from his deign.

Although Moffat is surrounded by some stunning hills and glens, you don't need to leave the town to experience nature and greenery. Station Park is a little oasis of gardens, playgrounds and boats of various designs for hire at the duck-filled pond - choose from dragon and swan shaped pedalos to traditional rowing boats.

The park is open all year round, although activities like the putting green, are seasonal. A short walk from Moffat town centre, the park has something to offer all ages.

Robert Burns spent his latter years living in and near to Dumfries which is only around 20 miles from Moffat.  As you can imagine there are lots of places associated with Burns in the area and in Moffat itself you can visit The Black Bull Inn which was reputedly one of his favourite haunts.  He even etched a short poem on one of the windows which has sadly now gone, however a new plaque has been installed featuring the lines written by the poet.

Within Dumfries itself, you can follow a Robert Burns Trail which includes stops at the house where he spent his final years and his mausoleum in St Michael's Churchyard.

Before moving to Dumfries, he lived at nearby Ellisland Farm and it is during his time here that he wrote some of his most famous work.  The farm is open to the public and you can admire the very same views that once inspired the poet.

Moffat has the claim of being Europe's very first Dark Sky Town.  Special street lighting keeps the light pollution to a minimum and a mile outside of the town is a car park officially recognised as an excellent place to stargaze.

Despite being a well populated town, the light pollution has been measured as more on par with a rural setting and one of the best places to see the night sky is from Moffat Community Observatory where you can booka free 'Introduction to Astronomy Session' for free (although donations are appreciated. I thoroughly enjoyed my evening here and the telescope offers close up views of stars, planets and even galaxies.

Drive another 90 minutes south and west to reach Clatteringshaws Loch within Galloway Forest Park which was the first designated Dark Sky Park in Europe.  This is an excellent spot to view over 7000 stars and planets with the naked eye!

If you have a few days to explore the area, you might enjoy reading my dark sky itinerary in South West Scotland.

Even if you don't want to go for a big walk, the drive from Moffat to the Grey Mare's Tail Waterfall and Nature Reserve is as scenic as many roads through the Highlands.  In fact, if you didn't know better, you could easily believe that you had been transported to the north of Scotland.

The nature reserve is cared for by the National Trust for Scotland and one of the highlights is the waterfall which is one of the highest in the UK.  It plunges down 60m in to the valley below and you can admire it from various vantage points as you make your way from the car park up the steps which lead to Loch Skeen.

There are various walking options but be aware that the route up to Loch Skeen is steep and hard going in places.  In summer you can join a guided walk with one of the local rangers  to learn more about the local geology and wildlife.

The WalkHighlands website is a great resource for more walking options in the Moffat area.

This legendary dark hollow in the hills is a favourite photo stop although there are surrounding walking trails if you want to explore further. It shadowy nooks and crannies were once used as a hiding place for stolen cattle, a gathering place for Covenanters during The Killing Times and, according to legend, even William Wallace held secret meeting with local clans here.

Visit Scotland's highest village, Wanlockhead and nearby Leadhills, which is Scotland's second highest village.  Yes, Scotland's two highest villages are in the south of Scotland which surprises many people  If you venture to this part of the country, I can guarantee you will encounter countless revelations.

I have already written a blog post detailing things to do in Wanlockhead and Leadhills, so I'll not list them all again but you can check that out if you need ideas.  Some highlights include the Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway, the Museum of Lead Mining and Leadhills Miners Library, the oldest subscription library in Britain.

Drumlanrig Castle is the Dumfriesshire seat of the Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and sits in the Queensberry Estate which covers over 90,000 acres of southern Scotland so it is definitely worth adding to your Moffat itinerary.

Pubic tours of the castle are available at certain times of the year and I can highly recommend them.  Outlander fans will also recognise the castle as one of the filming locations from the STARZ TV series as both the exterior and interior were featured as the Duke of Sandringham's Belmont Estate

There are also extensive gardens and grounds to explore throughout the year.  If you want to go on a fun adventure with a difference then I highly recommend the Land Rover tour which will take you around the estate and up to the hills for superb views.   I've written a blog post with some of the reasons why I think you should visit Drumlanrig Castle so you can also give that a read if you still need convincing.

