- Arts & Culture
The Aberdeenshire Rail Trail
Your rail adventure starts here
The Aberdeenshire Rail Trail follows the ScotRail line North from the Scottish Central Belt into the heart of the North-east, linking stations to some of the region's most rewarding visitor experiences, think castles, distilleries, coastline, galleries, and wide-open countryside, all within easy reach on foot, by bus, or by taxi.
ScotRail operates regular services along this route, connecting the rest of Scotland to the North-east. If you plan to cycle between stops, ScotRail welcomes bikes on board, a great way to extend your exploration once you step off the train.
All ScotRail trains have step-free access features and priority spaces, and many of the attractions along the route are fully accessible. Check individual listings for specific accessibility information and visit our Accessibility guide.
Whether you hop off at one stop or travel the full length of the line, this trail is designed to show just how much is possible without a car.
1. Laurencekirk
Step off the train at Laurencekirk and you're at the gateway to the Howe of the Mearns, a sweeping agricultural valley with deep literary roots and a rich offer for curious visitors. Most of the highlights here are best reached by taxi, so it's worth calling ahead before you travel.
Explore
Head out to Arbuthnott to visit the Grassic Gibbon Centre, which celebrates the life and work of Lewis Grassic Gibbon, the novelist whose masterpiece Sunset Song brought this quiet corner of Scotland to international attention. The Centre has permanent exhibitions, audio-visual displays, a café and gift shop, and sits in the very village that inspired his writing.
A short drive away, the handsome village of Fettercairn is home to Fettercairn Distillery, one of Scotland's oldest licensed Highland distilleries. Tours and tastings showcase 200 years of whisky-making craft in beautiful foothills surroundings.
For a dramatic viewpoint over the Mearns, the walk up Garvock Hill is well worth the effort - the panorama from the top stretches across farmland to the coast. Nearby Bervie Bunker offers a fascinating and unusual insight into Cold War-era civil defence history, these tours book up early so keep an eye on new dates and book ahead.
The quaint fishing village of Johnshaven sits a short taxi ride or cycle east on the coast. Stroll the harbourfront, where lobsters and crabs are still landed by working boats, and visit the Benholm and Johnshaven Heritage Museum, housed in the restored 1891 lifeboat shed.
Eat and drink
Refuel at Castleton Farm Shop and Cafe, where everything is lovingly prepared with locally sourced produce, or pick up something from the farm shop itself. The historic Mill of Benholm - a Category A listed watermill with a café, community garden, and heritage orchard - is a beautiful stop, particularly if you're exploring the coastal road towards Johnshaven. In the village itself, The Lobster Shop is a must for fresh shellfish straight from local boats.
2. Stonehaven
Stonehaven is one of the North-east's most rewarding towns to explore on foot, and the station is just a 15-minute walk from the harbour. With a dramatic clifftop castle, a unique outdoor lido, great seafood, and a gallery or two, you can easily fill a full day here.
Explore
The walk from the harbour to Dunnottar Castle takes around 20–25 minutes along the coastal path and is one of the most spectacular short walks in Scotland. As you head out, look for the Stonehaven War Memorial, which sits on a clifftop above the town with sweeping views across the bay.
Perched on a 160-foot rock surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, this impregnable clifftop ruin was once the seat of the Earls Marischal and has captivated visitors, historians, and filmmakers for generations.
Take a detour into Dunnottar Woods, a small community woodland managed with local help. Look out for the Shell House within it, a small house in the woods with walls completely covered with shells
Back in town, the Stonehaven Tolbooth Museum tells the story of the harbour and the town from its original stone cells and historic exhibits. Admission is free, and the knowledgeable volunteers are full of stories.
In summer, Stonehaven Heated Open Air Pool is simply unmissable. The UK's only art deco, Olympic-sized saltwater lido opened in 1934 and still draws swimmers from across Scotland. The water is heated, and on warm evenings the pool hosts moonlight swims under the stars.
