📷 Photo by John Roberts on UnsplashRoyal Deeside and the Cairngorms
Perth, the Highland village of Braemar, Aberdeen and the cliff castle of Dunnottar.
- Distance
- 280 km (174 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 52 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- United Kingdom
- Updated
- May 18, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 280 km (174 mi) with 6 stops, from Edinburgh to Dunnottar Castle. About 3 h 52 min of driving in total.
More road trips in United Kingdom · More road trips from Edinburgh
Route description
Leave Edinburgh northwards over the Queensferry Crossing and follow the M90 to Perth on the River Tay. Just outside the town, Scone Palace was the crowning place of Scottish kings.
The A93 heads north via Blairgowrie into Glenshee and climbs to the Cairnwell Pass, the highest main road in Britain, before dropping to Braemar. Braemar is a Highland village in the Cairngorms National Park, best known for its Highland Gathering in early September.
Follow the River Dee east on the A93 past Balmoral Castle and Ballater through Royal Deeside, a valley of pine woods and grand estates, to Aberdeen, the granite city on the North Sea. From there the A90 runs south to the harbour town of Stonehaven.
Dunnottar Castle stands on a rock almost cut off from the mainland, reached by a steep path and many steps. The Glenshee road can be closed by snow in winter, and deer often cross the Highland roads at dusk.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Edinburgh
United Kingdom - 264 km
Perth
United Kingdom - 385 km
Braemar
United Kingdom - 4100 km
Aberdeen
United Kingdom - 527 km
Stonehaven
United Kingdom - 63 km
Dunnottar Castle
HistoryStonehaven, United KingdomClifftop ruins on a rock almost cut off from the mainland, where the Scottish crown jewels were once hidden.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Edinburgh → Perth · 64 km · 0 h 53 minOvernight nearby, for example: Scone Camping and Caravanning Club Site (4 km); Pillars of Hercules (19 km).
- Day 2: Perth → Braemar · 85 km · 1 h 10 minOvernight nearby, for example: Braemar Caravan Park (< 1 km).
- Day 3: Braemar → Dunnottar Castle · 130 km · 1 h 48 minOn the way: Aberdeen, Stonehaven.Overnight nearby, for example: Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park Caravan Club Site (3 km); Wairds Park Campsite (18 km).
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms?
3-day road trip of about 280 km (174 mi) with 6 stops, from Edinburgh to Dunnottar Castle. About 3 h 52 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms?
We suggest 3 days: about 3 h 52 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms start and end?
It starts in Edinburgh and ends in Dunnottar Castle.
Which countries does Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms pass through?
United Kingdom.
Where can you camp along Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms?
OpenStreetMap lists 47 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Mortonhall Caravan and Camping Park, Scone Camping and Caravanning Club Site and Pillars of Hercules.
When is the best time for Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
