Crawton Waterfall

The walk to Crawton Waterfall is deceptively short but rewards you with a proper cascade that cuts through moorland just inland from Stonehaven. You're looking at a decent drop of water tumbling over dark rock - the kind of thing that feels wilder than you'd expect when you're this close to the coast. The approach takes you through rough scrubland and past farm gates, so wear boots. It's not marked with fancy signs, which means you won't fight crowds, but it does mean you need to know roughly where you're heading.

This works best for walkers who like a bit of adventure rather than a tamed tourist trail. Kids will find it exciting if they're old enough to manage uneven ground without constant hand-holding. Families after an easy stroll might find the rough approach more bother than it's worth. The whole outing takes an hour or so, depending on how long you linger looking at the water.

Coming here makes sense if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Cloak Caravan Park and Upper Crawton Park are practically on the doorstep, which gives you an easy morning or afternoon activity without driving far. Stonehaven Queen Elizabeth Park is further out but still manageable. The waterfall isn't a standalone reason to book a holiday, but it's a solid addition to a broader explore of the Aberdeenshire coast and moorland. Go when it's been raining - the waterfall's infinitely more impressive with proper water flow.