At the harbour itself, Stonehaven Shellfish and Boat Trips runs tours along the coast and sells direct from the boat. For a more active afternoon on the water, Stonehaven Paddleboarding is the town's watersports provider, based right at the Harbour Beach. Choose from paddleboard lessons, tours, and rentals, sit-on-top kayak hire, or simply book time in their wood-fired sauna in a converted horse box - the perfect way to warm up after a dip. The stunning coastline, sea caves, and wildlife including dolphins, seals, and the occasional puffin make this stretch of water exceptional.
Eat and drink
Stonehaven's harbour is lined with excellent places to eat. The Bay Fish and Chips is one of the most decorated chip shops in the UK, having won over 80 awards, and the queues speak for themselves. For something more formal, Tolbooth Seafood Restaurant sits right on the harbour and sources much of its catch direct from local fishermen landing daily. The Seafood Bothy is a converted horsebox on the pier serving lobster rolls and crab wraps from the owner's own boat, and Aunty Betty's, next door to The Bay, is the place for a generously topped ice cream.
There's plenty more to discover beyond the harbour. From cosy cafés to fine dining and local producers, explore Stonehaven's full food and drink offering.
3. Portlethen
Portlethen station sits just outside a town that has grown rapidly while retaining its coastal character. To the east, the fishing villages of Findon, Downies and Old Portlethen offer a glimpse of the area's maritime heritage, while the nearby medieval Causey Mounth once linked the Bridge of Dee with Stonehaven. The rugged coastline is ideal for exploring, with cliff paths leading to hidden coves, rocky inlets and sweeping North Sea views.
For a different kind of outdoor adventure, head to Farm Stop, a purpose-built farm experience where you can meet, feed and spend time with a wide range of friendly animals, from goats and donkeys to guinea pigs and chickens. It's an easy walk or short taxi ride from the station.
4. Aberdeen
Aberdeen station puts you right in the heart of Scotland's third largest city, and almost everything on this stop of the trail is within comfortable walking distance. The city repays slow exploration, enjoy world-class museum and gallery provision, street art, parks, theatres, and miles of golden beach.
City centre
Start at Aberdeen Art Gallery, home to one of the finest collections in the UK, including influential Scottish artists alongside critically acclaimed international work. There's a café, a rooftop terrace with views across the city, and a gift shop worth a browse.
A five-minute walk away, Provost Skene's House is Aberdeen's oldest surviving townhouse (1545) and tells the stories of over 100 remarkable people born, raised, or who worked in the North-east - from Nobel laureates to football legends. Free entry, open seven days a week.
The Aberdeen Maritime Museum on historic Shiprow tells the story of Aberdeen's long relationship with the sea, from the age of sail and the herring industry to the North Sea oil era. It incorporates Provost Ross's House, built in 1593, and offers spectacular views over the working harbour.
For performance and culture, His Majesty's Theatre on Rosemount Viaduct is a magnificent Frank Matcham-designed venue from 1906, and the home of Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera in the North-east. Alongside it, the Aberdeen Performing Arts venues, including the Music Hall and The Lemon Tree - programme drama, live music, comedy, and dance year-round.
Wander down to Union Terrace Gardens for a rest in this beautifully restored Victorian park in the city centre, before heading out to spot the Nuart Aberdeen street art murals that have transformed buildings across the city into a permanent open-air gallery. Scotland's only street art festival, Nuart has brought world-renowned artists to Aberdeen for over a decade.
See the full sweep of the city on board The Aberdeen Adventurer, the open-top bus tour that takes you past the key landmarks with commentary.
A short bus ride or walk south of the city centre, Duthie Park is a beloved green space donated to the city in 1880. The David Welch Winter Gardens inside are one of Europe's largest indoor gardens and Scotland's third most visited attraction.
Rosemount
A short walk west of the city centre, Rosemount is one of Aberdeen's most characterful neighbourhoods with a strong independent shopping scene. Browse boutiques, bookshops, cafes and specialist stores along Rosemount Viaduct and the surrounding streets.
