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Dunottar Castle, by Stonehaven, North East Scotland

North East Scotland

Throughout these peaceful lands there's a sense of an unruly past - a real feeling of history and drama with so many fascinating tales to tell. With its royal connections, this area has established itself as one of Scotland's leading holiday destinations. With castle, whisky and coastal trails, it's a firm favourite with visitors from all over the world.

Moderate Walks

Visitors are often surprised to discover that north-east Scotland has a gentle landscape with plenty of easy walking. In Moray and Aberdeenshire the Cairngorm mountains drop to low, rolling hills, which soon give way to undulating farmland. Scenic river valleys dissect the arable and pasture fields, and a good road network links the many towns and villages. Numerous fishing harbours dot the long coastline, which has vast stretches of dune-backed beaches and cliffs punctuated by coves.

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Cullen - Logie Head - Findlater Castle - Sandend

A walk along one of the most picturesque parts of this coast.
Distance: 6.44km/4.03miles Duration: 1 3/4 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Smithton - Balloch - Faebuie - Smithton

A forest walk near Inverness. The Forestry Commission displays information en route.
Distance: 10.47km/6.5miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Moderate Walks Daviot Circular Walk

This is a circular walk around the edges of Daviot Wood.
Distance: 7.5km/4.7miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Elgin, River Lossie and Quarry Wood

This walk combines the history of Elgin's cathedral with the scenery of River lossie.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 3 1/3 hours Height Gain: 90 metres/297 feet

Moderate Walks Findhorn Gorge

A short walk along the River Findhorn, returning through the woods.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Glen Tanar - Knockie Viewpoint and Five Bridges

This walk passes through pastoral scenery before entering a section of forestry plantations.
Distance: 8 kms/5 miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Torrieston Walk (1)

The Torrieston Walks are several short circular walks which can be joined.
Distance: 5.23km/3.3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Disabled walk Nairn Riverside Path

An easy walk along the riverside in the seaside town of Nairn.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks Cruden Bay and Bullers of Buchan

A moderate walk through Cruden Bay curving along the top of cliffs to Slains Castle.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet

Moderate Walks Cambus o' May Suspension Bridge

A short walk to the suspension bridge over the River Dee.
Distance: 0.2km/0.1 miles Duration: 1/3 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks Disabled walk Cambus o' May Forest Walks

Short circular forest tracks.
Distance: 3km/1.86 miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks River Don, Beach and Old Aberdeen

Enjoy an intriguing walk around Scotland's third city and its beach.
Distance: 10.5km/6.5 miles Duration: 1½ hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Dores - Aldourie - Dores

A short circular walk at the northern end of Loch Ness.
Distance: 4.83km/3.01miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks Elrick Hill, Aberdeenshire

Enjoy a circular walk with a splash of colour and sculpture en route.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks Dunnottar Woods and Castle

Starting in the centre of Stonehaven, this circular walk leads to Dunnottar Castle.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 70 metres/231 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Nairn - Seafront - Delnies Wood - Nairn

A walk west from Nairn, a popular seaside town on the south shore of the Moray Firth.
Distance: 9.6km/6miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 5 metres/16.5 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Lumphanan - Tullochvenus circular

This walk is in two quite different parts offering spectacular panoramic views.
Distance: 8.7km/5.4miles Duration: 2 1/4 hours Height Gain: 180 metres/594 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Disabled walk walkingworld icon The Ness Islands

A pleasant short walk if you have an hour to pass in Inverness, near the town centre.
Distance: 2.75km/1.7miles Duration: 3/4 hour 

Moderate Walks Drumtochty Forest Walk

This is a short walk through forestry woodland.
Distance: 3.22km/2miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Drumtochty Forest - Short Walk

A short forest walk following a good track offering views toward the North Sea Coast.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 190 metres/627 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Disabled walk Bennachie - Pine Walk

Walk through attractive Scots pine woodland & see sculptures hidden in the wood.
Distance: 0.52km/0.33miles Duration: 1/3 hour Height Gain: 25 metres/82.5 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Bennachie - Tree Trails walk

Explore attractive woodland which is close to the river Don.
Distance: 0.8km/0.5miles Duration: 1/4 hour Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Moderate Walks Loch Farr

A pleasant loch and forest walk in Strath Nairn, near Inverness.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks Loch Duntelchaig to Loch Ruthven

