The best walks and hikes around Feughside

Yes, the area is well-suited for circular hikes. Many trails are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. These routes often combine woodland paths, riverside sections, and hill ascents. A great example is the Hiking loop from Finzean, which offers a varied experience through the local landscape.

Feughside has several easier walks perfect for a family day out. Look for trails with minimal elevation gain, such as those along the River Dee or around the Falls of Feugh. The Scolty Tower – Scolty Tower loop from Banchory is a popular choice for families, offering a rewarding view from the top without being overly strenuous.

Most trails in and around Feughside are great for walking with dogs. The extensive network of paths through forests and along rivers provides plenty of space. However, you'll be passing through areas with farmland and wildlife, so it's important to keep your dog under control, especially near livestock or during bird nesting season (typically spring and early summer).

The trails offer a good mix for different fitness levels. Out of nearly 40 curated routes, about half are rated as easy, perfect for leisurely walks. The other half are moderate, involving more significant climbs and longer distances, like the ascent to Kerloch hill. There are only a couple of hikes classified as difficult, so the region is generally very accessible for most walkers.

Yes, the most well-known is the Falls of Feugh near Banchory, which is especially impressive after rainfall. You might even see salmon leaping upstream in spring and autumn. For a quieter spot, the Dess Waterfall is a highly-regarded local gem, accessible via a short path from a small car park.

The region is highly rated by the komoot community, with over 2,600 visitors exploring the trails. Reviewers often praise the beautiful woodland scenery, the peaceful riverside paths, and the panoramic views from the hilltops. The well-maintained paths and variety of routes are frequently mentioned as major highlights.

Many popular trailheads have dedicated parking areas. For example, there are car parks for Scolty Hill near Banchory and at the start of trails in Kirkhill Forest. For riverside walks, you can often find parking in nearby villages like Strachan or Finzean. It's always a good idea to arrive early on weekends as smaller car parks can fill up quickly.

Several walks are conveniently located near the towns and villages of Royal Deeside, such as Banchory and Strachan, which have a selection of pubs, cafes, and restaurants. These are perfect for a rewarding meal or drink after your hike. Planning a route that starts or ends in one of these villages is your best bet.

While the woodlands are beautiful, Feughside's landscape is very diverse. You'll find paths along the scenic banks of the River Dee and River Feugh, open moorland on higher ground, and rolling hills with expansive views. The region serves as a gateway to the Cairngorms National Park, offering a taste of the dramatic mountain scenery for which the Highlands are famous.

Yes, for those seeking a longer day out, there are several rewarding options. The Charr Bothy – Charr Bothy loop from Kircram is a great choice, covering over 9 miles of forest and moorland. For a true wilderness experience, you can head into the nearby Cairngorms National Park, which contains numerous Munros and remote trails.

Besides the immediate trails, several nearby areas are popular with walkers.

Kirkhill Forest is well-regarded for its extensive network of trails for walking and cycling.

The Deeside Way offers a long-distance path that's great for flatter sections of walking or biking.

For a more dramatic coastal experience, the clifftop paths at Bullers of Buchan are a local favorite, known for spectacular sea views and birdwatching.