For runners who have time to travel a bit outside the city, the beaches to the north of Aberdeen have many kilometers of firm flat sand along the scenic coastline. Aberdeen City Beach (where the Esplanade is located) is a bit more narrow and slanted, so we recommend running from Donmouth and heading north on this wider beach section. It’s about 4.5 km to Blackdog, 9 km to Balmedie Beach, and 16 km to Newburgh. The N54 bus line runs along the coast in this direction, so adventurous runners can explore the beaches on a one-way run with a return on the bus.
Visit Aberdeenshire
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Essentials
- Up to 16 km (10 miles) one way
- 29 meters
- Donmouth Local Nature Preserve, just north of Old Aberdeen
- Donmouth Road Bus Stop
Current Weather & Forecast
Aberdeen, GB
11:40 am,
Jun 3, 2026
overcast clouds
16°C
L: 16°
H: 17°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
Today
10:00 pm
15° / 21°°C
1 mm
100%
13 mph
93 %
1005 mb
0 mm/h
Tomorrow
10:00 pm
12° / 20°°C
1 mm
100%
17 mph
94 %
1004 mb
0 mm/h
Friday
10:00 pm
12° / 15°°C
1 mm
100%
15 mph
92 %
1013 mb
0 mm/h
Saturday
10:00 pm
11° / 16°°C
0.2 mm
20%
9 mph
91 %
1017 mb
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Sunday
10:00 pm
12° / 16°°C
1 mm
100%
24 mph
96 %
1018 mb
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Today
1:00 pm
21° / 21°°C
0.29 mm
29%
13 mph
68 %
1005 mb
0 mm/h
Today
4:00 pm
18° / 20°°C
1 mm
100%
7 mph
76 %
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Today
7:00 pm
18° / 19°°C
0.78 mm
78%
10 mph
83 %
1005 mb
0 mm/h
Today
10:00 pm
15° / 15°°C
0 mm
0%
10 mph
93 %
1005 mb
0 mm/h
Tomorrow
1:00 am
12° / 12°°C
0 mm
0%
9 mph
92 %
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0 mm/h
Tomorrow
4:00 am
12° / 12°°C
0 mm
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13 mph
91 %
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0 mm/h
Tomorrow
7:00 am
15° / 15°°C
0 mm
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15 mph
88 %
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Other Routes in Aberdeen, Scotland
The signature running option in Aberdeen is the Esplanade, a 3.7 km asphalt pathway stretching from the North Pier at the mouth of the River Dee to the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve.
Enjoy the paved pathways along the River Don, starting from Seaton Park. We’ve mapped a 13 km loop using the Bridge of Don and the Persley Bridge. Pro Tip: Nice daffodils in Seaton Park in spring.
Aberdeenshire Coastal Path
Aberdeen, Scotland
The Aberdeenshire Coastal Path is a gorgeous seaside trail run winding atop the bluffs between Nigg Bay and Cove Bay. Run an out and back up to 11.5 km or take the bus for a one-way.
The 3.4 km loop around the Nigg Bay Golf Club has wonderful views of the bay, lighthouse, and classic links golf course. It's nearly 10k if accessed from central Aberdeen. Can also be combined with the Aberdeenshire Coastal Path.
Historic 180 ha park known of its manicured English gardens, and famous for daffodils & snow drops in spring. Our 6.3 km loop uses Hazlehead Ave and Groats Road, and some additional pathways & woodland trails.
In the corridor of a former railway, the Formartine and Buchan Way is a mostly gravel path stretching more than 88 km north from Dyce. It’s 13 km between Dyce and Udny Station.
The Deeside Way is a paved long distance path along the “Old Deeside Way” rail line from Aberdeen all the way out to Ballater. Our guide includes a 17 km straightaway and a 6.6 km loop. Famous for daffodils and snowdrops in spring.
Find great trail running at Kirkhill Forest, Tyrebagger Hill, and Elrick County Park in the northeast of the city. We’ve included an 11 km “lollipop” through Kirkhill.
It’s not a long route, but the wide gravel path around Kincorth Hill is worthwhile for its great views of the Aberdeen skyline. Run some gentle hill repeats on the 2 km route.
Run the spectacular grounds of the royal family's summer home! Options include the grounds and paths of the Balmoral Estate, Ballochbuie Forest, a loop around Loch Muick, and numerous other area trails. Balmoral is famous for daffodils in spring.
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