Stonehaven - A day by the sea

If you asked me what I planned to do on the reading week we had a week ago, I would have given a long elaborate list of the short trips that I've decided to embark on. Well, that clearly didn't go quite as planned as 90% of my reading week was spent locked up in my room, wrapping my head around the development of juvenile skeleton and then releasing my frustrations in the gym. SO. MUCH. FUN. HOW EXCITING?! -____-

BUT you know what they say, THE ONLY TRIP YOU WILL REGRET IS THE ONE YOU DON'T TAKE. Coincidentally, Sri and I had the same place in mind; Stonehaven. It was the ideal destination for a day trip, some dose of the sea, a visit to the beautiful Dunnottar castle and as a little getaway from the uni workload. Sri invited a few more girls to join in; Namrata, Gunjit and Sarah (the more the merrier!). It was an hour of train ride to Stonehaven from Dundee. TOP TIP: Apply for a railcard so you can get rail tickets for a reduced price. My return ticket only cost £9.90 whereas the actual ticket cost £15.

Upon arrival, with the help of our trusty sidekick, GoogleMaps, we made our way to the harbor while soaking in the beautiful sights around us. We were blessed with a perfect sunny day for the trip! (still super chilly though). The closer we got to the town and the harbor, the more windy it became. It was a fun 20 min walk with dem amazing babes...there was nothing but laughter all the way.

Just keep walking..just keep walking. (from left) Gunjit, Sri, Namrata & Sarah :)

Spot the duck!

We took a short 'picture' break at the harbor before we continued walking for the next 2 1/4 miles up the hill to see one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland! You can actually take a taxi to the top of the hill but where's the fun in that am I right?

Stonehaven Harbor

Look at these cuties! Namrata was basically my designated photographer and I was hers (lol). What's a friend if they don't help take insta worthy shots for you right? :P

If we got a pound for every time we stopped to take a picture throughout the walk up to the castle, we would definitely be millionaires! I guess we are all suckers for dramatic, picturesque seaside landscapes. I mean who wouldn't be?!

Now you see what I'm talking about? looks like it's straight out something I would usually see on a Tumblr page.

We stopped by the Stonehaven War Memorial during our walk to the castle. It was built in memory for First World War’s victims.

About 35 minutes later, we reached the ever so famous Dunnottar castle.

FUN FACT: Castle DunBroch in the Disney film 'Brave' was inspired by this stunner.

Sadly there was a £7 entrance fee to explore the castle and after much contemplation, all of us caved into buying an admission ticket. We didn't walk this far for nothing. The castle grounds was pretty huge with loads of passage ways and entrances that I actually ended up getting lost at times.

When a castle ruin looks more photogenic than I will ever be (LOL).

Not to forget all the amazing views of the sea from the castle..excellent insta worthy shots i must say *wink*

There is no such thing as taking too many pictures :P

After much wandering, exploring and picture-taking around the castle (more in my vlog below), we were famished! We scratched the idea of walking back to the harbor and called for a taxi instead (plus, we already got to enjoy all the view on our way up!). Besides, the blustery winds weren't helping either.

AND GUESS WHAT WE DECIDED TO EAT?

FISH N' CHIPS!!

Those of you who have read my previous blogs or watched my vids would probably realize that EVERYTIME I go on a short trip around Scotland, I ALWAYS end up having FIsh N' Chips. Idk why, I just end up craving for em lol. We got delicious Fish N' Chips and chicken tenders from The Bay. Random fact: I never liked Fish N Chips back home and I'm loving how they taste here!

P.s. The fish n chips from Castle Rock at Edinburgh still holds the first place on my list.

Naturally we HAD to have dessert and by dessert I mean good ol' ICE CREAM from Aunty Bettys. Let me just say that it was frigging 5 degree celcius, we were shaking but yes, ice cream was still on the list. We needed to treat ourselves after all those walking.

Both The Bay and Aunty Bettys are located just along the beach near the Stonehaven open air pool.

Sweet delicious goodness...

Drooling yet?

We all had a splendid time indulging in way too much delicious food & treats and laughing + moaning of tiredness as we walked back to the train station to catch our train back to Dundee. Had an excellent time with great company! Looking forward to upcoming trips with these babes :)