Aberdeenshire Walks

Aberdeenshire offer a rich variety of walking opportunities. It has a stunning coastline with vast, spectacular sandy beaches and picturesque fishing villages.

Inland is fertile, peaceful farmland rising to the moors and finally the foothills of the Cairngorms. Here are some of the walks we recommend, but for a full list of walks, visit the Walk Highlands website.

Popular Local Walks

The Deeside Way

Pet-Friendly

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.

Visit Website

Dunnottar Woods Walk, near Stonehaven

Pet-Friendly

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

Visit Website

The March Trail, Scolty, Near Banchory

Pet-Friendly

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

Visit Website

Tomnaverie Stone Circle & Drummy Wood, Tarland

Pet-Friendly

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

Visit Website

Dunnottar Castle from Stonehaven

Pet-Friendly

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

Visit Website

Ley Way, Crathes Castle

Pet-Friendly

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

Visit Website

Footdee & Aberdeen Harbour

Pet-Friendly

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

Visit Website

Old Aberdeen & Beach Circuit

Pet-Friendly

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

Visit Website