Aberdeenshire Walks

The Deeside Way 

The Deeside Way is a long-distance riverside path running from near the centre of Aberdeen City, to Ballater, in the Cairngorms National Park. It is mostly waymarked. The path is suitable for walkers and cyclists and is Route 135 of the National Cycleway.

Dunnottar Woods Walk

This pleasant woodland walk on the fringes of Stonehaven is given added interest by follies built by the owners of the now-demolished Dunnottar House.

Distance:  3.5km / 2.25 miles  
Time: 1.5 hours 
Ascent:  90m 
Start Grid Ref:  NO863843 

The March Trail, Banchory 

This easy walk leads through the different habitats of Scolty Woodland. It is possible to detour to climb Scolty Hill part way round. 

Distance:  4km / 2.5 miles  
Time : 1 – 1.5 hours 
Ascent: 85m 
Start Grid Ref:  NO686947 

Tomnaverie Stone Circle & Drummy Wood, Tarland  

This waymarked circular from the attractive village of Tarland leads past the Tomnaverie Stone circle before returning through Drummy Woods. 

Distance:  5km / 3.25 miles  
Time:  1.5 hours 
Ascent:  44m 
Start Grid Ref:  NJ480043 

Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven 

Dunnottar Castle is the most spectacular of all ruined coastal fortresses, perched on a gigantic rocky outcrop almost detached from the mainland. It is the highlight of this short coastal circuit which extends southwards from the harbour at Stonehaven.  

Distance: 6.75km / 4.25 miles  
Time:  1.5 - 2 hours 
Ascent:  144m 
Start Grid Ref:  NO877855 

Ley Way, Crathes Castle 

The longest of three waymarked woodland walks in the parkland of Crathes Castle, this route - also known as the Red Squirrel trail - takes in a variety of woodland as well as countryside views and passing the castle and famous gardens.

Distance: 6.75km / 4.25 miles  
Time: 2 - 2.5 hours 
Ascent: 114m 
Start Grid Ref: NO735968 

Footdee & Aberdeen Harbour 

Footdee (pronounced Fittie) is a small fishing village at the mouth of the Dee and Aberdeen harbour, long since swallowed up by the expansion of the city.

Distance: 4.75km / 3 miles  
Time: 1.5 hours 
Ascent: 19m 
Start Grid Ref: NJ943062 

Old Aberdeen & Beach Circuit 

An unexpected mixture of fabulous sea front, picturesque riverside and woodland combined with an exploration of the cobbled streets and ancient buildings, university and cathedral of Old Aberdeen. 

Distance: 8km / 5 miles  
Time: 3 hours 
Ascent: 90m 
Start Grid Ref: NJ953071