Best attractions and places to see around Crathes, Drumoak And Durris are found in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, offering a diverse landscape of historical landmarks and natural beauty. The area is characterized by its forests, hills, and the River Dee, providing numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore ancient castles, scenic viewpoints, and recreational paths. This region combines cultural heritage with accessible natural features for exploration.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Popular around Crathes, Drumoak And Durris
Great gravel riding under Scolty hill from Banchory to Potarch
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A roaring fall under the bridge as the Feugh makes its way down towards the Dee. A separate pedestrian bridge provides a safe space to watch for Salmon. A short walk from. Banchory town centre or just 100m from pubic car park and toilets.
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Local woodland popular with dog walkers. There are a few trails and paths to follow through the wood, though nothing way marked. Easiest access is by parking in Stonehaven town centre and walking up to the woods. Those looking for a longer walk can walk through the woods and out the other side - where a country lane can be taken down to Dunnottar, and back to Stonehaven along the coastal path.
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Dunnottar Woods is a beautiful forest at the outskirts of Stonehaven with lots of green and a flowing creek. The History Trail will take you through the deciduous woodlands of Dunnottar House. Explore its intriguing history at the Shell House, Lady Kennedy’s Bath and Gallow's Hill. And if you look a little closer to the ground, you might spot some tiny doors at old tree stumps. What mysterious creatures might live here?
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The metal sculptures don't just show some stunning boats (and a plane). Take your time and look closer to see, that the vehicles are maneuvered by creatures of the sea, not by humans. Especially bizarre: the crab vessel where crabs are rowing the boat and keeping humans in the cages that are normally used to catch crabs. For quite some time it was a mystery who created the sculptures. In May 2019, it was revealed that Jim Malcolm was behind it. He worked much of his adult life at sea, before latterly becoming a welder.
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A short walk along the boardwalk to the harbour, and you will pass several metal sculptures. Easy to spot them.
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Lovely metal sculptures line the sea front here - ships of those working or lost at sea, a plane & a lighthouse
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A line of small detailed sculptures along the sea front. Mostly boats, but a plane and a lighthouse too.
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The region offers diverse natural beauty. You can visit the Falls of Feugh to see picturesque waterfalls and salmon leaping. The River Dee is prominent, offering opportunities for angling and riverside walks. Durris Forest provides extensive woodland for exploration, and the Hill of Fare offers outstanding views towards the Cairngorm National Park. Glebe Park in Drumoak is also a green space ideal for picnics and water activities.
Yes, the area is rich in history. You can explore the magnificent 16th-century Crathes Castle, known for its gardens and intricate interiors. Drum Castle, with parts dating back to the 14th century, is another significant historical landmark. The site of Durris Castle (Motte) marks an ancient royal residence, and the Old Bridge of Sheeoch has nearly a thousand years of history as a crossing point.
Families can enjoy several attractions. The Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen is a shared path suitable for walking and cycling. Crathes Castle Estate offers six waymarked trails and a 'Go Ape' high ropes course for adventure. The Falls of Feugh are a great spot to observe salmon, which can be exciting for children. The Stonehaven Seafront Metal Sculptures, though slightly outside the immediate area, are also a unique and engaging sight.
The region is excellent for outdoor activities. The Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen is a popular recreational path for both cyclists and walkers, tracing the former railway line. Crathes Castle Estate offers several waymarked trails, and Durris Forest is known for its mountain biking opportunities. For more specific routes, you can find various options for road cycling, MTB trails, and easy hikes in the area.
Yes, there are several easy walking options. The Crathes Castle Estate has waymarked trails suitable for various abilities. The Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen offers a relatively flat and accessible path. You can also find easy hikes like the "Drum Castle and Drumhill Wood loop" or the "View of Crathes Castle – View of Scolty Hill loop from Crathes Castle" which are listed among the easy hikes around Crathes, Drumoak And Durris.
Cyclists have many options. The Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen is a popular shared path for general cycling. For mountain biking, Durris Forest is a key destination, offering various trails. You can explore specific routes for road cycling and MTB trails around Crathes, Drumoak And Durris.
The Crathes Castle Estate is a good spot for wildlife spotting, with roe deer, red squirrels, woodpeckers, buzzards, and herons. The River Dee is home to salmon, which can be observed leaping at the Falls of Feugh during specific seasons.
Beyond the main castles, you might enjoy the craft village at Milton of Crathes, which also hosts the Royal Deeside Railway. The site of Durris Castle (Motte) offers a glimpse into ancient history, and the Stonehaven Seafront Metal Sculptures are a quirky and artistic point of interest slightly further afield.
Yes, for observing salmon leaping at the Falls of Feugh, the best times are typically between September and November, and again from February to March, as they make their way upstream to spawn.
Absolutely. The Brimmond Hill Summit is the closest Marilyn to Aberdeen and offers extensive views across the city to the seaside. The Hill of Fare also provides outstanding views over Deeside and towards the Cairngorm National Park. The Cairn Mon Earn Summit is another viewpoint marked by a trig point.
Visitors appreciate the diverse landscape, combining historical landmarks with natural beauty. The area is popular for its extensive walking and cycling routes, including the Deeside Way — Edge of Aberdeen. The opportunity to see salmon leaping at the Falls of Feugh is also a highlight for many. The komoot community has upvoted these spots, highlighting their appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Glebe Park in Drumoak is noted as a wonderful spot for wild swimming or launching kayaks and paddleboards. The River Dee also offers opportunities for enjoying the water, particularly for anglers.
For those seeking more challenging routes, the Hill of Fare offers more strenuous walks with rewarding views. Durris Forest also contains the ancient Elsick Mounth route, which can be part of longer, more challenging excursions. You can find difficult mountain biking routes like the "Park Bridge over the River Dee – Stonehaven Station loop from Drumoak" among the MTB trails around Crathes, Drumoak And Durris, which often involve challenging terrain.


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