Walking in a winter wonderland

The city and shire abound with amazingly scenic places to go for a walk and get some fresh air. Don your most sensible shoes, wrap up warmly and head out on our pick of the best routes whether you fancy some sea breezes, a hill walk, a scenic stroll or just a short wander towards somewhere warm that offers great cake and coffee…

Heritage Hikes

Haddo Country Park

The estate grounds at Haddo are a great way to spend a couple of hours wandering along the paths through the woods and by the ponds. It’s a good choice for families because there’s a playpark and picnic areas, as well as a gallery. There are a couple of tea rooms on site, but opening hours vary. Visithaddo.com has the details.

Dunnottar Castle

This is a 5km walk that includes fairly steep sections. Start with a stroll along the beach boardwalk to the harbour, then head uphill to the war memorial and onwards to the spectacular ruins of Dunnottar Castle.  If you want to see round the castle, you can book tickets at dunnottarcastle.co.uk. If the hike has made you hungry, try The Bay for fish and chips or pop into
Molly’s for cake and coffee. 

Craigievar Castle

If it’s been snowing, then Craigievar Castle is utterly magical. The castle itself is closed from the end of September to the start of April, but the grounds are worth visiting and are open from dawn to dusk each day. If you’re lucky, you might spot roe deer, a pine marten or even a rare Scottish wildcat as you walk the 45 minute woodland trail. 

Waterside wanders

Aberdeen Beach

The beach offers about six miles of walking. The sands are often deserted in winter, particularly if the weather is a bit bracing. Footdee is always worth exploring and the harbour can provide an interesting diversion as the ships manoeuvre. The esplanade is perfect for buggies and wheelchairs as well as those who prefer to walk on the flat. Better yet, there’s a choice of cafés and entertainment options ready to welcome you at the end of your walk. 

Pitfour Lake

Mintlaw’s Pitfour Lake is a great family walk as it’s not too long and it’s a circular route meaning there’s always something new to see. You can often see wildfowl or solitary fishermen and this is a surprisingly quiet and still place, perfect for inner contemplation too. The walk itself is just a couple of miles, but if you’d prefer a bit more exercise, you can head to nearby Aden Park. 

Loch Muick

The Loch Muick circuit comes in at 12.5km and takes up to four hours, so it’s not one to take on in your favourite Jimmy Choos. There are spectacular hill views and insta-worthy small beaches, bridges and the opportunity to spot birds of prey, deer and other wildlife. 

Hills

Bennachie

Bennachie offers several peaks and some challenging routes. The walk is mainly uphill and there are one or two places that involve a bit of a scramble over rocky ground. The routes are well marked and start at the Visitors’ Centre. The Mither Tap trail will take you to the remains of an Iron Age fort and some great views. Head into Inverurie for sustenance afterwards. 

Scolty Hill

Banchory’s Scolty Hill is less of a trek than Bennachie and easier to manage with small children or older relatives. There are a variety of marked routes through the woodlands, or you can just keep heading upwards towards the monument at the top, which offers the chance to have a breather and admire the views over Deeside.