Page 255 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 25: On the Highlands Whisky Trail 253

e Aberdeen
Aberdeen; AB11
Known as the Granite City because of its silvery granite buildings,
Aberdeen faces out to the North Sea and, not surprisingly, is a city
with a strong maritime tradition. For centuries it had firm trading
links with Scandinavia and is still an important fishing port. Its historic
buildings are interspersed with shops, lively bars and restaurants.

A two–three-hour walking tour tower”, symbolizing the authority and
Start at the Tourist Information Centre independence of the Scottish king.
on Union Street. Turn right and walk Carry on to see a Georgian Above View of Old Aberdeen seen from Union
down Shiprow to the Maritime townhouse up ahead, once a meeting Street Bridge
Museum 1 (open daily), which gives place for the city’s trade organizations. EAT AND DRINK
a fascinating insight into the city’s Cross over the road ahead and walk
maritime heritage, as well as good up historic cobbled Chanonry, where AROUND BANCHORY
views of the harbour. Leaving the the university Botanic Gardens 5 Cow Shed moderate
museum, turn left up (open daily) provide a short This restaurant in rural surroundings
Shiprow, then left along detour. In medieval times has great-value fixed-price lunches and
Union Street, the city’s main Chanonry was home to splendid views. Try the butter-roasted
shopping area. Turn right the canons of St Machar’s monkfish and Inverurie pork belly.
Raemoir Road, AB31 5QB; 01330 820
up Belmont Street to the Cathedral 6 – which is 813; www.cowshedrestaurantbanchory.
Art Gallery 2 (Tue–Sun), reached soon. The cathedral co.uk; closed Mon & Tue dinner
with a large collection of dates to the 13th century AROUND DUNNOTTAR CASTLE
portraits, Impressionist and has some fine stained- The Creel Inn moderate
paintings and works the glass windows. Follow In Catterline, a few miles south of the
Glasgow Boys (Scottish Chanonry past the cathedral castle off the A92, former fisherman’s
Colourists and Victorian to Don Street, then turn right cottages have been turned into this
artists). Turn right and walk Neo-Gothic Marischal and rejoin the High Street, popular inn. There’s seafood on the
along Schoolhill, continuing College, Aberdeen passing King’s College menu, such as pan-seared scallops.
Catterline, Stonehaven, AB39 2UL; 01569
into Upper Kirkgate – look again. At the start of Spittal 750 254; www.thecreelinn.co.uk
out for the imposing Neo-Gothic turn left down Orchard Road, go right
Marischal College 3, part of at the end and cross King Street to ABERDEEN
Aberdeen University. turn left down Pittodrie Place. At its Bistro Verde moderate
Turn left up Gallowgate to the large end turn right on Golf Road – with This popular bistro specializes in
fish – try roasted sea bass, Basque-style
roundabout, cross to the right; walk golf links on the left and the football monkfish, or sea bream in Parma ham.
a short distance up Mounthooly Way, stadium on the right. Walk up the 59 The Green, AB11 6NY; 01224 586
then go left up Kings Crescent which steps over a grassy hill to reach 180; closed Sun & Mon
soon becomes Spittal, then College the seafront with a stretch of golden The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa
Bounds, a nice street lined with fine sand and funfair 7. To return to the expensive
old houses. Go past magnificent city centre, continue south along Enjoy the relaxing atmosphere at this
King’s College, on the right, part of the the coast, then turn right at Beach popular hotel restaurant – and produce
university, founded in the 15th century. Boulevard. Cross the roundabout to go such as Scottish lobster and roe deer.
There are also vegetarian options.
King’s College Chapel 4 (open Mon–Fri) down Justice Street, past the Mercat North Deeside Road, AB15 9YA; 01224
is topped with a distinctive “crown Cross and back into Union Street. 861 000; www.marcliffe.com
DAY TRIP OPTIONS Speyside Delights Vintage Fun
Children and adults will enjoy historic From Craigellachie, drive to the WCDS From Aberdeen e, visit the transport
castles and stunning coastline. Wildlife Centre 6 at Spey Bay to look museum 0 at Alford, with tanks and
War and Peace for dolphins. Then head back to make vintage cars. Then head to Banchory
From Inverness 1 it’s a short drive a tour of Speyside Cooperage 7, q, to watch salmon leaping up the
to Culloden 2, where Bonnie Prince take a heritage railway trip at falls and perhaps see Crathes Castle.
Charlie’s campaign ended. Take a tour Dufftown 8 and taste the whisky Visit dramatic Dunnottar Castle e
of Cawdor Castle 3, then it’s off to at the Glenfiddich Distillery, before on the cliffs, before returning to
Nairn for a spell on the sandy beach. dinner in a Dufftown restaurant. Aberdeen and the beachside funfair.
Take B9006 from Inverness to Culloden, Follow drive instructions in reverse to the From Aberdeen, take A944 to Alford, then
then B9091 and B9090 to Cawdor and WCDS Wildlife Centre, return on the A980 south Banchory. Then follow the
on to Nairn. Return on the A96. same roads and take A941 to Dufftown. drive instructions to Aberdeen.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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