If slices of Highland scenery in the Lowlands surprises you, then being transported to Tibet in the middle of rural southern Scotland might leave you feeling a little bewildered.  In fact it is only really the weather that might convince you that you are still in Scotland.

The Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre on the banks of the river Esk was founded in 1967.  It was the first Tibetan Buddhist Centre to have been established in the West and visitors are welcome to take some time out and recharge their batteries.

I enjoyed exploring the lovely grounds, stupa, peace garden, temple, tea room and shop.  There is also a little fairy hill to climb across the road.  If you do decide to visit, all I would say is bear in mind that it is a Buddhist monastery and be respectful of any requests.

If you're a fan of public art or just fancy a walk with a difference, head to Crawick Multiverse near Sanquhar. The former open cast coal mine has been transformed into an artland inspired by by space, astronomy and cosmology.

Designed by the late Charles Jencks, stones from the site have been positioned in a way that is reminiscent of ancient landscapes filled with standing megaliths. It is a place I have returned to several times and have watched the structures grow greener with every year as nature takes over the manmade scar in the landscape.

The beauty of Scotland, in my humble opinion, is the vast variety of scenery over relatively short distances. Over recent years, a number of bitesize road routes have sprung up around the country to showcase the diversity across various regions. I'll be honest though, I'm not always a fan of following streams of cars, motorbikes and campervans that bimble along the popular Scottish highways like a trail of ants. I've always been one that prefers to take the road less travelled when I have the option.

The North East 250 is a road route that ticks that box because despite traversing through some well trodden landscapes, it frequently navigates quieter roads and offers up many diversions that are well off the tourist trail. I recently spent 3 days exploring this route, often shortened to the NE250, and there was no shortage of variety in scenery or attractions. My itinerary options were countless but I tried to include an assortment of activities as an introduction to the wide array on offer. Of course, you might plan a completely different trip from me and that is the beauty of the North East 250, you can design a road trip that matches your own interests. 

You can discover what I chose to include during my 3 day trip below and I've added in some of my other favourite things to do from previous visits to the area at the bottom of this blog in case you need some more inspiration.

As the name might suggest, the North East 250 (or NE250) is a 250 mile circular road trip around the North East of Scotland, taking in the regions of Aberdeenshire and Moray from the city to the mountains and coast. As the route is circular, you could start at any point and travel clockwise or anti-clockwise - it is up to you.

I started at the Spittal of Glenshee and travelled clockwise - this is a good starting option for those travelling from Glasgow or Edinburgh and serves up a dramatic start to your adventure as the road rises up through a mountain pass that takes in the Devil's Elbow Viewpoint before reaching the Glenshee Ski Centre on the highest A road in the UK.

Dubbed 'The Ultimate Road Trip to the Heart of Scotland', the route takes in the mountains and forests of the Cairngorms National Park, the grand castles of Royal Deeside, the iconic whisky distilleries of Speyside, charming coastal villages, nature reserves brimming with wildlife and the granite city of Aberdeen.

You can follow the route that I took below, I've also marked the points of interest mentioned in this blog post. My North East 250 map is interactive so you can delve deeper if you wish.

After driving for over 2 hours from Glasgow, I took the chance to stretch my legs on one of the way marked trails at the Linn of Dee, part of Mar Lodge Estate, a National Nature Reserve which covers 29,000 hectares and is home to 15 munros (mountains over 3000ft). Other than some quick photo stops, this was my first proper venture out in to the picturesque terrain along the North East 250.

Due to time constraints I opted to follow an easy path along the River Dee, stopping to watch the water tumble down a craggy gorge before meandering below towering Caledonian pines. Longer routes continue deeper in to Glen Lui where you are rewarded with mountain views.