Aberdeen Beach
Head to Aberdeen Beach and Queen's Links for golden sand stretching from the harbour mouth to the River Don. As you take in the view, feast on a seaside snack from one of the food trucks along the Beach Boulevard. For something more special, The Silver Darling sits right at the harbour entrance with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach and Fittie below, featuring a menu built around the finest Scottish seafood and Aberdeen Angus.
At the southern end of the beach, tucked in beside the harbour, is Footdee, known locally as Fittie. This former fishing village, with its inward-facing squares of distinctive 19th-century cottages, is one of Aberdeen's most charming and photogenic corners. Please be respectful of locals, leaving the area as you found it.
Old Aberdeen
A bus from the city centre or a hop on the Aberdeen Adventurer takes you to Old Aberdeen, a remarkably intact medieval burgh of cobbled streets, gothic architecture, and river parks. Visit St Machar's Cathedral with its extraordinary heraldic ceiling and discover the University of Aberdeen's historic King's College Chapel and Cruickshank Botanic Garden.
From Seaton Park, paths lead north to the Brig o' Balgownie, a narrow stone bridge from the 13th or 14th century and the oldest Gothic bridge in Scotland.
Eat and drink
Aberdeen has a vibrant food scene that is bursting at the seams with delicious dishes waiting for you to explore.
From quaint cafes and modern eateries to traditional Scottish grub and worldwide inspired cuisines, a world of flavour awaits you in the Granite City.
5. Dyce
Dyce is the city's northernmost station and, thanks to its proximity to P&J Live, as well as some excellent outdoor routes through the Don Valley.
Explore
The River Don Corridor offers peaceful riverside walking paths that follow the Don through natural habitat on the fringes of the city.
The Formartine and Buchan Way starts in Dyce and runs North through the Aberdeenshire countryside to Fraserburgh and Peterhead on a former railway line. It's a well-surfaced, traffic-free route popular with walkers and cyclists alike. If you've brought your bike on the train, this is the perfect way to continue your rail trail adventure on two wheels.
P&J Live is Scotland's largest event complex, a 15,000-capacity arena that has hosted major names from Michael Bublé and Lewis Capaldi to Liam Gallagher. If there's a show on, Dyce station is the nearest rail connection, it's well worth checking the upcoming shows before you plan your trip and make a night of it.
Eat and drink
Just next door to the arena, the Hilton Aberdeen TECA offers full hotel dining in a contemporary setting, while the Aloft Aberdeen TECA brings a more vibrant, design-led atmosphere. Both are ideal if you're combining a show at the arena with a night's stay.
Café Twenty One greets you right as you step off the train for a lovely cup of coffee and a fine piece or a warming lunch optio
6. Kintore
Kintore is a small but historically significant town in the Garioch, and the station makes a great base for Pictish heritage and some excellent local craft.
Explore
The Kintore Pictish Stone is a fascinating carved Class I symbol stone discovered in Kintore churchyard. Its origins may be linked to the motte at nearby Castle Hill, and it provides a direct, tangible connection to the ancient peoples of the North-east.
7. Inverurie
Inverurie is the market town capital of the Garioch, a thriving community with an excellent high street, some of the region's best Pictish heritage sites, and whisky that punches well above its weight.
Explore
Begin at the Garioch Heritage Centre, a four-star attraction housed in a beautifully converted former locomotive works building. The permanent exhibition covers North-east history from the early 20th century to the present day.
Inverurie's Pictish heritage is some of the most significant in Scotland, the area around the town has a remarkable concentration of carved Pictish symbol stones. Ask at the Heritage Centre for the latest visitor information on nearby sites or pick up a walking map of the town.
The Inverurie Whisky Shop stocks over 500 whiskies and 200 other specialist spirits, with a premium tasting room upstairs for private experiences. A short taxi ride from town, Glen Garioch Distillery in nearby Oldmeldrum is one of the oldest operating distilleries in Scotland, making its rare Highland malt since 1797.
