Castles on the cliffs and up the Dee valley, a distillery next door to Balmoral, links golf along the coast, and seals and dolphins a short drive from the door. All of it within a day of the hotel, with the sea waiting at the window when you get back.
My days out from the Cove Bay Hotel
The ruined fortress on its own sea stack near Stonehaven, twenty minutes down the coast. The view from the cliff top is the famous one and needs none of the 180 steps.
The town a mile and a half up the coast from Dunnottar. Do the two together and you are back in time for dinner.
The royal family’s Highland home on Royal Deeside, with its grounds and gardens open in season. About 90 minutes each way, so give it the whole day.
A small distillery next door to Balmoral, with tours and a dram at the end. The natural stop on the way back down the valley.
Opening times change with the season, so check each place’s own page on the morning you go.
The ruined fortress on its own sea stack near Stonehaven, one of the most photographed places in Scotland.
1 of 18: Dunnottar Castle
After a day out, relax with a dram, then dinner in the award winning restaurant overlooking the sea.
