Gentle Walks
There is a whole selection of signposted trails and extensive path networks, including, for example, Moray's Culbin, Roseisle and Speymouth forests, where, in the shelter of tall trees, there are particularly attractive off-season opportunities for gentle exercise (and great birdwatching and mushroom hunting as well!). Coastal walking is definitely another speciality, with miles of spectacular cliff and sandy beach to explore - the glorious miles of sands around Lossiemouth, or Sandend to Cullen on the Moray Firth, Fraserburgh beach, or Balmedie Country Park are a few popular choices from a long list.

Getting to know the fields and woods of the farming country of Aberdeenshire is best done by way of the Formartine and Buchan Way, using the old trackbed of the former Great North of Scotland Railway. Here the gentlest of gradients take the walker by way of a variety of rural communities and peaceful places.

Old Aberdeen and The Beach

This walk has so much of interest along its route that it could easily take you half a day to complete. Old and new combine to leave you with a fine impression of the Granite City.

Walk along Broad Street north into Gallowgate, with Marischal College on the right. Continue past Aberdeen College to the roundabout. Cross the road and keep right until you reach Mounthooly. Walk down this road for a short distance, cross and go left into King's Crescent.

Walk through College Bounds, the road now cobbled. King's College Chapel is on your right, dominated by the lovely crown tower. Continue into High Street, with narrow wynds to each side. At the head of the street is the Town House, with the burgh coat of arms dated 1721 over the doorway, and the restored Mercat Cross in front of it.

Take care when crossing St Machar Drive and continue into the Chanonry, the heart of Old Aberdeen, passing the 11-acre Cruickshank Botanical Garden on the left - well worth a visit if you have the time. You soon see on the right the imposing grandeur of the twin-towered St Machar's Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century. It is a fine example of a fortified church, and it is worth taking the time to go inside to see the impressive heraldic ceiling.

At the north end of Chanonry, where the road swings left to become Tillydrone Road, go ahead, into Seaton Park, and walk downhill. Then go right to take the footpath beside the River Don. The path rises on the bank to look down on the river as it swings into the Balgownie gorge. At the end of the very pleasant walk through the park, exit to a road and walk downhill to the old Brig o' Balgownie, built in the 14th century.

Just before the Brig take the riverside path that leads along to the main Bridge of Don.

If you wish to shorten your walk, you can get directly back to the city centre and the station by taking one of the frequent buses from here. For the full walk, cross the road (with care!) and follow the river to Aberdeen Bay. Turn right and start the long, invigorating walk along the Esplanade, with the beach to your left.

Once an extremely popular area at weekends and holiday time, it is now being revitalised and there is plenty to see, including seabirds and boats. Partway along, if you look right you can see Pittodrie Stadium, home of Aberdeen Football Club.

Further along you come to the Beach Ballroom, Ice Arena and Leisure Centre, where you can stop for refreshments. Continue past a roundabout, and at the next junction, just before the famous Codona's Amusement Park, turn right into Beach Boulevard. At the roundabout, cross into Justice Street, continue past the Mercat Cross and so back to the start point.

For further information and for other walks in Scotland's Castle and Whisky Country visit www.walkingwild.com