Dunnottar Castle

Dunnottar Castle stands on a headland on the Kincardineshire coast, about 2 km south of Stonehaven. The cliffs drop some 45 m to the North Sea. Most of the surviving buildings date from the 15th and 16th centuries, with the tower house from the late 14th century. In 1651 the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish crown jewels, were brought here to keep them safe from Cromwell’s army. The castle was besieged for months, and the regalia were smuggled out to Kinneff, where they were hidden in the church. In 1685 Covenanters were held prisoner in the Whigs’ Vault.

The way down to the castle involves more than 200 steps, and the same again on the way back. Access is difficult for visitors with mobility problems. The best view of the castle is from the nearby cliffs, especially in the light of the afternoon and evening. A clifftop path of about 3 km also leads here from Stonehaven. Allow plenty of time, as the site is extensive.