A walk through scenery a few miles from Inverness, on a plateau above Loch Ness.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks Deeside Railway Line

Before beginning the walk, it?s worth taking time to enjoy the Old Royal Station, Ballater.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks Randolph's Leap

On this walk there is lots of wildlife to watch out for including: osprey and sandpiper.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Moderate Walks Burn o' Vat

A brief walk to a gelogical feature.
Distance: 0.5/0.3 miles Duration: 1/2 hour Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon The Ord, Nairn

A popular forest walk near Nairn, on the south shore of the Moray Firth.
Distance: 5.64km/3.5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Port Elphinstone River and Canal Walk

A pleasant walk along the banks of the River Don that also passes through woodland.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 70 metres/231 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Forvie Sands to Collieston

This coastal walk starts at the River Ythan passing over sand-dunes to the seashore.
Distance: 11.75km/7.3miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Daviot Wood Walk 2

A second walk of several laid out in Daviot Wood, near Inverness.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Daviot Wood Forest Walk

A pleasant short family walk in Daviot Wood.
Distance: 4.83km/3.02miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Moderate Walks Donview - Oxen Craig - Back of Bennachie

A linear walk over varied terrain, with panoramic views of Aberdeenshire countryside.
Distance: 9.66km/6.03miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 400 metres/1320 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Culbin Forest

An introductory walk in Culbin Forest, near Nairn on the south shore of the Moray Firth.
Distance: 7km/4.4miles Duration: 2 1/4 hours

Moderate Walks Family walk River Findhorn: Dunearn Burn and Randolph's Leap

A delightful walk along the cliffs bordering one of the River Findhorn's many gorges.
Distance: 4km/2.5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660feet

Moderate Walks Family walk St. Mary's Well, Smithton

A short walk on the outskirts of Inverness.
Distance: 3.22km/2miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 75 metres/247.5 feet

Moderate Walks Portsoy - Findlater Castle Circular (with option to extend to Cullen)

A moderate 10km walk exploring Portsoy and Findlater Castle.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 4 - 5 hours Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Drummossie Muir: Tomfat Wood - Daviot Wood

This short walk starts at Tomfat Wood on the B861, five miles south of Inverness.
Distance: 4.8km/3miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Drummossie Muir - General Wade's Military Road

The walk starts at an entry to Mealmore Forest.
Distance: 11.2km/7miles Duration: 3 1/2hours Height Gain: 100metres/330feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Wildlife Walk - Gight Woods

Gight Woods are set on the steep, south-facing slopes of the Ythan river valley.
Distance: 4.8km/3miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet

Moderate Walks Disabled walk Craig Phadrig, Inverness

Two forest walks on Craig Phadrig, the prominent hill overlooking Inverness.
Distance: 3km/1.9miles Duration: 3/4 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Glenmulliach Forest Walk and Nature Trail

A walk in Glenlivet Estate (yes, you ARE thinking of the right Glenlivet), at Tomintoul, Moray.
Distance: 5.6 kms/3.5 miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet

Moderate Walks Creag Choinnich, Braemar

A short steep route up Creag Choinnich, with good views of Glen Clunie and the Cairngorms.
Distance: 3.2 kms/2 miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Moderate Walks Craigendarroch, Ballater

A variety of paths leading around the oak wood and up to the summit of Craigendarroch Hill.
Distance: 3.2 kms/2 miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Moderate Walks Ferryhill and the Bridge of Dee

From the heart of Aberdeen's centre to what was once the city's southern boundary.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours 

Moderate Walks Blackfold to Craig Dunain on the Great Glen Way

A very enjoyable part of the Great Glen Way, through old woodland with good views.
Distance: 6.44km/4.025miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Moderate Walks Cullen to Portknockie

This interesting circular walk alongside Cullen Bay takes in the surrounding beauty.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Kemnay - Fetternear - Dalmadilly - Kemnay

Starting in the village of Kemnay, this walk goes through Fetternear Estate.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Dunain Hill & Craig Phadraig, Inverness

A hilly forest walk near Inverness, beginning round the base of Dunain Hill.
Distance: 4.5km/2.8miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 240 metres/792 feet

Moderate Walks walkingworld icon Glen Dye - Clachnaben - Glen Dye

Short and steep walk to summit of Clachnaben, topped with a large granite plug.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 370 metres/1221 feet

