Dunnottar Castle Coastal Walk, Stonehaven
Aberdeenshire
One of the most photogenic short walks in Scotland, this dog friendly clifftop route leaves Stonehaven harbour and climbs onto the headland past the war memorial before rolling south along airy sea cliffs to the ruined 15th century Dunnottar Castle. Fulmars and kittiwakes nest on the crags, pods of dolphins are a regular sight and the castle perched on its sea stack is unforgettable.
It is about 5 kilometres out and back and takes 90 minutes to two hours at an easy pace, with one steep initial climb then gentle undulations. The cliff edge is unfenced in places so dogs should be kept on the lead along the exposed sections and at all times within the castle itself, which is dog friendly but requires a short lead throughout. Parking is easy at Stonehaven harbour, there are toilets, cafes, chippies and pubs in the town, and a smaller pay and display car park right at the castle if you prefer the shortest version.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.0 km (3.1 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Historic
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Cafes, pubs, public toilets and chip shops in Stonehaven; pay and display car park and toilets at Dunnottar Castle.
- Parking
- Free on street and harbour car park in Stonehaven; pay and display at Dunnottar Castle visitor car park for a shorter version.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dunnottar Castle Coastal Walk, Stonehaven dog friendly?
Yes, this clifftop route from Stonehaven harbour to Dunnottar Castle is a great choice for dogs, earning a strong 8.5/10 rating on Wildpack Collective. Dogs are welcome along the full coastal path and inside the castle grounds themselves, making it a genuinely dog-inclusive day out rather than one where your dog has to wait at the gate.
Can dogs be off lead at Dunnottar Castle Coastal Walk, Stonehaven?
Dogs need to be kept on the lead along the exposed cliff sections, where the edge is unfenced in places, and a short lead is required throughout Dunnottar Castle itself. The path is relatively short at around 5 kilometres out and back, so while it's not an off-lead romp, it's still a rewarding walk with spectacular scenery for dog and owner alike.
What should I know before visiting Dunnottar Castle Coastal Walk, Stonehaven with my dog?
The route starts at Stonehaven harbour with one steep initial climb up to the clifftop before the path levels out into gentler undulations — worth knowing if your dog isn't a fan of sudden ascents. Parking is free at the harbour, and Stonehaven town has cafes, pubs, chip shops and public toilets nearby, so it's easy to make a full day of it; there's also a pay and display car park right at the castle if you'd prefer a shorter version of the walk.
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