Aberdeen to Dundee Road Trip Guide: Coastal Gems & Hidden Detours

Did you know that the A90 roughly follows the alignment of a Roman road? The ancient causeway once linked the fort of Devana (modern-day Aberdeen) to the legionary headquarters at Inchtuthil, near present-day Dundee. Today, driving this 80-mile stretch takes about 1 hour 40 minutes without stops, but the real reward lies in the detours. how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities teaches you the techniques we'll apply here.

The A90 is a high-quality dual carriageway for most of the route, with a few single-carriageway segments near Stonehaven and north of Arbroath. Fuel stations are concentrated at Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Montrose, and Arbroath. Expect to pay around £1.45 per litre; a full tank from Aberdeen to Dundee costs roughly £30 for a standard saloon. The topography is mostly flat coastal plain with gentle hills near the Mounth, so fuel efficiency is consistent – expect 40 mpg if you cruise at 60 mph.

The A90 is well-lit near towns but dark between Stonehaven and Montrose. No tolls. Road surface is generally good, but watch for farm vehicles on the single carriageway sections. For families, the Storybook Glen near Stonehaven (perfect for kids) and the Dundee Science Centre offer interactive fun. Dogs are welcome at the Drovers Inn (pet-friendly cafe) in Inverbervie, and at many beaches like Lunan Bay.

• Rest Zones: Park at the Dunnottar Castle car park (free, stunning views). For naps, use the lay-by near St Cyrus Nature Reserve.
• Pet Stops: The Milton of Crathes park offers a dog-friendly trail with woodland and a river.
• Hidden Detour: Five minutes off the A90, visit the ruined Kincardine Castle in Fettercairn – a secluded spot with no tourists.
• Night Driving: Use cat's eyes and low beam; beware deer crossing between dusk and dawn.

The route traverses the Aberdeenshire coast, featuring dramatic cliffs at Dunnottar Castle and the flat but scenic Montrose Basin. Half an hour detour to the Angel of the North? No – but you can see the 800-year-old Arbroath Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (as part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire). The shift from granite Aberdeen to the red sandstone of the southern towns is striking.

• Geographical Shifts: Aberdeen's grey granite gives way to fertile farmland and red sandstone cliffs near Arbroath.
• UNESCO: Arbroath Abbey (part of Frontiers of the Roman Empire) is a 29-minute drive from Stonehaven.
• Local Delicacies: Buy Arbroath Smokies (smoked haddock) directly from the smokeries on Marketgate, Arbroath.
• Artisan Crafts: Visit the Montrose Farmers' Market (second Saturday of the month) for local cheeses and jams.