Summer Walks Near Grandhome

With the summer months comes longer nights and warmer weather, so why not explore the wonders that await in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire? Whether you are looking for exciting new trails, or fancy a stroll on the beach, read on to find our top five favourite local walks so you can get out and about to enjoy the weather this summer.

River Don Heritage Trail 

Just 1 mile from Grandhome you can find the River Don Heritage Trail, where you can discover the rich Aberdonian history as you stroll along the River Don’s beautiful waterside scenery. 

As you take in the sights, you can explore the relics of Aberdeen’s industrial past while understanding the river’s continuing important role in the city. The River Don has been used as a power source to drive processes and machines for hundreds of years, and whilst all textile mills are now closed, there is machinery and building along the trail which stand testament to this fine part of the city’s history. 

Get your cameras ready for any Scottish wildlife you might spot while there, including otters, foxes, herons and ospreys.

Scotstown Moor Local Nature Reserve

Slightly over 1.4 miles from Grandhome is the Scotstown Moor Local Nature reserve where you can find a calming countryside walk; perfect for the summer evenings. This nice easy walk has wide, surfaced paths and while there are some slopes, there are no steep hills.

Made up of various habitats including woodland, grassland, heathland and open water, Scotstown Moor hosts several different types of wildlife including the short-eared owl as well as even roe deer. Also, see if you can spot any dragonflies which can been seen around the ponds at both ends of the reserve, and along the path close by.

Hazlehead and Duthie Park 

Duthie Park and Hazlehead Park have so much to offer, no matter your age.

Duthie Park spans 44 acres and is loved by locals and visitors alike, with charmingly restored Victorian features such as the bandstand, fountain, boating ponds, and Japanese Garden. There are also two play parks for all the family, not to mention The David Welch Winter Gardens, home to the popular botanical gardens.

Hazlehead Park is renowned for its formal gardens, including two rose gardens. These include the Queen Mother’s Rose Garden and the North Sea Memorial Rose Garden. The new Rainbow Garden is also open for those who prefer a quiet walk. For families, Hazlehead offers a great range of family-friendly features, including playparks, a maze, a petting zoo and year-round events such as the Aberdeen Highland Games.

Both parks have delicious cafes where you can enjoy a refreshing lunch followed by some ice cream!

Donmouth Local Nature Reserve

Known for its variety of wildlife including waterfowl and seals, Donmouth Local Nature Reserve is a riverside nature preserve that is perfect for a tranquil summer evening walk where the River Don meets the sea. Located in the historic Old Aberdeen part of the city, Donmouth Local Nature Reserve is only a quick 15 minute (2.8 miles) bicycle ride from Grandhome.

Once you are there, park up your bikes in the cycle racks and enjoy the sandy open space to enjoy the summer evening breeze. Remember your cameras and tuck yourself away into the bird hide which acts as an excellent shelter from which you can watch the wildlife.

Dunnottar Castle 

Aberdeenshire is unsurprisingly known as ‘Scotland’s Castle Country’ with more castles per acre than elsewhere in the UK. Of over 260 castles, stately homes and ruins dotting across its landscape, Dunnottar Castle is one of the most impressive of them all. Ranked second in the top five best castles in the UK in October, the ancient coastal site in Stonehaven does have it all. You might even be lucky enough to hear the regular piper playing at the top of the hill to help soak up the rich Scottish history the site offers.

Perched atop a 160-foot rock and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over: and its right on your doorstep! Only a 32-minute drive, you can experience the historic ruins while clocking up your steps and taking in the fresh sea air. After all that exploring, you can treat yourself and the family to fish and chips from nearby award-winning fish & chip shop, The Bay.

Bennachie

Are you looking for more of a challenge? On the eastern edge of the Grampian mountain range, Bennachie is one of North-east Scotland’s most recognisable landmarks with multiple peaks to choose from. From the highest summit of Oxen Craig at 528 metres to the most popular Mither Tap, Bennachie has a great mix of woodland, moorland, path and stream junctions, perfect for every adventure requirement. Keep a lookout for fascinating wildlife such as red squirrels and roe deer, and remember your camera to capture the stunning views at the top.

Depending on where your journey takes you, you could spend 2 hours to a weekend exploring the peaks in the Aberdeenshire countryside. Remember to take good walking shoes, water, and sun cream!

Bennachie is only 35 mins in the car from Grandhome and is guaranteed to tire the little ones out – maybe even the adults too!

Balmedie Beach 

It’s not summer without a beach! Only 15 mins by car, Balmedie Beach is a sight to behold. Made up of beach, dunes, heathland and wooded areas, Balmedie Beach is the perfect place for locals and visitors alike, including walkers, dog owners, horse riders and runners who enjoy the flat sand beach and dunes. 

The infamous dunes form part of a 15-mile dune system stretching from Monmouth Local Nature Reserve to the Forvie National Nature Reserve at Newburgh. 

Balmedie Beach is also the home of Balmedie Beach Wheelchairs, an innovative project allowing people with disabilities, their families, and carers to access the beach.

Love the Outdoors? 

Grandhome is a new community in Bridge of Don, Aberdeen, investing in landscaping with more than twice the green space required by planning, making it the perfect place to live if you love the outdoors. Discover new build homes for sale in Grandhome here.