As first stops go, it was a gentle and stirring introduction to the Royal Deeside section of the road trip where the landscape is shortbread-tin-bonnie. As the name suggests, this area has been a favourite of the royal family since Queen Victoria made nearby Balmoral Castle her Scottish sanctuary. My visit to Royal Deeside occurred just after the death of Queen Elizabeth II who passed away at Balmoral earlier that week, making it a poignant and significant time to pass through the region.

Braemar is a historic Highland village nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, probably best known for its yearly highland games known as the Braemar Gathering. Thanks to its geographical position, Braemar has been the ideal location for various 'gatherings' throughout the centuries.  A strategic place in the days of clan warfare, a meeting point of cattle droving roads, the centre of the biggest deer forest in the country and a place frequented by Scottish Kings.  The current Braemar Royal Highland Gathering is just the latest in a long list of local meetings

It is a bustling destination all year round thanks to its spectacular surroundings and village centre packed with high end independent shops selling local crafted goods alongside eateries serving up tasty Scottish produce. I delved in to haggis, neeps and tatties for lunch at Farquharson's Bar and Kitchen - I didn't regret it!
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If you have an extra night to spend touring the North East of Scotland, Braemar makes for a great base with numerous outdoor offerings and a swathe of castles on the doorstep.

As I made my way up the windswept hillside to the lonely white figure of Corgarff Castle, the first thing that struck me is the unusual star-shaped perimeter wall - the only one I've come across apart from Braemar Castle, which by coincidence isn't too far away.

Sitting strategically guarding the road between Deeside and Speyside, the structure dates back to the 16th century. Originally built as a tower house by John Forbes of Towie, it endured a tumultuous history, including being used as a barracks for Redcoats after Culloden and a base for tackling whisky smuggling.

Today it is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and open to the public between April and September although you can walk around the outside walls at any time. Unfortunately, due to staff sickness it was closed on the day I visited but it is a castle that is high on my list for next time and I still enjoyed experiencing some of the atmosphere around its slightly desolate feeling location.

Any regular reader of my blog will know that I love checking out a hidden gem or two on my travels so I just had to veer off the main road when I spotted a sign pointing to Inveravon Church and Pictish Stones. 

The narrow track led me to the white washed church which dates to 1806 although there has been various church buildings on the site since at least 1108. The discovery of some remarkable carved Pictish stones indicates this has likely been a site of burial for centuries before that.

Housed within the porch of the church to protect them from weather damage, the carvings on the stones are still in a remarkable condition. If you're driving the NE250, I highly recommend a detour here when the church is open to see them for yourself. The other notable point of interest is the family mausoleum of the Macpherson-Grants who own nearby Ballindalloch Castle, my first suggested stop on day 2.

The Delnashaugh Hotel is a cosy country inn that has been welcoming travellers for centuries. Today, many of the guests are on a whisky pilgrimage in Speyside as the hotel is perfectly located for touring the biggest whisky producing region in Scotland.

This makes it an ideal overnight stop for exploring the Speyside section of the North East 250, and although it feels like you stumble over a distillery or three whichever direction you travel in, there is more to the area than Scotland's national drink as you will see from my day 2 itinerary.

I found the hotel to have a friendly, intimate charm and the peaceful location ensured a great night's sleep. Homemade, hearty food is the dish of the day, although at the time of writing the current owners are moving on so I hope the new owners maintain the high standards.

Ballindalloch Castle dates back to the 16th century and is not only a private home, but also one of the few castles in Scotland to have remained in the same family since it was built - remember the Macpherson-Grant mausoleum I mentioned yesterday? Well this has been their grand abode for generations.

Part of the castle is open to the public for tours between April and September, and it is a star attraction to visit on the North East 250. As you can imagine, it is packed full of history with some ornate objects on display, including a collection of fine Spanish art. After exploring the castle, take a meander around the extensive gardens before stopping for a bite to eat in the tearoom - I can highly recommend the home baking.

Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens are actually part of a much bigger estate which generates income through a diverse range of activities including farming, country pursuits and their own whisky distillery - well it is Speyside after all! You could extend your time here with a whisky tour and discover what sets Ballindalloch apart from other distilleries in the area.