Moderate Walks Banchory - Scolty Hill - Banchory

A popular walk for both locals & tourists alike, from Banchory to the top of Scolty Hill.
Distance: 6.44km/4.03miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 250 metres/825 feet

Moderate Walks Fochabers and Spey Bay

Enjoyable walking with fine, wide views.
Distance: 14km/8.75miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 60 metres/198 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Peterculter - Drumoak

A pleasant rural walk along a former railway line.
Distance: 8km/5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 95 metres/313.5 feet

Moderate Walks Huntly and the Banks of the River Deveron

A short walk past playing-fields, a ruined castle and a cross-country ski centre.
Distance: 4.8km/3miles Duration: 1 1/4 hours Height Gain: 15 metres/49.5 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Inverarnie Esker Trail

Opened in June 2004 this new walk near Inverness is a varied and informative.
Distance: 4.5km/2.8miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Inverness to Dochgarroch by the Caledonian Canal

The walk is through open farming countryside, after a wooded riverside start.
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Duration: 3 hours

Moderate Walks Family walk Disabled walk Wildlife Walk - Spey Bay

Spey Bay reserve is part of the largest area of coastal shingle in Scotland.
Distance: 10.4km/6.5miles Duration: 1 1/2 hours

Moderate Walks Family walk Disabled walk Torrieston Walk - 2

This is an All Abilities Trail, one of the Torrieston Walks near Elgin, Moray.
Distance: 1.6km/1mile Duration: 1/2 hour 

Moderate Walks Family walk Burghead - Hopeman Circular

This is a coastal walk between two villages on the Moray coast.
Distance: 6.44km/4.03miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 5 metres/16.5 feet

Moderate Walks Family walk Daviot Wood Walk 3

This is a circular walk at Daviot, near Inverness.
Distance: 3.5km/2.2miles Duration: 1 hour Height Gain: 90 metres/297 feet

Longer Walks

Scotland's north-east corner is an area where longer walks are possible without having to climb mountains along the way. The area bordering the Cairngorms has low hills that are covered in heather and surrounded by forests. The rolling farmland beyond stretches for miles to a sweeping coastline, which alternates between seabird cliffs and long beaches with dune complexes. Clear, swiftly running rivers run north and east through the area and their valleys provide attractive routes.

Longer Walks Banff - Bridge of Alvah circular

A walk of variety, this route starts as a walk through a mature deciduous wood.
Distance: 8.5km/5.3miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 80 metres/264 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Portsoy - Sandend Circular

A circular walk along the coast from the historic harbour at Portsoy.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Longer Walks Montrose - Kinnaber - North Esk Estuary

A pleasant walk, taking in the River North Esk, its estuary and coastland to Montrose.
Distance: 10km/6.25miles Duration: 3 1/3 hours Height Gain: 20 metres/66 feet

Longer Walks Strathdon (Bellabeg) to Lost Art Gallery

The title is not a mistake. Lost is the name of remote hamlet in Aberdeenshire.
Distance: 15 kms/9.4miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 110 metres/363 feet

Longer Walks Pannanich Woods, Ballater

A route with a steep climb up to the view point with spectacular views over the Dee Valley.
Distance: 4 kms/2.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Loch Kinord and Burn o' Vat

A walk around Loch Kinord to the Burn o' Vat and by way of the old Deeside railway line.
Distance: 11.27 kms/7 miles Duration: 2.8 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Longer Walks Family walk walkingworld icon Hopeman - Lossiemouth

This walk is along the cliffs and beaches between Hopeman and Lossiemouth.
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Longer Walks Lumphanan - Kincardine o' Neil Hill Route

An interesting walk south of the village of Lumphanan towards the Kincardine O'Neil.
Distance: 12.5km/7.8miles Duration: 3 1/3 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Longer Walks Aberdeen to Peterculter

A linear walk along the route of the old Deeside railway line.
Distance: 11km/6.9miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Nairn to Cawdor to Nairn

A walk following the River Nairn, renowned for its salmon pools.
Distance: 16km/10 miles Duration: 5 hours Height Gain: 50 metres/165 feet

Longer Walks Family walk Bennachie - The Birks walk

This walk circles Millstone Hill and allows the walker to see the whole of Bennachie.
Distance: 7.6km/4.8miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 100 metres/330 feet

Longer Walks Footdee - Seaton Park - Old Aberdeen - Footdee

A town walk combining beach, riverbank, parkland and historic buildings.
Distance: 15.5km/9.7miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Longer Walks Aboyne, Dess and Mortlich Hill

