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United Kingdom
Scotland
Aberdeenshire

Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

The best walks and hikes around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

4.5

(28)

309

hikers

34

hikes

Hiking trails around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes offer a variety of landscapes, characterized by coastal paths, open countryside, and wooded areas. The region features gentle elevation changes, making many routes accessible for various fitness levels. Trails often lead through agricultural land and along the North Sea coastline, providing views of the Aberdeenshire environment.

Best hiking trails around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

  • The most popular hiking route is White Cow Wood loop from North Auchmachar, a 3.0 miles (4.9 km) trail that takes 1 hour 17 minutes to complete. This easy route features a mix of woodland and open fields.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Drinnie Woods Picnic Area – Pitfour Lake loop from Fetterangus, a moderate 4.9 miles (7.9 km) path. This trail explores wooded areas and passes by Pitfour Lake.
  • Local hikers also love the Rattray Head Lighthouse loop from Loch of Strathbeg, a 2.9 miles (4.7 km) trail leading through coastal landscapes, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
  • Hiking around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes is defined by coastal paths, open farmland, and small woodlands. The network offers options for different ability levels, with a focus on easy to moderate routes.
  • The routes in Rathen, Memsie And Cortes are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from more than 20 reviews. More than 300 hikers have used komoot to explore Rathen, Memsie And Cortes's varied terrain.

Last updated: July 22, 2026

5.0

(1)

23

hikers

#1.

White Cow Wood loop from North Auchmachar

4.87km

01:17

40m

40m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

(1)

10

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Popular around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

Cycling around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

Road Cycling Routes around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

MTB Trails around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

Running Trails around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

Tips from the Community

Iris K
July 5, 2026, Drinnie's Wood Observatory

Drinne Tower can be accessed May to September. The forest to the east has been harvested, opening the view towards Mintlaw, Peterhead and Fraserburgh.

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Always windy, no toilet in the carpark.

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Great view, Good coffee stop and a spot to watch the surfers.

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Fraserburgh boasts an award-winning beach that extends for miles, bordered by golden sand dunes, positioned at the confluence of the Moray Firth and the North Sea. The waters adjacent to Fraserburgh's beach are ideal for watersports, making it a great spot for surfing and paddleboarding.

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Andrew
August 27, 2023, Pitfour Lake

The lake makes a great loop to run, and is often filled with wildlife. A whole loop is about 1km. There is plenty of parking in Mintlaw. The bridge here makes a good picture.

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51m
February 21, 2023, Fraserburgh Beach

A wide stretch of sandy beach from Fraserburgh east to Cairnbulg Point. It's a great place to see oystercatchers and other sea birds.

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The observatory tower was built in 1845 to provide a raised platform to observe the estate. In 1993 the local council bought the tower and began restoration. It's now structurally sound and occasionally open to the public. It makes a good target if running around Pitfour lake and up into the woods from Mintlaw.

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The observatory tower was built in 1845 to provide a raised platform to observe the estate. In 1993 the local council bought the tower and began restoration. It's now structurally sound and occasionally open to the public.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many hiking trails are available in Rathen, Memsie And Cortes?

There are over 30 hiking trails in the Rathen, Memsie And Cortes area, offering a variety of experiences from coastal paths to inland woodlands. Komoot lists 34 routes in total for the region.

Are there any easy or family-friendly walks in the area?

Yes, the region is well-suited for easy and family-friendly walks. Many routes feature gentle elevation changes. For example, the White Cow Wood loop from North Auchmachar is an easy 3-mile trail through woodland and open fields, perfect for a relaxed outing.

What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while hiking here?

Hiking around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes offers diverse landscapes, including scenic coastal paths, open farmland, and peaceful wooded areas. You'll find routes that lead along the North Sea coastline and through agricultural land, providing a good mix of Aberdeenshire's natural environment.

Are there any circular walks available?

Yes, many of the trails in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Drinnie Woods Picnic Area – Pitfour Lake loop from Fetterangus, which explores wooded areas and passes by Pitfour Lake.

What do other hikers enjoy most about the trails in Rathen, Memsie And Cortes?

The trails in Rathen, Memsie And Cortes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 20 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, from coastal views to quiet woodlands, and the accessibility of many routes for different fitness levels.

Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the routes?

Yes, you can discover several interesting landmarks and natural features. Highlights include the Fraserburgh Beach, the historic Pitfour Bath House (Temple of Theseus), and the Loch of Strathbeg Nature Reserve. The Rattray Head Lighthouse loop from Loch of Strathbeg offers coastal views and passes near the nature reserve.

Are there any challenging hikes in this region?

The hiking trails around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes are generally considered easy to moderate. While there are no routes classified as 'difficult' in the komoot guide, some moderate trails like the Fraserburgh Beach loop from Fraserburgh offer longer distances for a more extended outing.

Are the trails suitable for dogs?

Many trails in the Rathen, Memsie And Cortes area are suitable for dogs, especially those through open countryside and woodlands. However, always be mindful of livestock in agricultural areas and keep dogs on a lead where necessary. Check local signage for specific restrictions.

Is there parking available near the trailheads?

Yes, parking is generally available near many of the trailheads. For instance, the Drinnie Woods Picnic Area is a known spot with parking facilities, serving as a starting point for the Drinnie Woods loop.

Can I reach the hiking areas by public transport?

While some larger towns in Aberdeenshire are served by public transport, access to specific trailheads in more rural areas like Rathen, Memsie, and Cortes might be limited. It's advisable to check local bus schedules or consider driving for direct access to many of the hiking routes.

Are there any good viewpoints on the hikes?

Yes, several trails offer excellent viewpoints. For example, the Drinnie's Wood Observatory provides a specific spot for panoramic views, and the Waughton Hill Summit offers elevated perspectives over the surrounding landscape.

What is the best time of year to hike in this region?

The best time to hike in Rathen, Memsie And Cortes is generally during the spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) when the weather is milder and daylight hours are longer. Coastal paths can be enjoyed year-round, but be prepared for potentially strong winds and changeable weather conditions.

Most popular routes around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes

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