Loch Muick and the Balmoral Estate are fantastic spots for a run in the Ballater area, a 90-minute drive from Aberdeen. Balmoral Castle is the summer home of the royal family, and its grounds are both gorgeous and permissible for running. The Ballater area itself is popular for its walking and hiking trails, and as a gateway to Lochnagar.
Loch Muick. Creative Commons: Stephen Sweeney
Loch Muick Loop: 7.2 mile (11.5 km), 643mn gain. A gorgeous loop around the lake, with views of the water and surrounding hills. Path is fairly level and easy footing. Includes the impressive Glas-allt Shiel house built by Queen Victoria. Start at the Spittal of Glen Muick Car Park.
Balmoral Estate. Many running options here, from beautifully landscaped gardens to more rugged, wooded paths. Best to pick up a map when visiting. Popular ‘walks’ that are also good for a run include Albert’s Pyramid, and the Cairns of Balmoral (which commemorate members of the British royal family and events in their lives). Note: there might be some restrictions when the royal family is in residence. PRO TIP: Famous for daffodils in spring. MAP OF GROUNDS
Ballochbuie Forest. Wonderful wooded area for running. Part of the Balmoral Estate, located 5 miles southwest of Balmoral Castle. Terrific trails for running, featuring one of the most significant remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.
Deeside Way. The Ballater end of the Deeside Way, which runs all the way from Aberdeen.
Loch Muick and the Balmoral Estate are fantastic spots for a run in the Ballater area, a 90-minute drive from Aberdeen. Balmoral Castle is the summer home of the royal family, and its grounds are both gorgeous and permissible for running. The Ballater area itself is popular for its walking and hiking trails, and as a gateway to Lochnagar.
Loch Muick. Creative Commons: Stephen Sweeney
Loch Muick Loop: 7.2 mile (11.5 km), 643mn gain. A gorgeous loop around the lake, with views of the water and surrounding hills. Path is fairly level and easy footing. Includes the impressive Glas-allt Shiel house built by Queen Victoria. Start at the Spittal of Glen Muick Car Park.
Balmoral Estate. Many running options here, from beautifully landscaped gardens to more rugged, wooded paths. Best to pick up a map when visiting. Popular ‘walks’ that are also good for a run include Albert’s Pyramid, and the Cairns of Balmoral (which commemorate members of the British royal family and events in their lives). Note: there might be some restrictions when the royal family is in residence. PRO TIP: Famous for daffodils in spring. MAP OF GROUNDS
Ballochbuie Forest. Wonderful wooded area for running. Part of the Balmoral Estate, located 5 miles southwest of Balmoral Castle. Terrific trails for running, featuring one of the most significant remnants of the ancient Caledonian Pine Forest.
Deeside Way. The Ballater end of the Deeside Way, which runs all the way from Aberdeen.
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.
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.
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.
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