Knockando Woolmill has existed on the same site since 1784 and is the oldest continually working woolmill in the UK, although the buildings you see today date back to the 19th century when the site was expanded to house new machinery.

The mill remained a family affair until 2000 when The Knockando Woollmill Trust was established with the aim of overhauling the historic machinery which had been in use for over a century, along with sympathetically restoring the increasingly dilapidated mill buildings.

This has allowed the production of cloth to continue, woven on the same Victorian machinery that previous generations of weavers would have used. Traditional and contemporary woollen designs are on sale in the on-site shop, and self-guided and guided tours are available to anyone interested in learning more about the historic weaving process that still takes place at the mill.

When you're driving the North East 250, it would be rude not to visit at least one of the multiple whisky distilleries that line the route. Many of them offer tours or exclusive whisky experiences, and don't worry about not being able to sample the drams because you're driving, an increasing number of distilleries now provide driver's kits to take away and drink later - be aware though, tours book up fast so get your ticket well in advance!

I stopped off atGlenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown which is one of the best known names among Scotch whisky. If you don't manage to get a tour booked (like me!), browsing the visitor centre and shop is still an option and a great place to pick up a locally crafted gift or a fine bottle of malt.

Take a short walk from Glenfiddich to the ruins of Balvenie Castle which I recommend as an interesting detour when it's open.

The Seafield Arms in Cullen was built by The Earl of Seafield in 1822 as a quality coaching inn where his guests could be entertained. In recent times it has undergone a 21st century makeover and the interior is more boutique hotel than historic hostelry to meet the demands of the modern traveller.

I stayed in the Crannoch Room, a spacious suite with a standalone bath and powerful walk-in shower, plus all the extras you would expect from a luxurious room including a bathrobe and slippers for lounging about in once you've pampered yourself with a foamy bubble bath and settled down with a coffee from the pod machine.

The restaurant menu specialises in Scottish produce, I couldn't resist the venison, and the bar is well stocked with local gin and whisky. I loved the tasteful nod to Scottish heritage in the hotel decor, the super friendly staff and the effort to maintain a high standard of accommodation.

The hotel is handily located for exploring the Moray and Aberdeenshire coast which made it a great base for my next stretch of the North East 250. 

I know I have picked two villages for my first stop but since I woke up in Cullen, I didn't really class it is a separate stop. To be honest, there is a whole heap of characterful coastal villages to choose from along the Moray and Aberdeenshire coast and I have been to many of them several times previously as they are some of my favourite places to visit - I've listed some more of them below as they all have something special to offer.

On the morning I woke up in Cullen there was a strong wind blowing in from the North Sea creating some wave drama down by the beach and harbour so that is naturally where I headed! I've been to Cullen in all weathers and it is just as lovely in a storm as it is in the sun. Enjoy the scenery on one of the picturesque coastal walks, I particularly recommend this circular walk around Cullen Bay and along the clifftops.

The centre of Cullen has a number of lovely galleries and antique shops, I picked up a memento of my trip from Intricate Designs, a local gift shop opposite my hotel. Of course, during your visit you just have to try some local Cullen Skink, a hearty smoked fish soup which originated in the village.

After leaving Cullen I drove about 10 minutes along the coast to the village of Portsoy for a stroll around its quaint 17th century harbour. This is a brilliant place to stop if you're interested in traditional boat building as the art is being kept alive at The Boatshed where members of the public are welcome to visit. The village is also home to the annual Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, a major event that not only celebrates traditional boats but also local food, drink, art and music.

If the sun is shining, join the queue for some Portsoy ice-cream or shop for some local Portsoy marble which was incorporated in the Palace of Versailles.

Heading further east along the Aberdeenshire coast to the town of Fraserburgh, I finally got to visit an attraction that has been on my Scotland travel list for a long time. Like many people, I'm fascinated by lighthouses and have visited many around the country, so a trip to a museum dedicated to all things to do with Scottish lighthouses, from their engineering to their history, is right up my street.

