The best walks and hikes in Aberdeenshire

Embark on the Balmoral Cairns loop, a moderate hike that guides you through the varied landscapes of Cairngorms National Park. You will discover lush pine forests and open moorlands, enjoying superb views over Deeside and Balmoral Castle. This route covers 7.0 miles (11.3 km) with an elevation gain of 960 feet (292 metres), typically taking around 3 hours and 17 minutes to complete.

To begin your journey, head to the car park at Crathie, where you will cross a suspension bridge over the River Dee. It is important to note that the full Balmoral Cairns walk may be closed or not recommended when the Royal Family is in residence, which usually occurs during August and September. Plan your visit outside these times to avoid any disappointment.

This trail offers a unique blend of natural beauty and royal history, making it a notable choice in the region. A highlight is the collection of historical stone cairns, including the striking Prince Albert's Cairn, also known as the Balmoral Pyramid, which provides panoramic vistas. You will also catch glimpses of Lochnagar as you traverse gentle hills and woodlands.

Embark on a moderate hiking adventure through the Cairngorms National Park, bagging multiple Munros on this 7.9-mile (12.7 km) loop. You will gain 1594 feet (486 metres) in elevation, typically completing the route in about 3 hours and 59 minutes. Starting near the Glenshee Ski Centre, the trail quickly transitions from developed areas to the wild, open mountain environment. From summits like Càrn Aosda, you are treated to continuous, sweeping views across the southern Highlands on a clear day.

For your convenience, the Glenshee Ski Centre provides essential amenities including parking, toilets, and a cafe right at the trailhead. It is highly recommended to undertake this hike on a day with fine weather to make the most of the stunning vistas. If you plan to visit during winter, be aware that conditions can be very challenging, requiring an ice-axe, crampons, and the necessary experience to use them safely.

This route offers a distinct experience by blending the presence of ski infrastructure with the raw beauty of the Scottish mountains. It provides an accessible way to reach high altitudes and experience the remote feel of peaks like Càrn a' Gheòidh. The opportunity to traverse ridges and summit multiple Munros makes this a notable and rewarding journey within the Cairngorms.

Embark on a moderate hike through the Balmoral Cairns loop from Crathie, a 6.2-mile (10.0 km) route that takes approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes to complete, with an elevation gain of 788 feet (240 metres). You will wander through atmospheric forests and across varied woodland terrain, enjoying both stone and grass paths. As you ascend, you'll be treated to superb views of Balmoral Castle, the Dee Valley, and the wider Royal Deeside, with distant glimpses of Lochnagar from certain points. The changing scenery, from lush pine forests to open moorlands, makes for a diverse and engaging walk. You will also encounter some uphill sections, but the paths are generally well-marked. You can expect a serene walking environment throughout your journey.

To begin your adventure, you will cross the River Dee via a suspension bridge from Crathie, which leads you towards Easter Balmoral. The route includes sections of metalled road near Easter Balmoral, ensuring accessible paths for most of the journey. You will also pass by Crathie Kirk, the Royal Family's place of worship when they are in residence at Balmoral, and the historic Balmoral Bridge. This trail is a fantastic choice if you are interested in exploring woodlands and learning about British monarchy.

This trail is most notable for its deep historical connection to the British Royal Family, featuring a series of stone cairns. Many of these were constructed by Queen Victoria to commemorate significant life events of various royal family members. The most prominent is the striking granite pyramid dedicated to Prince Albert, Queen Victoria's beloved husband, which offers panoramic views from its elevated position. Other cairns celebrate royal marriages and important occasions, creating a unique

Embark on the Round Loch Muick Trail for a moderate hike through the stunning Cairngorms National Park. This circular route spans 7.4 miles (11.9 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 309 feet (94 metres), taking you about 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. As you walk, you will experience diverse Highland scenery, with excellent views of Loch Muick itself, nestled in a deep glacial valley. Keep an eye out for sandy beaches at the far end of the loch, offering fantastic vistas back down its length.

When planning your visit, be aware that the trail is located within the Balmoral Castle Estate. While generally accessible, parts of the track can hold snow for extended periods in winter. It is advisable to avoid attempting the full circuit during this season to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Always check local conditions before you head out.

This route offers more than just beautiful views; the surrounding hills, including the prominent Broad Cairn, provide a dramatic backdrop to your journey. You might even spot red deer roaming in the moorland and woodland areas. For an added treat, you can make a short detour to see impressive waterfalls near Glas-allt Shiel house, adding another memorable highlight to your adventure around the loch.

Embark on a difficult hiking adventure through the dramatic landscapes of Cairngorms National Park. This challenging loop covers 14.9 miles (23.9 km) and involves a significant 2818 feet (859 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking 7 hours and 28 minutes to complete. You will encounter diverse terrain, from good paths near the start to rougher, steeper sections as you ascend towards Glasallt Falls and Lochnagar. The route features exposed moorland, bouldery ground, and the impressive 160-foot (50 m) Glasallt Falls. As you climb Meikle Pap, you will be rewarded with views of Lochnagar's grand granite corrie and the dark loch below.

