Walking
From a stroll round the Old Town and the cliff walk from the Lodges down to Cowie, to a more strenuous climb past the War Memorial and onto Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven itself has plenty of short trips. Those in search of greater challenges can walk along the coast in either direction or head inland to scale Mither Tap in the Bennachie range near Inverurie.
Cycling
This is prime cycling country, with access to stunning scenery. Both road and mountain biking are catered for with family friendly trails through to challenging single track routes. Local forests such as Fetteresso, Durris, Drumtochty and Scolty have an abundance of fire roads and single tracks, while the Cairn O’Mount offers open hill trails and a challenging road route. Aberdeenshire Council website has a page dedicated to local cycle routes such as Stonehaven to Inverbervie or Cairn Mon Earn with handy maps. There is also a Cycle Sportive held as part of the Midsummer Beer Happening in June.
Fishing
Some the best fishing in Scotland is available within a short drive from Dalriada. Stonehaven is located between the mouths of the River Cowie and River Carron, both being summer/autumn spate streams with runs of migratory fish - mainly seatrout with some grilse and salmon. These start to gather in Stonehaven Bay from around June onwards, when some fine sport can be enjoyed by fly fishing or spinning from the foreshore by contacting the Stonehaven and District Angling Association. Logie Trout Fishery is a few miles away, and the famous salmon rivers Dee and Don are within half an hour’s drive.
Hunting & Shooting
Scotland boasts a wide variety of hunting and shooting opportunities including deer stalking, game bird and grouse shooting in season. There are ample opportunities to brush up on your skills and have some fun with a variety of clay shooting ranges in the area. Every Dalriada Lodge includes a lockable BS7558 steel gun locker to keep your equipment safe and secure.