However, it wasn't just the display of huge lenses at The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses that had me excited, the real highlight was climbing Kinnaird Lighthouse which is located adjacent to the museum and is included in the museum tour ticket price. I wasn't just looking forward to the blustery views from the top, I was excited to visit the only lighthouse built inside a castle. 

That's right, your ticket gets you entry to the museum, lighthouse and a 16th century castle - amazing value. Kinnaird Head Castle was built by the Frasers of Philorth and some of the original features are still visible. What makes this castle unique is the full height lighthouse sticking out of the top! 

The castle was sold to the Northern Lighthouse Board in 1787 with the intention of converting it into Scotland’s first mainland lighthouse. Although it has been replaced by a newer beacon nearby, the original light and machinery still work. I was so happy that my route around the NE250 gave me a chance to finally visit this unusual building.

To complete the circular route of the North East 250, I headed back inland to Glen Tanar Estate in Royal Deeside, about an hour east from my starting point at the Spittal of Glenshee 2 days earlier. 

Currently in the hands of the 4th generation of the Coats family, the Highland Estate covers approximately 25,000 acres of the Cairngorms National Park and is home to Mount Keen, Scotland's most easterly munro. As you might expect. there is a wide range of things to do from exploring the National Nature Reserve to Country Sports.

I have visited Glen Tanar previously to follow some of the walking trails so I wanted to try a different activity this time and opted to join a guided horse riding tour from the equestrian centre. Even though I am a fairly novice rider, my instructor Carol, put me at ease straight away and in no time at all, Freya, my trusty steed, was navigating trails through Caledonian pine forests, traversing the river and taking me up to picturesque viewpoints.

Throughout our ride, Carol regaled me with the history of the estate and even managed to teach me how to trot which I only managed in short spurts! I loved gaining a new perspective of the scenery and learning all about the Norwegian Fjord Horses that the estate breeds,

After my trek and 3 busy days on the road, booking in for a private woodfired sauna before leaving Glen Tanar seemed like a blissful way to end my trip. The sauna is located in a converted horsebox that sits nestled next to the river and pine woods. Sitting in the warmth, looking out to trees and greenery was idyllic and is my new favourite way to end my adventures around Scotland!

The places mentioned above will easily fill a 3-day itinerary, however if you have longer to spend driving around the North East of Scotland, or some of those options don't resonate with you, don't worry I have lots more suggestions below gained from previous visits to the area.

Staying fuelled up is an essential element of any road trip, and personally I prefer to sample local produce on my travels to give me a true taste of an area. These are some of the places I enjoyed eating at on my trips to the area

For those that don't know, the region of Angus is nestled on the east coast of Scotland just north of Dundee and south of Aberdeenshire. It extends from the scenic Angus glens in the west to sweeping beaches and rugged cliffs along its eastern fringes. The lush verdant landscape in-between is punctuated with grand castles and quaint towns.

Boasting such diversity over a relatively small area means most visitors will find a variety of activities to suit their interests without having to travel too far. To help narrow down and plan an itinerary tailored to your own preferences, Visit Angus have developed the Angus Tour which allows you to pick and choose from their suggested itineraries or design your own adventure.

When I got the chance to plan my own Angus Tour, the stunning coastline was firmly on my radar, along with immersing myself in nature, exploring some lesser known history, discovering some hidden gems and eating all the local food - basically, all my favourite things to do!

I opted to spend my time between the main coastal towns of Montrose, Arbroath and Carnoustie. They are all fairly close to one another so it was easy to dip my toes in each town and stop by some other worthwhile gems along the way. I spent 2 days in Angus and rather than rushing around packing loads in to each day, I explored at a more leisurely pace, spending more time at fewer attractions, and to be honest, this is my preferred way to travel if I get the chance.

However, if you want to maximise your time, there are plenty more things to do in each of these Angus towns so I have listed everything that I got up to below, with a few more ideas thrown in for those of you looking to fill your itinerary with even more options.