To begin your hike, head to the Spittal of Glenmuick, which serves as the starting point for this loop. Here, you will find practical amenities including a visitor center and toilets, making for a convenient start to your day. While on the trail, you might also come across the bothy at Gelder Shiel, which offers potential shelter if needed. Remember that this is a demanding route, so ensure you have very good fitness and sturdy footwear for the varied conditions.

This trail is notable for including Lochnagar, one of Scotland's celebrated Munro summits, famously described by Lord Byron for its wild and majestic crags. Meikle Pap, though not a Munro, offers exceptional views and is considered a grand little summit in its own right. The entire route lies within the historic Balmoral Estate, a region rich in natural beauty. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; the area is a reserve where you might spot eagles, ptarmigan, otters, mountain hares, and red squirrels.

Embark on the Morrone & Carn na Drochaide loop from Braemar, a moderate hike spanning 9.8 miles (15.7 km) with an elevation gain of 1841 feet (561 metres). This rewarding route, typically completed in around 4 hours and 53 minutes, offers diverse terrain from good paths to heather-clad slopes. As you ascend, you'll pass through attractive birch woodlands and the Morrone Birkwood, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, before reaching the flat, gravel summit of Morrone with its radio mast. From here, you can enjoy magnificent 360-degree views of the southern Cairngorms, Grampian hills, and the picturesque village of Braemar, with prominent peaks like Ben Avon and Lochnagar visible on a clear day. The return leg often includes a pleasant riverside stretch, providing a gentle end to your journey.

This accessible loop starts directly from Braemar village, making it convenient for hikers with parking and public transport options available. While generally suitable for most skill levels, the trail does include some steep ascents, particularly to Morrone, so good fitness and sure-footedness are recommended. Be aware that after significant rainfall, some sections of the Morrone Walk can become quite muddy. If you plan to hike in winter, be prepared for potentially challenging conditions, as an ice axe and crampons may be necessary for safe passage.

The Morrone & Carn na Drochaide loop is a popular choice for those seeking a full day out in the hills without extreme difficulty, offering a high reward in terms of stunning scenery for a moderate effort. The trail's varied landscape and panoramic vistas make it a notable experience within the Cairngorms National Park. Keep an eye out for wildlife, especially stags, which are often spotted in the late afternoon, adding an extra highlight to your adventure in this beautiful Scottish landscape.

Embark on the Lion's Face and Cromlins Trail, a moderate hiking route that guides you through varied landscapes in the Cairngorms. This 4.3-mile (7.0 km) journey involves an elevation gain of 883 feet (269 metres) and typically takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. As you hike, you will pass through picturesque pinewoods and open fields, eventually reaching the distinctive Lion's Face Crag, which offers superb panoramic views across the Dee Valley and Braemar.

When planning your visit, be aware that the trail features a mix of surfaces, including waymarked footpaths and rougher hill paths. These sections can become muddy, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is highly recommended to navigate potentially wet conditions and exposed tree roots. Parking is generally available near the start point in Braemar, making access straightforward for most visitors.

This circular route is nestled within the expansive Cairngorms National Park, providing a true immersion in the Scottish Highlands. If you are looking to extend your adventure, you can easily connect to the Creag Chòinnich Summit from this trail, which promises even more sweeping vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

This easy 3.8-mile (6.2 km) loop near Braemar offers a diverse hiking experience through ancient pine forests and open moorland, with sweeping views of the Cairngorms National Park. You will gain about 615 feet (188 metres) in elevation, taking around 1 hour and 49 minutes to complete. The trail features woodland paths and some rougher hill sections, but rewards you with magnificent vistas of the upper Dee valley, Braemar village, and the distinctive Lion's Face rock crag.

While considered an easy to moderate hike, some parts can be wet and slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is advised. This loop is ideal if you are looking for a half-day walk and is popular with runners, mountain bikers, and dog walkers. The area around Braemar also provides various paths for different fitness levels, from gentle strolls to more strenuous climbs.

Discover a route rich in history, including the

This moderate 5.7-mile (9.1 km) loop from Stonehaven offers a diverse hiking experience, taking about 2 hours and 28 minutes to complete with 427 feet (130 metres) of elevation gain. You will start and end at the picturesque Stonehaven harbour, moving through mature broadleaf woodland and country lanes. The route then leads to a dramatic cliff-top path, providing views of the rugged coastline and the iconic Dunottar Castle perched on its rocky headland.

As you hike, you will encounter varied terrain, including paved sections, well-maintained woodland paths, and gravel surfaces. Some parts can be steep, especially when wet, so be sure-footed. The trail is not suitable for off-road mobility scooters due to narrow paths on steep lateral slopes and potential fallen trees in the woodland sections.

The highlight of this trail is Dunottar Castle, a ruined medieval fortress with a rich history, famous for hiding the Scottish Crown Jewels. Its strategic location on a headland, surrounded by 160-foot cliffs, makes it a dramatic sight. Beyond the castle, you can also see the unique Stonehaven War Memorial and the quirky Shell House in the woods, adding to the route's character.