5 of the best walks in Aberdeenshire
How many of these have you tried?
If you are looking for a top spot for a walk this weekend in Aberdeenshire, you are simply spoilt for choice. With a mountain of options to choose from, we have picked five of our top spots for an amble or a climb in Aberdeenshire.
With everything from the unbelievable Balmoral Cairns, to Burn O’Vat. The Balmoral Cairns include the most distinctive pyramid cairn, which Queen Victoria had built for her beloved husband Prince Albert, whilst Burn O'Vat was formed an incredible 14,000 to 12,000 years ago. These walks are definitely worth trying this weekend...
Scolty Hill
Scolty Hill is conveniently located just south of Banchory, and you can easily walk from the village. If you prefer to drive, it is a five-minute drive from Banchory.
This is one of those all-round spots where the walk up the hill brings many treats, as well as reaching the summit itself. The walk begins through a woodland area and walkers are treated to the sights of red squirrels, jays and the sounds of cuckoos and woodpeckers.
As you approach the summit, the woodland spectacularly opens up into moorland and once you reach the top you are met with a striking tower. This tower is a memorial to General Burnett, a local man who fought alongside Duke Wellington during the Napoleonic battles, and serves as a viewpoint. A spiral staircase inside the tower coils visitors to the top and produces incredible views from the top of this 300-metre-high hill.
Kingswells (Webster Park) to Brimmond Hill
The walk from Kingswells to Brimmond Hill is a very popular walk for local residents as well as for visitors from further afield. It is primarily favoured as it is easily accessible and conveniently located only 20 minutes from the city of Aberdeen.
This is a nice gentle walk, so anyone can enjoy the pleasures it holds. The paths are clearly marked and from the top of the hill at 130 metres there is an excellent view of the city and the North Sea. In wet weather the paths can become muddy so prepare well and dress appropriately.
As you amble, keep an eye out for red squirrels, buzzards, fox, woodpeckers and red kite.
Burn O’Vat
Burn O’Vat is one of those places which is swathed in history and legend. Local residents refer to it as ‘The Vat’, and it was formed an incredible 14,000 to 12,000 years ago. The most common explanation for its formation is that a rock became embedded in the river. The obstruction caused water to spin around the rock, creating the 42-feet hole in the river bed.
The legends propose The Vat was used as a secret hideout by many a scoundrel. It really is a sight to see, and as you amble towards it there are other signs of natural formations from water and ice. Depending on the time of year, there are beautiful flowers, plants and wildlife to enjoy too.
The Vat is easy to get to by car, and there is plenty of free car parking. But as you approach The Vat on foot, the paths vary in ease. If you enjoy a bit of a clambering, then getting over the rocks is fun (especially appealing to dogs and children who love a good scramble). However, it is essential to wear appropriate footwear, especially as the rocks can be wet. For those less steady on their feet, this isn’t advisable terrain.
Balmoral Cairns
The Balmoral Cairns walk in Royal Deeside is a real jewel in the Aberdeenshire crown and a huge attraction for visitors far and wide.
The walk itself is incredible and rewarding, but it has the added attraction of being a historical tour too. There are a series of cairns throughout the royal estate, each one erected as a memorial to a special person or occasion. Queen Victoria erected the first of these cairns to celebrate the purchase of the estate and proceeded to build various other cairns for her children. The most distinctive of the cairns is the pyramid cairn which she had built in honour of her beloved husband Prince Albert when he died at the age of 42.
The terrain on the estate is varied, so some walks will be in thick woodland whilst others will be open and provide excellent views of the area and the castle itself. There is of course, a great deal of incline, but the paths are easy to navigate.
Kincorth Hill
Situated to the south of the city, Kincorth Hill is home to the Kincorth Hill Local Nature Reserve, a wild playground of woodland, heathland, grassland and scrub.
This is an enjoyable walk with good paths throughout which are clearly marked. Some sections are steep, so it is essential to wear appropriate footwear.
The varied terrain offers excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and there is an orienteering course too. Stop off at any of the rest points for a snack and to take in the views.
Choose any of these walks for a day out and you will not be disappointed! Be sure to dress appropriately for the terrain.
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