​​The town of Montrose is bordered by the North Sea on one side and a large tidal basin on the other. Designated as a nature reserve, Montrose Basin is home to a variety of wildlife all year round and attracts over 100,000 migratory birds during the winter.

I've visited a couple of times now and it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the town. A good starting point is The Scottish Wildlife Trust Visitor Centre with a café and panoramic views of the estuary. Staff are on hand to point out wildlife of note and provide access to telescopes and binoculars. This is also the place to pick up a leaflet detailing the numerous walking trails.

On this visit I opted to follow the Lurgie's Walk, starting at the Old Montrose Pier it is an easy walk of 2km each way. Although I could see the outline of the town across the water, all I could hear was bird song and the occasional splash of jumping fish. I was instantly transported to a world of bees and butterflies flitting around vivid purple thistles, and swans gliding across the glassy water. It felt a bit like I had stepped in to a fairy tale! Oh, and the best bit, I had it all to myself.
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As this trip was largely about soaking up the scenery and nature of the Angus coast, I don't think I could have found a better place to while away an hour or two. I literally felt my stresses melt away as the sun warmed up my bones as I sat on a makeshift bench watching the insects and birds go about their business.

If you're visiting Montrose, take some time out to stop by the Basin and immerse yourself in nature, I can guarantee you will feel all the better for it!

For me, Lunan Bay is the most beautiful stretch of beach in Angus and I'm not alone in thinking that, every year it attracts a growing number of visitors. Miles of golden sand backed by towering grassy dunes and bookmarked by cliffs is overlooked by the ruins Red Castle creating a scene of beauty and drama.

Over the years I've walked along Lunan Bay on several occasions, usually finished off with some tea and cake in the café. This time I wandered from the beach viewpoint, along the road and up to the castle for breath-taking views and while this is still an undeniably pretty place, I was disappointed to come across the scorch marked remnants of a campfire and discarded toilet paper among the dunes, but I shouldn't have been surprised, like many parts of the country, a rise in popularity has created extra pressure on a fragile landscape and attracted some unfortunate anti-social behaviour

But its not all doom and gloom, most visitors go for the same reasons as me, to enjoy the natural beauty and all the positive aspects of spending time outdoors. They leave everything the way they found it, and for the time they are there, they do their best to minimise their impact so the next visitors can enjoy it too.

But what is the answer to the minority who intentionally or unintentionally leave a negative impact or spoil the experience for others? Up and down the country local groups of residents and businesses are trying to come up with solutions and the Lunan Bay Communities Partnership was started for those very reasons.

I had a chat with a couple of the members who explained some of the common and more unique challenges that Lunan Bay faces. I don't think many people realise Lunan Bay is in the hands of private landowners which means they don't have the usual facilities and support provided by the council when it come to things like clearing up litter left behind or maintaining roads and car parks utilised by the public, including an increasing amount of large motorhomes. This is without even touching on the fragile marine habitat or the problems local residents face when the limited infrastructure is put under pressure, its worth remembering Lunan Bay isn't just a beauty spot for visitors, it is a residential community.

Not all of the issues have an easy solution and that is why the Community Partnership exists but there are things we can do as visitors to make sure we are doing our bit to preserve this special landscape for future generations. Here is a useful reminder of some tips and rules we should all be abiding by -

We spent around an hour scrambling over rocks, wading through pools filled with sea anemones and crabs, admiring the amazing stalactites that the cave is named after, exploring various offshoots and capturing images of the extraordinary beauty of the cavernous space. Cameron regaled me with local tales and pointed out the large 'thumbs up' rock formation which I'd managed to miss - it does look exactly like its giving a thumbs up to anyone brave enough to venture far enough along the cave to discover it!

If you want to get a whole new perspective of Arbroath, I highly recommend heading out on a kayaking adventure with Cameron, you'll be amazed what lies hidden inside the cliffs!

I think this is a great attraction to visit as there are so many interesting stories and objects to discover, from the smoking pipe made out of a crab claw to the witches ball hung next to windows to protect houses from evil spirits, I spot something new each time I visit.

