Starting from Dyce in the north edge of Aberdeen (right near the airport), the Formartine and Buchan Way is an asphalt and gravel rail trail clocking in at more than 88 km. It’s a popular spot for cycling as well as running, offering bucolic scenery through the farm-filled countryside of eastern Scotland. Since most runners won’t want to take on the entirety of the trail, the best place to start is at the southern end at Union Row/the Dyce Train Station. It’s about 8 km to Newmarchar and 13 km to Udny Station, but runners can continue on much longer to Ellon, Auchnagatt, Maud, Strichen, and Fraserburgh.
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Essentials
- 13 km (8 miles)
- 109 meters
- Dyce Station
- Dyce Station
Current Weather & Forecast
Aberdeen, GB
2:21 pm,
Jun 3, 2026
light rain
14°C
L: 14°
H: 14°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
Today
10:00 pm
14° / 14°°C
1 mm
100%
13 mph
97 %
990 mb
0 mm/h
Tomorrow
10:00 pm
10° / 17°°C
1 mm
100%
11 mph
97 %
989 mb
0 mm/h
Friday
10:00 pm
11° / 13°°C
1 mm
100%
15 mph
88 %
1008 mb
0 mm/h
Saturday
10:00 pm
10° / 11°°C
0.28 mm
28%
19 mph
94 %
1008 mb
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Sunday
10:00 pm
11° / 14°°C
0.2 mm
20%
16 mph
97 %
1011 mb
0 mm/h
Today
4:00 pm
14° / 15°°C
0.83 mm
83%
12 mph
93 %
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0 mm/h
Today
7:00 pm
13° / 13°°C
1 mm
100%
13 mph
96 %
987 mb
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Today
10:00 pm
11° / 11°°C
0.34 mm
34%
6 mph
97 %
984 mb
0 mm/h
Tomorrow
1:00 am
11° / 11°°C
0.03 mm
3%
9 mph
95 %
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Tomorrow
4:00 am
11° / 11°°C
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11 mph
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Tomorrow
7:00 am
11° / 11°°C
0 mm
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11 mph
96 %
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Tomorrow
10:00 am
10° / 10°°C
1 mm
100%
8 mph
97 %
983 mb
0 mm/h
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.
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.
Some of Scotland’s most desireable beach running is just north of Aberdeen, starting from Donmouth. Run up to 16 km in one direction and return on the bus, or do an out and back of almost any length.
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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