(206) Finzean Circular Walk (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is a very pleasant walk in an area renown for its scenic beauty. The limited overall ascent to a vantage point by the local school is gradual, with rewarding views over the Feughside valley.

Duration: 2.5 hrs.

(197) Banchory-Scolty Hill Forest Road Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is a deservedly popular short walk through a mature woodland area, but with a moderately demanding 200 m overall ascent on the sometimes steep climb to the moorland and striking tower at the top of Scolty Hill where there are splendid wide-open views.

Duration: 1:75 hours.

(186) Crathes Castle-Ley Wood-Coy Burn Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
An easy woodland walk with fairly gentle inclines. The route follows one of the permutations of the Red Squirrel Trail which links the Ley Wood Trail, the Coy Burn Trail, and the East Trail. There are some impressive carved wooden sculptures of woodland animals to appreciate along the way.

Duration: 2 hours.

(163) Strachan-Scolty Hill Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This quieter approach, from the southern side, to the summit of the popular Scolty Hill near Banchory, provides fine scenic opportunities at every turn on the route. The tower monument at the top can be ascended by an internal staircase to provide even better all-around views.

Duration: 3.5 hours

(159) Potarch-Shooting Greens-Slewdrum Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is a good leg-stretching walk without too much time or effort involved. There are nice views of the Deeside valley and hills beyond. In summer, the Deeside Way path is embroidered with an array of pretty and colourful wildflowers on either side.

Duration: 2.75 hours.

(153) Spital Cottage-Glen Dye-Charr Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
The outward route follows the scenic Water of Dye upstream through the glen to its meeting point with the Water of Charr, passing the ruins of human habitation and subsistence farming at various points. The Charr Bothy provides a pleasant resting point before the return loop.

Duration: 3.5 hours.

(125) Forest of Birse Circuit (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is an easy upland walk in an enchanting valley surrounded by high hills. There are good views throughout the route, with a fine perspective of Birse Castle. However, this walk won’t suit everyone due to the fords to be crossed, and the consequent possible wet feet factor!

Duration: 2.5 hours.

(122) Finzean Water Mills-Feughside Ramble (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
A short walk in a beautiful rural environment. Initially, there is a gradual ascent through open woodland, followed by a descent to the banks of the fast-flowing Water of Feugh. The water mills at the walk start/end are an interesting reminder of previous times in the valley.

Duration: 1.75 hours.

(111) Finzean-Tom’s Cairn Circular (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
This is a very scenic half-day hiking excursion in a beautiful area of West Aberdeenshire, mostly through mature pine forest and on open hillside. Although classed as a “low hill”, the panoramic views from the top of Tom’s Cairn on a clear day are especially breath-taking.

Duration: 3.5 hours.

(092) Potarch Bridge-Craigmore Circular (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
A relatively gentle forest walk over a tranquil wooded hillside in the Deeside valley. The attractive arched Potarch Bridge at the start/end of the walk makes for a very scenic outlook over the River Dee and surrounding countryside.

Duration: 2 hours.

(087) Meikle Tap (Hill of Fare) Circular (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
Close to Westhill and Banchory, this is an accessible walk in open conifer forest and heather moorland, easily accomplished in a half-day excursion. The ascent to the top is gradual, whilst the views from the top are wonderful. A good hill-walk for walkers of all abilities.

Duration: 2.5 hours.

(010) Drum Castle Ramble (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
An easy walk with some gentle ups and downs through a mixed landscape of forest and farmland managed by the National Trust for Scotland. The eye-catching focal point is Drum Castle, which is very old but in fine shape. The walk offers a highly recommended diversion to the Garden of Historic Roses.

Duration: 2 hours.

(005) Banchory-Scolty Hill March Trail (Aberdeenshire)

Route Summary
*** At the time of writing in Feb 2023, this route remains closed as the Forestry & Land Scotland “March Trail” has still to re-open following damage caused by the winter storms of 2021/22. As an alternative please consider our alternative route: https://themackwalks.wordpress.com/2023/02/14/197-banchory-scolty-hill-forest-road-circuit-aberdeenshire/  ***

Starting and finishing on the outskirts of Banchory, this is a short walk through mature woodland but with a moderately demanding 200 m overall ascent, mostly in the short but steep climb to the top of Scolty Hill where there are splendid wide-open views.

Duration: 2 hours