The display I always spend the most time at is dedicated to the hardy fishwives who multi-tasked looking after the home, raising children, spending long hours baiting lines, selling fish and even wading out to sea with men on their backs to prevent them their feet getting wet before a days fishing - oh yeah, and the women also hauled the boats back to the beach when the men returned!

On this trip I was delighted to find that new exhibits had been extended out to the lighthouse keeper's cottages and it was really interesting to read about Arbroath's textile industry which I never really knew about before my visit. If you're visiting Arbroath, this is a must stop in my opinion.

Carnoustie Beach wasn't part of my original itinerary but the sun was shining and I had a little time to spare before dinner so it seemed like a good place to linger for a bit. I'd love to visit again when the tide is out and more of the sand is exposed as I have seen some lovely photos. However, it was still the ideal place to finish off a relaxing 2 days exploring the Angus coast and it gives me an excuse to go back!

This trip wasn't just about nature and history, it was also about indulging in local produce, and in my case, eating all the seafood! Good food doesn't just nourish the body, it is also good for the soul, so here are my top recommendations for restaurants along the coast serving up yummy dishes using fresh ingredients from the Angus larder.

On my first day I ate lunch at Rae’s, a lovely restaurant on the High Street of Montrose and I am so happy to have discovered this place for many reasons! They source all their produce, spirits and artwork as locally as possible with nothing travelling more than 50 miles. They also use up food donated to them by local businesses that would otherwise become food waste and cook meals for local charities that don't have access to kitchens. They are also dog friendly and most importantly their food is delicious - so please support them if you are in the area.

Owners Helen and Wouter created a gluten free 'high wine' which featured tasting-sized samples from their evening menu and dessert menu, what a yummy treat. Although I loved it all, the scallops were a particular standout and their take on an Eton Mess was delicious, both dishes are favourites of mine and they did a great job of adding their own twist.

The But'n'Ben is located in the pretty village of Auchmithie near Arbroath and it is well worth the short detour to this family run restaurant. They specialise in home-cooked Scottish dishes, and local seafood is a staple on the menu. When I'm eating at restaurants along the coast I tend to gravitate towards their catch of the day (must be the salt laden air!) and seafood specials very much became a theme on this trip.

When owner Margo informed me of the scallop and mussel special, I was instantly sold and plates of side vegetables ensured I didn't go hungry. I blame the sunny weather for making me feel carefree enough to order a strawberries and ice-cream chaser, although it did go down rather well. As I left, I couldn't resist a browse of their local gift stand and left with 2 lovely handcrafted seal ornaments as a memento of my trip.

Needing to fuel up one last time before the long drive home, I headed for dinner at the rather funky WeeCook Kitchen in Carnoustie. I loved the international vibe and decor of this place and although local produce features heavily, it is served with a global twist.

I opted for...you guessed it... the seafood special of freshly caught local crab in a Thai dressing. I was informed that it had been caught in Arbroath that morning, fresh from the boat to the table and it tasted superb. As it was my last meal in Angus, I went all out on another dessert and ordered gluten free apple fitters in salted caramel sauce - honestly it was soooo good I would be willing to drive across the country to Carnoustie again just to order more!
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The restaurant is well known for its award-winning pies and when I spotted their 'Poochie Pies', I had to take one home for Willow as an apology for leaving her behind on this trip - needless to say, it went down very well, and very quickly!

On this trip I stayed in one of the executive rooms at the Links Hotel in Montrose which is centrally located in a quiet area of the town with plenty of parking. My room was modern and spacious with lots of extras including a trouser press, bathrobes and several travelling kits - I was very grateful for the dental kit when I discovered I had forgotten my toothpaste - doh!

Next door to the Links Hotel is its sister hotel, the Park Hotel, and this is where I had my dinner - can you guess what I ordered? If you said the seafood special well done to you, this time I opted for sea bass with crushed potatoes and mango salsa - yum!

After a long day of travel I soaked in a hot shower, brewed up some tea, flopped down on the huge bed to watch TV before falling in to a deep sleep - bliss.

