Walks in Aberdeenshire

Aberdeenshire has something for everyone when it comes to walks. From a stunning coastline with picturesque fishing villages, and country paths along rich farmland at the foothills of the mighty Cairngorms, there’s lots to discover. Thainstone House is ideally located in the heart of the Aberdeenshire countryside making it easy to navigate between city strolls, beach walks and mountain hikes. After a day of adventure, return to the roaring fires and warm hospitality to round off your perfect day in Aberdeenshire. 

Here are our top picks and tips for walks in and around Inverurie.

Bennachie

There are multiple walks available in the Bennachie range plus a visitor centre. Here you can learn the stories of the people who lived and worked on the hills, the wildlife that still roams and the ancient history of giants and battles that took place here. You can enjoy panoramic views of Aberdeenshire at the summits, stretching out to Lochnagar.

The Complete Bennachie.

This walk will talk most of the day so we advise taking a picnic and snacks which our chefs can prepare for you. Located just a short 15-minute drive to the starting point at Rowantree, the walk is signposted and on good walking paths, although there can be muddy sections after rain. You will begin by walking along the Maiden’s Causeway where legend has it a local girl made a bet with the Devil that she could bake a batch of oatcakes before he could build a road up Bennachie. This is a more strenuous walk which takes you to multiple summits in the Bennachie range.16.75km taking 6 to 7 hours.

Mither Tap

This walk will lead you up the Maiden’s Causeway to a Pictish hill fort. Approximately 2,000 years ago the Picts constructed the fort on Mither Tap and fought the Romans here (around AD 83) The walk is steep and uneven in places. A 6km walk takes 2-3 hours.

Colony Trail

A short, gentle walk through woodland which starts and finishes at the Bennachie Visitor Centre. The walk will take you past the Bennachie Colonies, remains of crofter's homes from the 19th century. There is an app which can be downloaded in advance (Digital Bennachie) which tells stories of rural life on Bennachie and has digital reconstructions of the houses. This walk is around 4km and takes 1.5 hours. 

Kemnay - Fetternear - Cot Town Circular

Situated on the outskirts of the nearby Kemnay, this is an easy walk through woods and farmland. The area is rich in history with strong links to mediaeval Aberdeen. You will walk past the ruins of Fetternear House (signposted as Bishop’s Palace as the lands were once owned by the Bishops of Aberdeen and the original building was built in 1226 by Bishop Ramsay of Aberdeen). 7km taking 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours.

Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour

Discover Aberdeen’s history with this free walking tour. Beginning at the Mercat Cross in Castlegate, this tour will take you around the old parts of the city where you will learn about the city’s colour characters of the past. For more information on this and other walks, visit www.scotfreetours.com.

Munro Bagging

For those looking to bag a Munro in the area, there are many mountains to choose from. Read our blog on Munros near Aberdeen to find out more: https://www.crerarhotels.com/blog/archive/munros-near-aberdeen/

After your day of exploring the area and uncovering the local history, there’s no better place to return to for a hot brew or a cold beer than Stockman’s Bar. Succumb to the ambient setting as you unwind and re-energise with prime cuts of Aberdeenshire steak. When the Scottish sun has set in hues of orange and the stars blink to life above our hotel, retire to your cosy room for a restful night of sleep, ready to do it all over again the next day.