Page Text: Kim Pierce
The Ultimate Guide to the North East 250
If you know us at Highland Overland, you will have heard us rave about the North Coast 500, however have you heard about it’s little “sister” route, the North East 250?
Stilll within easy reach of our base in Inverness, if you’ve already enjoyed a roadtrip around the North Coast 500 and looking for a new route or are more limited on time then this is the route for you.
Although shorter, the North East 250 still has everything that Scotland is famous for from whisky distilleries, the historic and magnificent castles and the beautiful hikes amongst the mountains of the Cairngorms National Park.
Here’s everything you need to know to get you planning your North East 250 adventure.
Road through Cairngorms National Park – Image by Milda Vigerova via Unsplash
What is the North East 250 route?
Similar to its big brother, the North Coast 500, the North East 250 (or NE250) is a self-drive road trip loop that runs along 250 miles of stunningly scenic Scottish roads.
Launched in 2017, the driving route was created to help tourists explore this beautiful area of Scotland which takes you through Speyside, Royal Deeside, Aberdeen, Moray Firth and the adventure paradise of the Cairngorms National Park.
Officially there are 3 main starting points including Aberdeen Airport, Ballindalloch and Glenshee. However, we have our very own Highland Overland North East 250 itinerary so you can pick up one of our trucks in Inverness and enjoy your adventure in our perfectly kitted out 4×4 trucks.
How long does it take to drive the North East 250?
The North East 250 can be done over 3 days, however we always like to recommend taking your time and taking in all the stunning scenery the route has to offer. There’s enough things to see and do to easily keep you busy for 5-7 days and with some great whiskey distilleries to enjoy along the way you won’t want to be spending every day behind the wheel so we recommend spending a couple of nights at the same spot so you can kick back and relax.
Where does the NE250 start?
As the North East 250 is a circular route you have your pick of the places to start your adventure on. The main starting points are Aberdeen Airport, Ballindalloch and Glenshee.
If you’re picking up your Highland Overland truck in Inverness and driving down then we recommend starting in Aviemore or Fochabers.
Hill of Allargue viewpoint at Corgarff is the location of the Watchers installation by John Kennedy at Corgarff – Image via VisitScotland
What is there to do along the North East 250?
Visit a Whiskey Distillery – No trip to Scotland is complete without a tour and tasting of a whiskey distillery (if you’re not with the kids..). One of the most famous distilleries along the route is The Glenlivet Distillery near Ballindalloch in Moray, founded in 1824. Also within The Glenlivet estate is the Tomintoul Distillery built in 1964 with its award winning single malt “the gentle dram”.
Others worth a stop are Strathisla Distillery , Royal Lochnagar Distillery and Ballindalloch Single Malt Distillery .
Explore the history and heritage – There’s not many castles which are still home to queens, however the Balmoral Estate is still regularly used by the British royal family. Open to the public between the 1st April until the 2nd August in 2022, visitors can explore the grounds and gardens as well as enjoy the exhibitions and restaurant. Also on offer are guided walks, a nine hole golf course and salmon fishing for the keen angler.
Other Scottish heritage sites worth a visit are Ballindalloch Castle , Elgin Cathedral and Braemar Castle .
Golf – There are over 30 different golf courses to choose from varying in price from £30 to some over £100 per round. Choose from golfing royalty at Balmoral castle (closed in August when the royal family are in residence), enjoy playing alongside the River Dee at Banchory Golf Club or enjoy playing a course created by one of Scotlands finest golfers, The Paul Lawrie Golf Centre to name just a few.
Lose yourself in the wildlife and nature of the Cairngorms National Park – You can’t drive the North East 250 without a visit to the stunningly beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Take in the beautiful landscapes and enjoy a range of outdoor activities while wildlife watching some of Britain’s most threatened species.
Golfing along the North East 250 – Image via VisitScotland
What’s the best spots for food and drink?
Brewdog Dogtap Ellon, Balmacassie Industrial Estate, Ellon
Attached to the Brewdog brewery in Ellon, Aberdeenshire is the craft beer lovers paradise in the Dogtap Ellon. They have two bars with 60 pouring taps as well as a beer school & library, beer museum and a children’s play park so you can sit back and relax.
Food choices include an array of salads, burgers, pizzas and wings with a great selection of Vegan options for all.
Top tip: Don’t walk away without trying their Deep Fried Oreo’s with chocolate sauce!
The Carriage Cafe, Ballater
The Old Royal Station in Ballater has been beautifully transformed into a little bistro, cafe and tea room. Delicious food and an impressive wine list, what more could you want!
Top Tip: Stop off in the afternoon to enjoy a delightful after tea which includes sponge cakes, finger sandwiches and scones.
The Banff Springs Hotel, Banff
Overlooking the sands of Moray Firth and close to the Speyside Whisky Trail is the beautiful Banff Springs Hotel restaurant and brasserie serving traditional Scottish cuisine using the locally sourced ingredients. Try the hotels Sparkling or Cocktail Afternoon Tea or book yourself in for fine dining at the restaurant with options such as Roast Pigeon Breast, Local Smoked Sea Trout Fishcakes and Chicken & Chorizo Ballotine with pistachio and manchego mash. Delicious!
Portsoy Ice Cream, Banff
A family run Artisan Ice Cream shop located in the picturesque harbour village of Portsoy in Aberdeenshire on the Moray Firth using local ingredients where possible. Choose your flavour from options choices such as Salted Caramel, Pistachio and Strawberry Cheesecake and complete it with a your choice of a wide range of luxury toppings and hot sauces for the ultimate indulgence.
Vegan, dairy free and gluten free options are also available.
Glenglassaugh Distillery
Located at the east end of Sanded Bay this distillery was founded in 1875 and uses the highest quality Scottish barley and traditional distilling methods.
Top Tip: Call ahead to check opening times as the visitor centre does close in the off season.
Coffee at the Kings, Cullen
A mobile coffee business based out of an original vintage Airstream caravan which can usually be found pitched up at Cullen beach Moray. Serving up a variety of local premium barista coffee from the Inverness Coffee Roasting Co. Options include luxury hot chocolate and a selection of tasty tray bakes.
Image by Carlos Linder via Unsplash
What are the best castles along the North East 250?