With so many possibilities, I highly recommend popping over to The Angus Tour to create the perfect Angus itinerary for you, it worked well for me!

​I spent 2 nights at Brandon Lodge Bed and Breakfast, located in a quiet rural setting, just 3 miles from the historic harbour town of Portsoy in Aberdeenshire. Check out my recommended itineraries below to discover some of the best things to do in and around Portsoy.

THE ACCOMMODATION
​​Once comprising three linked stone cottages, Brandon Lodge has been converted into a beautiful and spacious home that reflects its heritage and coastal location. Surrounded by tranquil countryside, extensive views, bird song and curious deer that wander up the driveway - it is the perfect place for a relaxed getaway. 

Despite feeling a world away from the stresses and noises of modern life, it is only a short detour from the main road and only a few miles from the picturesque harbour town of Portsoy, one of my favourite villages on the east coast. I could quite happily spend hours at the 17th century harbour watching the tide ebb and flow, an experience enhanced by some local ice-cream or a fish supper!

I need to give a special big shout out to owner, Lorna, for going above and beyond to meet my gluten free diet, not only did she put some gluten free biscuit bars on my hospitality tray to enjoy with my tea, and sourced items for my breakfast, she also baked some gluten free pancakes to welcome me on my arrival. Not only is this the first time a host has went to that extra effort for me, it turned out it was the first time she had ever made them which I would never have guessed as they were totally deeeeelicious - there was not a crumb left!

THE BREAKFAST

I always let hosts know in advance that I’m gluten free as this lets them prepare some breakfast options which meant Lorna was able to offer me berries and yoghurt followed by a good choice of cooked items and toast.

I could tell you about how good my breakfast was – and it was! - however, the thing I appreciated the most was Lorna quickly getting to work in the kitchen to make sure I was well fed when I had to leave earlier than anticipated in the morning due to a family emergency. She also offered to cancel a dinner booking I had made at a local hotel that evening so I had less to worry about. Her genuine efforts to find ways to reduce my stress and keep me on an even keel when I was in a total tizz helped more than I can express in this blog post.

I've said it before but I feel the need to mention it again, my experience of the bed and breakfast accommodation on this trip was seriously impressive, every host went the extra mile to provide a high standard of personal service which is one of the reasons they are all handpicked members of Scotland's Best B&Bs. But it went beyond that, every host showed genuine warmth and I left every property feeling like I had made a new friend.

​If you're planning a trip to Portsoy, I can absolutely recommend a stay with Lorna at Brandon Lodge.

​Now you have your accommodation sorted, you might be wondering how best to spend your time in Portsoy so I've suggested 3 road trips that include some of the best scenery in the area.

​THREE ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES

Using Brandon Lodge Bed and Breakfast as your base, these routes are all easy to follow. I have included all the highlights so you can personalise each route to your own interests. It is unlikely you will have the time to to visit every place listed so I suggest picking a few places that you definitely want to include and adding in more attractions if you have time left over.

​OPTION 1 - COASTAL VILLAGES
​BEST FOR - SCENERY

This route stops by some of the prettiest coastal villages in Aberdeenshire, including Pennan, which features in the movie, Local Hero, and its neighbour, Crovie, hemmed in between the sea and the cliffs.

​OPTION 2 - RETURN TRIP TO FORRES VIA ELGIN
BEST FOR - HISTORY & HIDDEN GEMS

Head west to discover some of the fascinating history of the area, taking in some incredible attractions and a few hidden gems along the way - from a sea arch shaped like the tip of a fiddle bow to a mysterious well, to the only medieval British monastery still being used for its original purpose and much more. It is not possible to visit everything on this list in a day so choose wisely!

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OPTION 3 - THE WHISKY TRAIL
BEST FOR - WHISKY LOVERS

Speyside is the heart of Scotland's whisky country with numerous distilleries open to the public for tours and tastings, this route also takes in some other whisky themed attractions in the area making it the perfect itinerary for lovers of Scotland's national drink.