Eat & drink
Inverurie has an excellent food and drink scene, with everything from relaxed cafés to award-winning restaurants. Fennel is consistently rated among the best in the Garioch, serving French and European-inspired dishes in a welcoming town centre setting. For something more informal, The Drouthy Laird is a lively, family-run pub known for its live music, great cocktails and hearty food.
If you're looking for a sweet treat, Bicocchis is a local favourite with a loyal following for its handmade ice cream. Whisky enthusiasts should also make time for The Foghouse, next to the Inverurie Whisky Shop, where you can enjoy nibbles and drinks before or after a whisky tasting.
8. Insch
Insch is a quiet village nestled beneath the hills of Bennachie, with a remarkable amount of ancient history waiting within easy reach.
Explore
Insch's own Pictish stones are among the most atmospheric in the region, and the village sits on a landscape rich with prehistoric monuments. A short taxi ride or 30-minute walk from the station, Dunnideer Castle is a striking hilltop ruin from around 1260, possibly the earliest tower-house on the Scottish mainland.
9. Huntly
Huntly is the last stop on the trail and one of its most rewarding. A historic market town with a powerful medieval castle, a celebrated shortbread factory, a legendary ice cream parlour, and an open approach to public art that makes the town centre itself feel like a gallery.
Explore
Huntly Castle is the seat of the Gordon family and one of the most impressive heraldic ruins in Scotland - carved stone friezes and inscribed facades speak to the power of the Earls of Huntly in medieval and Renaissance Scotland. It sits right in the town, a short walk from the station.
Huntly has also developed a lively public arts programme, with around 80 works displayed in shops, businesses, and public spaces across the town. It's one of the most distinctive arts trails in Scotland and a great reason to explore on foot.
The Huntly Travel Hub - conveniently positioned in the town - can help with onward travel, bike hire, and local information.
Eat and drink
Rizza's of Huntly has been making award-winning ice cream for over 100 years - a family recipe brought from Italy and still made to perfection in the heart of Huntly. A pilgrimage stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Dean's are the home of Helen Dean's celebrated shortbread and a much-loved destination. The bright bistro is open for breakfast through to afternoon tea, serving home bakes, light lunches, and seasonal specials, all using the best Scottish ingredients. The gift shop is stocked with their full range of biscuits, shortbread, and cheese bites.
For a more relaxed evening meal, No.30 is a well-regarded local restaurant in the town centre, and The Larder is worth a mention for seasonal, local produce and insanely delicious sweet treats.
Planning your trip
ScotRail operates regular services along this route, connecting Edinburgh and Glasgow to the North-east.
Bikes are welcome on ScotRail trains, a great option if you plan to cycle between stops or pick up a route like the Formartine & Buchan Way at Dyce.
Most stops on the trail are walkable from the station or well-served by local buses. Taxis are available at the larger stations and are a practical option for reaching countryside attractions from smaller stops like Laurencekirk and Insch.
For more on getting around Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire by public transport, see our Getting Around guide. For accessibility information, visit our Accessibility page.
Subscribe for insider tips
Sign up for travel inspiration, upcoming events, and insider tips from the region’s official tourism organisation.
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I visit in Aberdeenshire by train?
Stonehaven, Portlethen, Inverurie, Insch, and Huntly are all on the ScotRail line and within easy reach of castles, distilleries, and coastal walks. Aberdeen and Dyce connect you to the city centre and Aberdeenshire's main event venue, P&J Live.
- Heading north from Aberdeen, the line stops at Dyce, Kintore, Inverurie, Insch, and Huntly before continuing on towards Inverness.
What towns does the Aberdeen to Inverness train stop at?before continuing on towards Inverness.
- Can I take my bike on the train in Scotland?
Yes, ScotRail allows bikes on board, making it easy to combine train travel with cycling routes like the Formartine & Buchan Way from Dyce.
- Is Aberdeenshire accessible by public transport?
Yes. ScotRail trains have step-free access and priority spaces, and many Aberdeenshire attractions are accessible. See our Accessibility guide for details.