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Howe of the Mearns

Howe of the Mearns

Steeped in history and surrounded by rolling farmland, the Howe of the Mearns is a captivating area where tradition and natural beauty intertwine.

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Howe of the Mearns

The Howe of the Mearns is a richly layered landscape where rolling farmland, historic estates and characterful towns come together to tell the story of rural Aberdeenshire at its most authentic. This is a place where heritage and everyday life sit side by side, shaped by centuries of farming, literature and local tradition.

Towns & Villages

Laurencekirk
A lively market town with independent shops, local services and a strong sense of community. It’s an ideal base for exploring the surrounding Howe of the Mearns countryside.

Fettercairn
A picturesque village with historic character, home to one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. The striking Royal Arch, built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s visit, marks the village’s grand past.

Arbuthnott
A peaceful rural village best known as the birthplace of writer Lewis Grassic Gibbon. His novels were inspired by the surrounding Mearns landscape, which can still be experienced today in the sweeping farmland and open skies.

Fettercairn and the Howe of the Mearns 182 DS 8 4

Heritage & History

The Howe of the Mearns is rich in stories that span literature, aristocracy and royal connections.

Fettercairn’s Royal Arch stands as a dramatic reminder of Queen Victoria’s visit, while nearby Fasque House reflects the grandeur of Scotland’s country estates and its aristocratic heritage.

In Arbuthnott, the landscape itself becomes part of the story, shaping the work of Lewis Grassic Gibbon and offering a glimpse into the rural Scotland he so vividly captured in his writing.

Not far away, Drumtochty Glen adds a sense of quiet mystery, with woodland trails leading towards the remains of its hidden castle.

Food and Drink

The Howe of the Mearns offers standout food and drink experiences rooted in local produce, craftsmanship and a strong sense of place.

Burnside Brewery

Situated between the Cairngorm Mountains and the North Sea, Burnside Brewery is an independent craft brewery producing refreshing beers inspired by local ingredients. Visitors can join guided tours or take part in the immersive ‘Be the Brewer’ experience, a full-day hands-on activity that includes brewing your own beer, tastings, a brewery lunch and a case of your finished creation to take home.

Fettercairn Distillery

One of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, Fettercairn Distillery sits at the gateway to the Cairngorms and continues a long tradition of whisky-making in the village. Known for its distinctive production methods and rich heritage, it offers visitors the chance to discover the story of Fettercairn whisky in its historic Highland setting, where craftsmanship and place are closely intertwined.

Castleton Farm Shop & Café, Fourdon

A welcoming rural stop known for homemade food and locally sourced ingredients. From breakfasts and lunches to afternoon teas and fresh baking, everything is prepared on site, with seasonal fruit from the farm and Scottish flour used throughout. The farm shop showcases a wide range of local produce, while the real fruit ice cream is a signature favourite.

Families are well catered for, with a tractor-themed playpark, relaxed outdoor seating and a covered dining area. It’s a laid-back stop that reflects the best of the surrounding countryside.

Outdoors and Landscapes

Beyond its villages and heritage sites, the Howe of the Mearns is defined by open countryside, wildlife experiences and gentle outdoor adventures.

Drumtochty Glen offers peaceful woodland walks, with trails leading through mature forest and towards its hidden castle, creating a quiet escape into nature.

In nearby Auchenblae, Drumtochty Sporting provides a more hands-on countryside experience. Visitors can try clay target shooting and small bore rifle shooting, with no prior experience required as full instruction and equipment are provided. The experience also includes guided tours of the estate, where guests can view the resident red deer herd and meet Jock the pet stag, adding a distinctive wildlife encounter to the visit.

From woodland trails to estate-based activities, the area offers a varied mix of relaxed exploration and active rural experiences set against the backdrop of the Mearns landscape.

News From Howe of the Mearns

Discover the unique places of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and the experiences they offer. Every place has its own story, atmosphere and charm, discover what makes each one special.