With the recent re-opening of Tyrebagger and Countesswells we wanted to showcase some of the wonderful walking trails around Aberdeen city and shire.
Whether you are local to the area, or just passing through, these are great places to stretch your legs and enjoy a nice forest walk.
Tyrebagger
Family-friendly trails on the edge of Aberdeen.
With wide trails suitable for young families and some truly impressive trees, Tyrebagger is a great place to glimpse red squirrels as you enjoy your walk.
Closed for the past three years due to subsequent storm damage, this forest is back open with 900 metres of new path. The two popular trails, Beech Tree Trail and The Robbers’ Trail are still there, but you will notice some clear felling to clear away the storm damaged trees.
Take the red Robbers’ Trail along the southern edge of the forest, look out for the Robber’s Cave. Legend has it that it was once a hideaway for 17th century brigands, or it could just be the remains of an old iron mine.
Its Doric name means ‘mossy farm’ and old farm walls still stand amongst the trees. The peaceful alternative to its busier neighbour Countesswells, this forest has two lovely walks for you to enjoy.
The short blue Warblers Trail takes you through a new native woodland created after we felled a large area impacted by storm damage. Make sure to keep an eye out for warblers flitting around the young trees. The longer red Ladyhill Trail takes you through a lovely beech woodland that has trees over 150 years old and planted just 10 years after the railway was built in Aberdeen.
Wide forest paths with views over Aberdeen city and shire.
Don’t let the newly felled area turn you away. This wonderful forest is undergoing restoration with recently planted oaks, rowans, hawthorns, and lime trees. While the longer red trail is still home to mature Scots pine and planted broadleaves.
With wide trails with gentle views over farmland, you can spend a few hours wondering around these peaceful woods that offer stunning views over Aberdeen city and shire.
Lively community wood in the grounds of Dunnottar House.
This vibrant forest is wonderful for wildflowers and a great place to learn about the area's history. The 3.4 km History Trail takes you through the woodlands around Dunnottar House and past the well-known Shell House.
The woods sit on the south side of Stonehaven. You can access the woods from town.
Classic Deeside scenery of pine, heather, and blaeberry.
With tranquil pine trees to picture-perfect lochans and glacial formed landmarks, Cambus o’May is a Deeside treasure you’ll sure to visit again and again.
Start at the blue Lochside Trail, which goes along an esker, which is a ridge left behind by a huge receding glacier. Or explore the longer Two Lochans Trail which takes you beneath majestic Douglas firs to a pair of lochans nestled amid the pines. Looking for something longer? The yellow Pine Tree Trail takes you on a longer tour of the pine forest which is home to a range of wildlife.
