Aberdeenshire Walks

Aberdeenshire is a walker’s paradise with its stunning coastal trails, majestic mountain hikes, and beautiful forest walks.

Before setting off on any walk, ensure you’re prepared with appropriate clothing, footwear, food, and water.

Always let someone know where you’re going if you’re venturing into more remote areas.

The weather in Scotland can change quickly, so check the forecast and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary.

Enjoy exploring Aberdeenshire’s beautiful landscapes on foot!

Here are some trails worth considering:

Bennachie Hill Walks

This range of hills near Inverurie offers several trails of varying difficulty. The Mither Tap trail takes you to a summit with impressive views and an ancient fort, while the Discovery trail is a leisurely walk ideal for families.

Stonehaven to Dunnottar Castle

This coastal walk takes you from the charming town of Stonehaven along the cliff tops to the dramatic ruins of Dunnottar Castle. The route is about 3.5 km one way and offers spectacular sea views.

Loch Muick Circuit

This relatively flat, circular route in the Cairngorms National Park is around 13 km and takes you around the picturesque Loch Muick, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a good chance of spotting wildlife, including red deer and golden eagles.

Haddo Country Park

This park near Ellon offers a network of trails through mixed woodland, parkland, and along the banks of the River Ythan. It’s a great place for spotting wildlife, including red squirrels and roe deer. We would also recommend taking a tour of Haddo House if you have the time.

Forvie National Nature Reserve

This reserve near Newburgh boasts one of the largest sand dune systems in the UK. The 6 km long Ythan Estuary trail offers chances to spot seals, terns, and a variety of other birds.

The Deeside Way

This long-distance path follows the route of the old Deeside Railway from Aberdeen to Ballater. It’s approximately 66 km in total, but it can easily be broken down into shorter sections, with highlights including the historic town of Banchory and the impressive Potarch Bridge.

The Bullers of Buchan

Located north of Cruden Bay, this coastal walk offers dramatic cliff-top views, a collapsed sea cave, and an abundance of seabirds. The circular route is about 3 km.

Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve

This reserve in the heart of Royal Deeside offers various walking trails, from the short but scenic Knockie Path to the challenging ascent of Mount Keen, Scotland’s most easterly Munro.

Balmedie Beach Walk

Located just north of Aberdeen, this sandy beach and dune system offers a peaceful coastal walk.

Crathes Castle Estate & Gardens

The estate offers several waymarked walks through woodland and farmland, with the castle as a picturesque backdrop.

Troup Head Nature Reserve

A dramatic clifftop walk where you can see Scotland’s only mainland gannet colony.

Peterhead Prison Museum Walk

Combine history and a leisurely walk around the grounds of the former HM Convict Prison Peterhead.

Slains Castle and Cruden Bay

A coastal walk combining stunning clifftop views, the atmospheric ruins of Slains Castle, and the beautiful village of Cruden Bay.

The Buck of Cabrach

A challenging hill walk offering panoramic views over Deeside, Moray, and the hills of Caithness.

Aden Country Park

A collection of easy trails through woodland, parkland and past the ruins of Aden House.

Burn o’Vat and the Muir of Dinnet

Explore a fascinating rock formation and a beautiful nature reserve on this circular trail.

Cullen to Sandend Coastal Walk

A beautiful coastal walk along the Moray Firth with a chance to see dolphins.

Formartine and Buchan Way

This disused railway line offers a long-distance walk (or cycle) through rural Aberdeenshire.

Hill of Tarvit

A circular walk around the hill from the Edwardian mansion of the same name, with great views over Fife.

Loch Kinord

A scenic trail in the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, taking in beautiful woodland and a historic island crannog.

Morven Hill Walk

The highest hill in the eastern part of Scotland, the views from the top are stunning on a clear day.

Tomnaverie Stone Circle

A short walk to a well-preserved recumbent stone circle, with panoramic views of Lochnagar and Morven.

St Cyrus National Nature Reserve

A coastal walk on the dramatic cliffs of the Angus coast, with a chance to see a wide variety of bird life.

Correen Hills

A peaceful, off-the-beaten-track walk in a less-visited part of Aberdeenshire, featuring Bronze Age cairns.

Bennachie Servant’s Trail

A trail through mixed woodland and open heathland, with several points of interest along the route.

Loch Lee

A walk up a picturesque glen to an attractive loch, with an ancient castle along the way.

Tyrebagger Hill

Close to Aberdeen, this trail offers a good hill walk in a forest setting with several pieces of sculpture.

The Howe of Cromar

A circular trail with gentle slopes, taking in views of the surrounding hills and lochs.

Ballochbuie Forest

One of the largest remaining areas of the old Caledonian forest, this trail offers fantastic opportunities for wildlife watching.

The Glenlivet Estate

With a variety of walking and cycling trails, this estate in the Cairngorms National Park offers something for everyone.

Sands of Forvie

One of the largest sand dune systems in Britain, the area is rich in birdlife and offers wonderful coastal views.

Glen Esk Folk Museum

The museum itself is an interesting visit, and it’s surrounded by several beautiful walking trails.

Remember to pack suitable gear and check the weather before embarking on your walk.

Enjoy exploring the stunning landscapes of Aberdeenshire!