Stonehaven - Parks & Harbour

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Treasure Hunt around Stonehaven Parks & Harbour, with Explorers following the scribbled documents of Captain Robert Barclay Allardice, the 'Celebrated Pedestrian', to track down where he buried his hidden winnings.

The quest covers 3.7 miles and should take around 3 hours to complete. You'll start in Queen Elizabeth Park at the north end of the town, explore parks, town streets and harbour-side sections, investigate Old Pier, the beach boardwalk, High Street and Market Square, then work towards the final clue in the Memorial Gardens.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route has many steps and steep hills, so it is not suitable for explorers on wheels. It also includes a country lane section, road crossings, footbridges, a railway platform and a pedestrian tunnel.

Take care when crossing roads in Stonehaven, using crossings where available. There are also country lanes to navigate, and the route goes along the railway line and across footbridges and a pedestrian tunnel.

After the final clue in the Memorial Gardens, leave the gardens, cross over the bridge, continue along the road, cross to the right hand side when safe, and Beach Road and the car park are the next right turn.

Getting There

By car: Start your treasure hunt at the car park in Queen Elizabeth Park next to the leisure centre at the north end of the town (AB39 2RD).

By public transport: Make your way to the car park in Queen Elizabeth Park next to the leisure centre at the north end of Stonehaven to begin the quest. The route is circular and brings you back towards the start after the final clue in the Memorial Gardens.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets can be found at the car park near the Old Pier, after Clue 16, and near Market Square at Clue 18 - useful comfort stops during the second half of the adventure.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Explorers are welcome to join the treasure hunt. 🐾

The route includes roads, country lanes, many steps, steep hills, footbridges, a pedestrian tunnel, the harbour area and the beach boardwalk, so keep canine companions close where the going gets busier or steeper.

Food & Drink Stops

Tracking down Captain Barclay's buried winnings is hungry work, so bring a picnic if you'd like to make a proper outing of it.

Provisions are available in the town centre in the second half of the adventure, giving your crew a chance to restock before the final stretch.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Stonehaven Harbour, Old Pier and Beach Boardwalk

The route reaches Stonehaven harbour, where an information board explains the large mass of rock that was blasted away on the recommendation of the famous engineer Robert Stevenson. The harbour area also leads on to Old Pier and the beach boardwalk, making this a rewarding place to linger once the treasure trail clues stop demanding your full attention.

High Street and Market Square

Stonehaven's town centre has plenty of history tucked into its streets. The 'new town' began in 1795, when Robert Barclay of Ury purchased the lands of Arduthie Links, and the streets were planned in a gridiron pattern around what was originally called Barclay Square.

Memorial Gardens

The final clue brings Explorers to the Memorial Gardens after heading along Barclay Street and David Street. Once the hunt is nearly wrapped up, this is a natural spot to slow the pace before following the route back towards Beach Road and the car park.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Your adventure begins in Queen Elizabeth Park, next to the leisure centre at the north end of the town. The first clue is found in this area, so it is a handy place for the whole crew to gather, get organised and start the search for Captain Barclay's long-hidden winnings.