WHY not combine the breathtaking scenery of the coast with the Royal dignity of Deeside in this great day out. Stonehaven (museum, harbour, Scotland’s only open-air Olympic-size heated swimming pool) vies with Laurencekirk for the title of Capital of the Mearns. Leave by the A92 for Dunnottar Castle and a mile or so farther on the RSPB Fowlsheugh Nature Reserve just north of Catterline (attractive coastal village and one-time artists’ colony). Optional diversion on B967 for Arbuthnott (Lewis Grassic Gibbon Centre) or continue on A92 for Inverbervie (award-winning fish and chips, birthplace of designer of Cutty Sark). Nearby on A92 is Mill of Benholm, preserved meal mill. Optional extension on A92 for St Cyrus (fine beach, national nature reserve), or take the B9120 via Laurencekirk for Fettercairn (raised burial ground, distillery, ancient mercat cross. Royal arch).

Take B974 north to Fasque (stately home) and ascent of Cairn o Mount (spectacular summit views, ancient cairn). Continue over mountainous road down to Royal Deeside via Strachan (pronounced Straan) and Banchory (shopping, birthplace of fiddler James Scott Skinner). Turn left on to main A93 for Crathes (superb castle and gardens).

Travel by Aboyne (shopping, gliding) by the Muir of Dinnet nature reserve for Ballater (shopping, with fine views ahead of what poet Lord Byron famously called "the steep frowning glories of dark Lochnagar". Continue west up Royal Deeside, turning off on the B976 South Deeside Road at Crathie (Crathie Kirk, Royal Lochnagar Distillery visitor centre). Return east to Ballater (optional detour to Glen Muick with mountain scenery, waterfall and walks).

Remain on South Deeside Road signed for Aboyne, passing on right road to Glen Tanar (Tower of Ess, walks, visitor centre). Rejoin A93 at Aboyne, and head east for Banchory (salmon at Brig o Feugh). Return to Stonehaven via A957 (the Slug Road).

What Life is Like Here Things to See and Do Your Day Out Essential Walking