The best walks and hikes around Aberdeen

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.