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Finishing at Stonehaven or Dunnottar Castle

Stonehaven/Dunnottar Finishers

A few points that may be helpful.

The cliff top path between the Castle and Bervie Braes, above the harbour, has officially been closed since December. A couple of spots, where the storms caused landslips, are fairly easily passable and obvious new paths are forming. The closures at either end can be passed with little difficulty but the official line is to take the road, still closed to through traffic since remedial works to the Braes. Photographs available if you care to contact me direct.

The Queen Elizabeth caravan park/camp site is undergoing major reconstruction and will be closed until well after the finish of this years Challenge. Due to reopen in July.

Finally some good news. The new Stonehaven brewery, 'Six Degrees North', has started producing some excellent ales and thirsty Challengers could do far worse than to partake of a sip or two at the Marine Hotel on the Shorehead. Don't forget to drink responsibly.

Re: Finishing at Stonehaven or Dunnottar Castle

I think the camp site has been taken over by the Caravan Club; it would be good to know if they will take tents when it reopens.
For anyone finishing at Stonehaven I would recommend they make for the old harbour, which is very attractive with an old world fishing village feel, rather than the more modern main sea front.

Re: Finishing at Stonehaven or Dunnottar Castle

Thanks, Rod and Mr G

Pity about the campsite.
Is there anywhere to wildcamp within easy reach of the Marine Hotel?

That Marine Hotel (thinks.... umm... real beer)looks right up my street! I thought of staying there, but, it's a bit pricey!

Are there cheap B & Bs nearby? All that advertise on the net seem to be pricey, too.

I could catch the train down to Montrose on the Wednesday, but that Marine Hotel (thinks.... umm... real beer - oops, now I'm repeating myself) looks sooo tempting.

Re: Finishing at Stonehaven or Dunnottar Castle

All this talk of real beer... reminds me of how I set about my first stab at plotting a route. I got my Good Beer and Good Pub guides out, plotted them on the map software and set about drawing a line between them

Unfortunately, there was a big gap in the middle and the wiggliness of the line (before I'd even had a pint) was adding miles and miles on. But it would have been a **** fine crossing!

Re: Finishing at Stonehaven or Dunnottar Castle

Gordon.
Just get there in time to get the bus to or train to Montrose and join the party at the Montrose Camp site

Re: Finishing at Stonehaven or Dunnottar Castle

Andrew,

The call of the Marine is loud, especially after having nothing to eat or drink for two weeks and wandering into Stone haven half crazed with hunger.

But I may just catch the train, after all :-)

Re: Finishing at Stonehaven or Dunnottar Castle

Gary,

Can you imagine the trough of despair that has overwhelmed me.

I will be at Feughside where there was a nice little pub.

But, it's gone................. and I'm heartbroken.

I'll have to ferry in supplies (100 mls of a fine malt)

It's a lot of weight - but, I'll endure it.

Re: Finishing at Stonehaven or Dunnottar Castle

Definitely recommend Marine Hotel for beer and atmosphere. Dunnottar Ale, another local brew, is also recommended - I didn't see the new local beer there on my last visit. Food in the bar is pretty good.

If you want fish and chips, head for The Bay at the far end of the boardwalk. Takeaway of the year 2013. Don't be tempted by the Carron, (reputedly) the inventors of the famous fried Mars bar (unless of course you are tempted by such a delicacy).