The best walks and hikes around Aberdeen

FAQs about hikes in Aberdeen

• What are the best easy hikes in Aberdeen?
  Based on popularity and accessibility, "Footdee to Donmouth Local Nature Reserve via the Esplanade" (7.85 km, 02:00) is an excellent easy option. Another great choice is the "Brimmond Hill Country Park loop" (6.03 km, 01:47). These trails are suitable for all fitness levels and offer well-maintained paths.


• Are there any moderate hiking trails around Aberdeen?
  Absolutely! For those seeking a bit more challenge, the "Cove Coastal Path" (8.19 km, 02:10) and "River Don loop from Persley via Seaton Park" (9.81 km, 02:35) are highly recommended. These trails require good fitness and offer rewarding experiences.


• What are the most scenic areas to hike in Aberdeen?
  Aberdeen boasts diverse scenery for hiking. The coastline offers views of the North Sea, with the "Cove Coastal Path" providing stunning coastal vistas. Inland, areas like Hazlehead Park and Kincorth Hill Nature Reserve provide tranquil woodland walks and city views. Brimmond Hill and Tyrebagger Hill also offer rewarding panoramas.


• Can I find family-friendly hiking routes in Aberdeen?
  Yes, many trails are suitable for families. Easy routes like "Footdee to Donmouth Local Nature Reserve via the Esplanade" and the "Brimmond Hill Country Park loop" are great for all ages, featuring easily-accessible paths. Tyrebagger Wood also offers family-friendly trails through impressive forests.


• Are there any coastal walks near Aberdeen?
  The "Cove Coastal Path" is a fantastic option for a coastal hike, offering refreshing sea air and dramatic views along the shore. You can also explore the long sandy coastline between the mouths of the Rivers Dee and Don for invigorating seaside strolls.


• Where can I go for forest hikes around Aberdeen?
  For forest immersion, Hazlehead Park and Tyrebagger Wood are excellent choices. Tyrebagger Wood, in particular, is noted for its impressive Douglas firs and tranquil atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful hike.


• What wildlife can I expect to see while hiking in Aberdeen?
  Aberdeen's natural areas provide opportunities for wildlife spotting. Near the coast, you might spot dolphins from viewpoints like Girdle Ness Lighthouse. Nature reserves such as Kincorth Hill Nature Reserve are great for birdwatching.


• What are the best hikes for city views in Aberdeen?
  For commanding views across Aberdeen and the North Sea, consider hiking Brimmond Hill. Kincorth Hill Nature Reserve also offers splendid city views, providing a different perspective of the "Granite City".


• Are there trails along rivers in Aberdeen?
  Yes, trails follow both the River Dee and River Don inland from the city center, offering serene ambles away from the urban hustle. The "River Don loop from Persley via Seaton Park" is a great example of a riverside hike.


• What is the best time of year for hiking in Aberdeen?
  Aberdeen offers rewarding hikes throughout the year, but the warmer months from late spring to early autumn generally provide more agreeable weather conditions and longer daylight hours, ideal for exploring both coastal paths and inland hills.

Exploring the sparkling ‘Granite City’

Aberdeen’s history is thought to date back 8,000 years when prehistoric settlements developed at the mouths of the Rivers Dee and Don. There are two old towns to explore, the cobbled streets of Old Aberdeen by the Don and quirky Footdee and its fishing boats by the Dee.

Some of the finest walks around Aberdeen explore the heart of the city. The distinctive grey granite of its historic buildings has earned Aberdeen the moniker of ‘Granite City’ and, in the right light, its architecture sparkles. Its famous ‘Granite Mile’ along Union Street shows off the best of this and is a great place to enjoy a hot beverage after roaming the city streets.

Seaside strolls and river ambles

Aberdeen is blessed with a long, golden beach, which can be used to walk between the mouths of the Rivers Dee and Don, linking the modern centre with Aberdeen Old Town. Trails follow both rivers inland, becoming more serene as they depart the centre’s hubbub for quieter pastures.

The city’s many parks and nature reserves are within walking distance, such as the extensive Hazlehead Park, which offers woodland walks and nature trails, and Kincorth Hill Nature Reserve, which is great for birdwatching and offers splendid city views.

Ascending Aberdeen’s hills

There are some excellent hikes around Aberdeen that reward with views across the city. Brimmond Hill is the highest point within the council area, rising to 873 feet (266 m) to the west of Old Aberdeen. Although the hill’s higher ground is kitted out with transmitter towers and other such infrastructure, the very summit itself commands a superb view across the city and the North Sea.

Some of the best hiking routes around Aberdeen can be found further north, as the ridge continues over Elrich Hill to the forested slopes of Tyrebagger Hill and Hill of Marcus; routes linking all four tops are popular outings among local hillwalkers. The summit of Tyrebagger Hill, known as ‘the Tappie’ is marked by a handsome stone viewing tower that’s accessed by a small spiral staircase. Lower down, Tyrebagger Wood’s trails are a delight for the whole family, where Douglas firs tower impressively above a cloak of wood sorrel and ferns.