I recently embarked on a delightful day trip, using a local travel company called Grampian Escapes & Tours Ltd., to the North Sea, where the charm of small fishing villages, seaside cliffs and the historical allure of Slains Castle awaited. The journey was a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and a touch of medieval history.
Morning: A Scenic Drive to the Coast
The beautiful day began with a scenic drive along winding roads that offered glimpses of farmland and the countryside of northeastern Scotland. On the drive keep a lookout for my new favorite animal, the Highland Cow, or Highland Coo with a Scottish accent, one of the cutest animals ever! The air was crisp, the sky was blue, the early morning sun was shinning, and all the colors of green came to life. As we approached the coast, the salty breeze and the distant sound of sea birds set the tone for the day.
Exploring Quaint Fishing Villages
We explored three picturesque fishing villages, Gardenstown, Crovie, and Pennan, that seemed to have stepped out of a postcard. Narrow streets, with quaint cottages lining the small harbors with fishing boats bobbing gently in the water.
The Challenges of Coastal Life
As I wandered through the villages, the warmth and friendliness of the Scots people made the experience even more special. The life of a fisherman is a hard life, and people that live in these villages on the North Sea see all kinds of weather, and fishing conditions. The season is limited for these villagers, usually from April through October, and of these homes are used as summer homes, or Airbnbs.
Afternoon: Exploring Slains Castle
With the sun climbing higher in the sky, we set off for Slains Castle, a historical gem of an abandoned castle nestled on a hill overlooking the sea. On the way, we drove through Fraserborough and Peterhead, which are the two major fishing ports in the north. Have lunch at Dolphins Cafe, which had great fish and chips. After lunch head to Bullers o’ Buchan and take a walk on the cliffs overlooking the panoramic views of the coastline to watch the birds nesting on the cliffs. Seabirds, such as Puffins, Kittiwakes, Guillemots and Razorbills, use this area of the cliffs to hatch and raise their young before heading south for the winter.
The castle itself was a sight to behold, with its imposing stone walls and turrets standing as a testament to centuries of history. Even without a roof, wandering through this castle made me think of all the people that have come before us, and the challenges they had to face in times of challenges.
Unveiling History at Slains Castle
As I entered the remains of the castle, I was transported back in time. You can imagine the grand halls, adorned with tapestries and antique furniture, full of people. The highlight of the visit was the climb to the top of the castle tower using the circular staircase, which offered a stunning view of the North Sea and the surrounding landscape.
For lunch stop by the waterfront in Peterhead for delicious fish and chips at The Dolphin Cafe.
For those seeking a day of discovery, relaxation, and a touch of history, a trip to the North Sea and its charming coastal villages, crowned by the majestic Stires Castle, is an adventure not to be missed. I will say that I totally enjoyed this day trip, and with Alex as our guide, we learned a lot of the history and trivia of the area.
