Discover the North East 250 with NorthLink Ferries

When sailing with NorthLink Ferries from Shetland or Orkney to Aberdeen, the journey doesn’t have to end here – it could be the beginning of another incredible adventure.

For many people, the North East 250 route starts in Aberdeen where NorthLink’s MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey conveniently dock after sailing southbound from Shetland and Orkney.

The North East 250 is one of Scotland’s most scenic road trips, showcasing everything for which Scotland is famous for. And the best part? The route is easily accessible the moment you step or drive off the ferry in Aberdeen.

Whether you are an islander seeking a change of scenery or a visitor to Orkney or Shetland looking to extend your holiday, the North East 250 is an excellent way to explore more of Scotland’s historic and scenic treasures.

What is the North East 250?

The North East 250 (NE250) is a 250-mile circular route covering North East Scotland and connecting some of the region’s iconic landscapes and landmarks. This road trip can take three or more days to complete depending on how many stops you wish to make.

For many people, the route starts in Aberdeen where, conveniently, the MV Hjaltland and MV Hrossey dock after sailing southbound from Shetland and Orkney.

From here, you can join the route in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, winding through Speyside’s renowned whisky trail, climbing over the heathered hills of the Cairngorms, passing famous castles in the Royal Deeside and tracing along the Aberdeenshire and Moray Firth coastlines.

Highlights to see along the North East 250

Although it is one circular route, the NE250 can be imagined as having six distinct sections of the journey – each offering a unique mix of landscapes, experiences and attractions.

The following highlights showcase just some of the must-see stops across each section of the route.

Aberdeen City

Scotland’s third largest city and the most common starting point of the North East 250, Aberdeen is the perfect place to begin your exploration.

Before heading off on your NE250 adventure, take time to explore the city’s coastal charm. Stroll along its mile-long golden beach lined with independent cafes and food stalls, visit the quirky historic fishing village of Footdee, and watch dolphins playing in the harbour mouth.

As you explore Aberdeen, you’ll notice its distinctive architecture built from locally quarried grey granite – Marischal College on Broad Street is particularly impressive! With vibrant restaurants, bars, theatres and performance venues scattered throughout the city, there’s plenty to experience. Be sure to stop by the Aberdeen Art Gallery or the Aberdeen Maritime Museum – both of which are free to enter!

The East Coast – From Aberdeen to Fraserburgh

Running alongside the North Sea, the East Coast is dotted with lighthouses, picturesque fishing towns and stunning coastal scenery. Just a fifteen-minute drive north of Aberdeen, you’ll find Newburgh Seals Beach – a lovely beach home to a colony of over 400 seals that bask along the shore and swim playfully in the bay.

A little further along the coast just beyond Cruden Bay, a coastal path leads to the atmospheric ruins of New Slains Castle dramatically perched on the cliff edge. From here, enjoy a scenic walk along the Buchan coastal footpath to the Bullers of Buchan – a collapsed sea cave framed by spectacular cliffs home to colonies of seabirds and unforgettable views.

There are also some fascinating museums worth visiting along this coastline. At the Peterhead Prison Museum, gripping first-hand accounts bring to life the story of the Scotland’s toughest jail. And in Fraserburgh, the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses sits proudly next to Kinnaird Head Lighthouse – the first lighthouse built on the Scottish mainland, uniquely integrated into a 16th-century castle.

The Moray Firth Coast – From Fraserburgh to Speyside

Winding west from Fraserburgh, the Moray Firth is a fine stretch of coast scattered with small scenic fishing villages that feel untouched by time.

Highlights worth visiting include the picturesque villages of Pennan, Crovie and Gardenstown (known locally as Gamrie) that cling between cliffs and the sea. Pennan in particular draws visitors to its famous red telephone box – made iconic by the Scottish 1980s film, Local Hero.

Further along, you’ll find Banff with sweeping sea views, Portsoy with its delicious locally-made ice cream, and Cullen – the birthplace of the Scottish classic, Cullen Skink. Near Portknockie, don’t miss Bow Fiddle Rock, a dramatic arch-shaped sea formation rising 15 metres tall. It’s especially striking at sunrise or sunset and is a favourite spot for photographers.

Before reaching Speyside, stop at Spey Bay to explore the Scottish Dolphin Centre, where sightings of bottlenose dolphins are common along the shoreline.

Speyside – From Speyside to Glenlivet

Speyside is Scotland’s whisky heartland with over half of Scotland’s distilleries being found here and producing some of the most popular whisky in the world!

Fueled by the pure waters of the River Spey, visitors can follow the Malt Whisky Trail and visit renowned distilleries like Aberlour, Glenfiddich and Glenlivet – or why not stop by the Speyside Cooperage where over 100,000 casks are produced every year?

Other highlights to see in this area include castles like Ballindalloch or Balvenie. Then there are the natural attractions like the Linn Falls waterfall near Aberlour, which is also home to a historic bridge and Scotland’s famous Walker’s Shortbread!

The Cairngorms – From Glenlivet to Braemar

The Cairngorms is Britain’s largest national park and is home to some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery. With over 50 munros (mountains over 3,000-feet), the road winds through wild, dramatic landscapes that are perfect for adventurers.

No matter the season, the Cairngorms offer something for everyone. Cyclists and walkers flock year-round to enjoy loch-side strolls, woodland trails and more challenging mountain hikes. In winter, the region’s high altitude brings reliable snow to the peaks, drawing skiers and snowboarders to the Lecht 2090 Ski Centre.

There is plenty more to explore as you travel through the park, including historic sites like Blairfindy or Corgarff Castle. And be sure to drive along the scenic Snow Roads route – a breathtaking 90-mile drive through pine forests and high mountain passes.

The Royal Deeside – From Braemar to Aberdeen

The final stretch of the North East 250 winds through the heart of the Royal Deeside – an area famous for being home to several fine castles. The most well-known of these is Balmoral Castle, the summer residence of the Royal Family, but others including Braemar, Crathes and Drum Castle are also well worth exploring!

Head to the Muir of Dinnet Nature Reserve for a peaceful walk around Loch Kinord or step inside the Burn O’Vat – a dramatic sunken cavern carved by a glacial melt over 14,000 years ago. You could also hop on your bike or lace up your boots and follow along the Deeside Way, a 41-mile trail tracing an old railway line between Ballater and Aberdeen.

Before heading back to Aberdeen, we recommend stopping off in Banchory – the largest town in the Deeside. Here you’ll find independent shops, cafes to enjoy and various places to eat. Climb the short but steep Scolty Hill for rewarding panoramic views or have a swing at one of its two golf courses – Banchory and Inchmarlo.

How to join the route from Orkney and Shetland?

The adventure for islanders begins as you set sail with NorthLink Ferries. Daily sailings depart from Lerwick in Shetland heading southbound to Aberdeen with regular calls into Orkney.

On board, you will be able to enjoy many comforts before arriving in Aberdeen feeling refreshed and ready to embark on your North East 250 road trip. Passengers can also book to bring their vehicles onboard with them, making it simple to head off on the open road upon arrival into Aberdeen.

For more information and details about the North East 250, please visit www.northeast250.com

By Amy Leith
Born and raised in Aberdeen with an admiration for Orkney and Shetland, loves to travel and visit new places, enjoys cooking, always listening to music, spends a little too much time on TikTok.

Pin it!