Stonehaven
56°57.7'N 002°12.7'W · Aberdeen (15nm)
3–7m
Depth
Good
Holding
85m
Alarm radius
Low
Crowd level
Stonehaven is a picturesque NE Scottish fishing town at the foot of the Mearns cliffs — historic market town and birthplace of Robert William Thomson (inventor of the pneumatic tyre). The harbour is an active fishing port but the bay to the south provides a reasonable anchorage in westerly conditions. The ruined Dunnottar Castle (1nm south), perched on a dramatic coastal headland and set against the North Sea, is one of the most spectacular castle ruins in Scotland — the Scottish Crown Jewels were hidden here in the 1650s. Stonehaven is also famous for its New Year (Hogmanay) fireball ceremony and for the world's best deep-fried Mars bar (allegedly originated here). A useful staging anchorage between Aberdeen and Montrose on the east coast passage.
Best Months
Anchor Zones
Stonehaven Bay — anchorage south of the harbour
Good3–7m · Alarm: 85m
Anchor in 3–6m (CD) in the bay south of the harbour, in the shelter of the Doocot headland. Sand over mud — good holding once set. The harbour wall and headland provide shelter from N and W. Exposed to the east — NE or E swells from the North Sea make the anchorage uncomfortable or untenable. Tidal range approximately 3.5–4.0m springs on this coast. The harbour itself is a fishing harbour — consult Harbour Master (VHF Ch 12) before entering.
Setting Your Anchor Alarm
85m radius for the open bay. The east coast of Scotland is exposed to North Sea easterly swells — in any E or NE condition this anchorage is exposed. Tidal range 4.0m springs — actual depths at HW reach 7–11m; plan scope accordingly. Use this anchorage in westerly or settled conditions only. In easterlies, Aberdeen Harbour (15nm N) provides full shelter.
Recommended radius: 85m
Hazards & Warnings
- !North Sea E and NE swells — the anchorage is exposed to the east; in any E or NE forecast the bay becomes untenable; monitor forecasts closely
- !Tidal range 3.5–4.0m springs — plan scope accordingly; the bay shoals towards the beach
- !North Sea weather deteriorates rapidly — northeasterly gales build quickly; never remain in the open anchorage if a NE depression is approaching
- !Rocky shoals off the southern headland — consult Admiralty Chart 210 before approach
Skipper's Tips
- ✓Dunnottar Castle (1nm south) is unmissable — the most dramatically sited castle ruin in Scotland; the 20-minute clifftop walk from the beach is unforgettable
- ✓Stonehaven outdoor heated sea pool (summer only) is a National Trust for Scotland property — a remarkable Victorian lido on the seafront
- ✓Aberdeen (15nm north) is the major provisioning port — full marina, chandlery, fuel; if weather deteriorates, head there
- ✓The east coast passage (Aberdeen to Inverness via Moray Firth) requires careful weather planning — the NE Scotland coastline is exposed; consult BBC Radio 4 Shipping Forecast (sea areas Forties, Cromarty)
Facilities
Anchoring Rules
- Permit:
- Not required
- Fee:
- Free
- Restrictions:
- Stonehaven Harbour is a working fishing harbour — contact Harbour Master on VHF Ch 12 before entering. Anchor in the bay rather than the harbour to avoid obstruction. Keep clear of the harbour approach.
Sleep Safely at Stonehaven
Set your anchor alarm to 85m. UK tidal ranges mean your boat swings — Safe Anchor Alarm keeps watch through the night.
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