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My guide to the North East 250, one of Scotland's best road trips

30/9/2022

 
​This post is part of a paid partnership with North East 250 to showcase the diversity along this scenic Scottish road route

Driving the North East 250

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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.

What is the North East 250?

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.

North East 250 Route Map

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.

A 3 day itinerary for the North East 250

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Portsoy, Scotland - Where to stay and what to do

29/7/2022

 
This post is part of a paid partnership with Scotland's Best B&Bs to showcase what makes their members so special

A short break in Portsoy, Scotland, with 3 suggested itineraries

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Where to stay in Portsoy

Brandon Lodge Bed & Breakfast
​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.
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THE ACCOMMODATION
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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!
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FRESHLY BAKED GLUTEN FREE PANCAKES - YUM!
Lorna has created beautiful guest accommodation filled with gorgeous artwork and decorated in cool coastal colours - I LOVED the design of my room which was modern and light with shades of the ocean. I was also delighted to find the en-suite stocked with my favourite toiletries from The Scottish Fine Soap Company - Sea Kelp scented - the ideal products to complete a sea-themed stay.
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Big fluffy towels and a plump mattress added a touch of luxurious comfort and I had no problem falling straight to sleep in my serene Aberdeenshire retreat.
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Although the rooms don't have a TV, there is one in the guest sitting room where you can catch up on your favourite programmes or chill out in front of the fire with a book. There are only 2 guest rooms at Brandon Lodge so there is plenty of space for everyone.
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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.
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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.
Book a stay at Brandon Lodge


​What to do around Portsoy

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​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.

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Glamping at the Shepherd's Loch, Aberdeenshire

11/5/2021

 
Don't forget to pack your sense of adventure for a fun-filled stay at this dog friendly Scottish glamping site
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*I WAS HOSTED AT SHEPHERD'S LOCH IN EXCHANGE FOR THIS REVIEW *
Do you remember going on holiday when you were wee?  If you were anything like me you spent your days running around outdoors, clambering around playparks, easily establishing holiday friendships, improvising your own adventures and generally revelling in the freedom to explore without the worries and hang ups that come with being a sensible grown up.

Then you did grow up and those carefree childhood vacations became a thing of the past as adult holidays tend to revolve around relaxation rather than fun and play.  But what if I told you there is a place you can enjoy it all?  

At Shepherd's Loch Glamping Site in Aberdeenshire they actively encourage adults to embrace their inner child while offering plenty of opportunity to unwind or explore, if that is what you prefer.
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The first bit of fun comes in choosing which of their unique accommodation options you are going to stay in.  Some are already open and some are a work in progress, I already have my eye on the ship's wheelhouse for a future trip.  If you're travelling with your four-legged friend then all but the yurt are dog friendly and all options have an open panorama over countryside and water. 

​I stayed in the 'Otter' which is a charming hobbit like house with lots of quirky details and a large picture window with a view over one of the lochs.   The interior is surprisingly spacious with a super comfy double bed and overhead bunk, a sitting/dining area where you can gaze out at the scenery, a toilet, shower and cooking area with a wood fired range and gas stove.

Upcycled pieces like the corrugated shower lining, locally sourced wood, church pew and the cute bedroom window add lots of unique character.
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Burn O' Vat - A natural geological wonder in Royal Deeside

4/2/2020

 
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Royal Deeside in Aberdeenshire is an ideal area of Scotland to base yourself if you are a lover of castles and the outdoors - I'm definitely a fan of both.  I spent a few days in the region and split my time between scenic walks and historical ruins, with a few great restaurants and cafes thrown in for good measure.

One of my favourite local walks was to Burn O'Vat, an amazing bowl-shaped geological feature which was carved out by glacial melt at the end of the last Ice Age.  I visited early in the morning as it apparently gets quite busy later in the day.  I was lucky to have it all to myself although I did pass lots of people headed that way on my walk back to the car park.

The walk is situated in the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve which has many more trail options.  I didn't have time to explore any more of them on my visit, however you could easily spend a good part of the day there.

Burn O'Vat Walk Details

DISTANCE - Approx 1 mile return walk from the designated car park,  You could also add on the Culblean Circuit to make it a 4 mile walk

TERRAIN - A designated pathway at the start, although climbing over streams and rocks is required to gain entry

DIFFICULTY - Most of the walks I feature on my blog are easy to moderate as I want to include options that most people can manage.  Overall this is an easy walk, however you do need some mobility and confidence to climb over the rocks.  Waterproof footwear is also recommended as you need to cross a couple of streams.  If the rocks are particularly wet and slippy or if the water is high, extra care needs to be taken.

FOLLOWING THE WALK
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The route is well signposted and crosses a green wooden bridge before carrying on past a second bridge and then coming to an abrupt stop at a rock face - or so you think!

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f you look closely, you will spot the narrow entrance-way which leads to the natural amphitheatre beyond.  The next section to reach the gap does require a bit of agility to get over the boulders and across the stream, but isn't too strenuous and is actually quite fun!
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Arriving at the entrance feels a bit like an Indiana Jones moment, with the possibility of ancient treasures or a forgotten civilisation hidden beyond the giant moss covered boulders.  Okay, I'm being a little dramatic but its hard not to let your imagination run wild in a place like this, especially when there's no-one else about.
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Crossing the stepping stones, negotiating the well placed tree trunk and the glimpses of a waterfall just add to the feeling of adventure although I should probably add that waterproof footwear will come in handy if the water levels are high or your balancing skills are lacking!
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​If you have found my blog helpful or inspiring, you can support me in creating future Scottish travel content for the price of a coffee at my Ko-fi page.  All 'coffee' donations are hugely appreciated and all funds will go towards covering the running costs of my website and the occasional caffeine fix!
  • Home
    • ABOUT ADVENTURES AROUND SCOTLAND
  • SCOTLAND TRAVEL GUIDE
  • SCOTLAND TRAVEL BLOG
  • TRAVEL CONSULTATION
  • WORK WITH ME
  • EXPLORE SCOTLAND
    • ABERDEENSHIRE
    • ANGUS
    • ARGYLL
    • AYRSHIRE
    • BORDERS
    • CAITHNESS
    • CENTRAL
    • DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY
    • DUNDEE
    • EDINBURGH
    • FIFE
    • GLASGOW
    • HIGHLANDS
    • SCOTTISH ISLANDS >
      • Firth of Clyde
      • Inner Hebrides
      • Outer Hebrides
      • Orkney Islands
    • LANARKSHIRE
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    • PERTHSHIRE
    • SUTHERLAND
    • SCOTLAND ROAD TRIPS
  • GET IN TOUCH