The best walks and hikes around Crathes, Drumoak And Durris

There are over 30 waymarked hiking trails to explore in the region. These range from easy, family-friendly strolls through historic estates to more demanding climbs up local hills, offering plenty of choice for all ability levels.

Yes, the region is great for family outings. A particularly good option is the View of Crathes Castle – View of Scolty Hill loop from Crathes. It's a relatively short, easy walk with gentle gradients and rewarding views, making it suitable for hikers of all ages.

The trails around Crathes, Drumoak and Durris are highly rated by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths through ancient woodlands, the scenic beauty of the River Dee, and the mix of historic castle grounds with quiet forest trails.

Dogs are generally welcome on the trails, but they should be kept on a lead, especially around farmland, on castle estates, and during bird nesting season (typically April-July). The woodland paths, such as those in The Old Wood of Drum, are excellent for walks with dogs.

For a more strenuous day out, the Hill of Fare Summit Cairn loop from Echt offers a significant challenge. This long route involves a considerable ascent through forest and open moorland to a summit cairn, rewarding you with panoramic views of the surrounding Aberdeenshire countryside.

Yes, the View of Crathes Castle – Coy Reservoir loop from Crathes Castle is a popular circular route. This moderate trail takes you through mixed woodland and around the peaceful Coy Reservoir, providing some lovely perspectives of the castle from the path.

Besides the specific routes, there are several highly-regarded areas for walking:

• Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate: A major hub with multiple waymarked trails through its extensive grounds.
• Kirkhill Forest: A local favorite offering a wide network of trails for walking and cycling, with a tower providing scenic views.
• The Old Wood of Drum: Known for its beautiful and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a quiet walk to recharge.
• Deeside Way: A long-distance path following an old railway line, ideal for walkers wanting to cover more ground with great views.

Many trails offer rewarding vistas. For a dedicated viewpoint climb, Scolty Hill near Banchory is a popular choice with a viewing tower at its summit. The trails around the Hill of Fare also provide expansive views across the landscape. For views of the castles themselves, the paths on their respective estates are designed to offer scenic perspectives.

Yes, the Deeside Way runs through the area and is perfect for a longer walk. This well-maintained path follows the route of the old railway line, offering a relatively flat and accessible trail with beautiful views of the river and the Deeside valley. You can join it at various points for as long or as short a walk as you like.

Crathes is an excellent starting point for several hikes. Besides the trails within the castle estate itself, you can embark on the Hiking loop from Crathes. This moderate route takes you away from the main estate paths and explores the wider countryside and woodlands in the vicinity.

For walks centered on the main attractions, official car parks are available. Crathes Castle and Drum Castle both have large, well-signposted pay-and-display car parks for visitors. For other trails, such as those in Kirkhill Forest or starting points for the Deeside Way, there are dedicated free car parks. It's always best to arrive early on sunny weekends as they can get busy.

Yes, after exploring the trails at Crathes Castle, you can visit the on-site cafe within the grounds. The nearby Milton of Crathes also has options for food and drink. For walks around Drum Castle, the town of Banchory is a short drive away and offers a wide selection of traditional pubs and cafes.