Laurencekirk

Rolling farmland stretches in every direction from this quiet market town on the A90, where granite cottages line streets that barely see traffic outside school hours. Laurencekirk sits in the heart of the Mearns, that fertile slice of Aberdeenshire that feels more lowland than highland despite being well north of the central belt.

Strathfinella Hill dominates the western skyline - a proper climb that rewards with views across to the Cairngorms on clear days. The surrounding countryside is dotted with small forests like Hunter's Hill and Droich Wood, perfect for afternoon walks when the weather's decent. Burnside Brewery keeps the local tradition alive, though you'll need to check their opening times.

This is Robert Burns country too. The bard's father was born nearby, and you can still trace connections through the quiet villages that dot the landscape. Marykirk Parish War Memorial and the various other memorials scattered about speak to communities that sent too many sons to distant wars.

The train station puts you on the main Aberdeen to Edinburgh line - handy for day trips north to the granite city or south to Dundee. Most folk use Laurencekirk as a jumping-off point rather than a destination, which keeps things pleasantly unhurried.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense if you want to explore the area properly. The Mearns rewards slow discovery rather than rushed sightseeing. From here you can reach Stonehaven's harbour in twenty minutes, or head inland to walk the Cairngorms foothills without fighting tourist crowds.