A walk with variety - passing through woodland, through farmland and heathland.
Distance: 14km/8.8miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 260 metres/858 feet

Longer Walks Three Lochs: Duntelchaig, Bunachton and Loch a Chlachain

A walk around three lochs, between Loch Ness and Strath Nairn.
Distance: 11.27km/7miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 150 metres/495 feet

Longer Walks Shooting Greens, River Dee and views of the Feugh Valley

A walk of variety, which combines forestry plantations with a peaceful rural walk.
Distance: 11.27km/7.04miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 120 metres/396 feet

Longer Walks Glen Fenzie - Lary circular

A walk through wild moorland that combines a sense of remoteness & panoramic scenery.
Distance: 11.75 kms/7.3 miles Duration: 3 hours Height Gain: 155 metres/511.5 feet

Longer Walks Glen Tanar - Dinnet Bridge - Glen Tanar

This walk goes north to the Dee Valley and has spectacular views.
Distance: 8 kms/5 miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 170 metres/561 feet

Longer Walks Culbin Forest and Findhorn Bay

A forest walk exploring the nature reserve of Culbin Forest as well as Findhorn Bay.
Distance: 13.6km/8.5 miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/100 feet

Longer Walks Drumtochty Forest - Long Walk

A long but not too taxing forest walk on good track with easy navigation.
Distance: 22km/13.75miles Duration: 6 hours Height Gain: 190 metres/627 feet

Longer Walks The Dava Way, Morayshire

A very pleasant walk on the Dava Moor between Forres and Grantown.
Distance: 36km/22.5miles Duration: 1 - 2 days Height Gain: 295 metres/ 973.5

Longer Walks Hopeman - Covesea Circular

The route explores the coastline between Hopeman and Covesea.
Distance: 13.7km/8.6miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 30 metres/99 feet

Longer Walks Aberdeen - Cults - River Dee Walk

This is a peaceful riverside walk along the banks of the River Dee in Aberdeen.
Distance: 10.5km/6.6miles Duration: 2 1/4 hours Height Gain: 10 metres/33 feet

Longer Walks walkingworld icon Banchory - Crathes Castle - Banchory

A gentle walk along a former railway line.
Distance: 15km/9.4miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 40 metres/132 feet

Longer Walks Inverbervie to Johnshaven, Coast and Country

A walk of two very contrasting parts.
Distance: 14.49km/9.05miles Duration: 4 hours Height Gain: 110 metres/363 feet

Longer Walks Mam Mor Walk

A  circular walk near Kirkhill, by Inverness.
Distance: 6km/3.75miles Duration: 2 hours Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Long Distance Routes

Long Distance Routes The Formartine and Buchan Way

This Way runs north from Aberdeen to Peterhead and Fraserburgh along an old railway.
Distance: 86km/53 miles Duration: 5 days Height Gain: 200 metres/660 feet

Long Distance Routes Nave-Nortrail - The North Sea Trail

NAVE NORTRAIL is a new long distance route currently in development.

Hill Mountain Walks

Hill Mountain Walks Family walk Essons walk to Bennachie centre

A linear walk over Millstone hill and finishing at The Bennachie Centre.
Distance: 5.6km/3.5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet

Hill Mountain Walks Mount Keen, Easternmost of Scotland's Munros

At 939 metres Mount Keen just makes it to Munro status.
Distance: 19 kms/11.9miles Duration: 5 1/2 hours Height Gain: 680 metres/2244 feet

Hill Mountain Walks Capercaillie to Back O' Bennachie

A hill walk over Bennachie and arrive at Back O' Bennachie Car Park.
Distance: 8.4km/5.25miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 368 metres/1214.4 feet

Hill Mountain Walks Sgor Buidhe, Ballater

A good climb leading up to a spectacular view of the Dee Valley and the surrounding area.
Distance: 8kms/5miles Duration: 3 1/2 hours Height Gain: 270 metres/891 feet

Hill Mountain Walks walkingworld icon Bennachie

Bennachie is the highest hill in eastern Aberdeenshire.
Distance: 6.44km/4.03miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 375 metres/1237.5 feet

Hill Mountain Walks Family walk Bennachie - Millstone Hill walk

Great views of Bennachie from this hill and surrounding countryside.
Distance: 5.6km/3.5miles Duration: 2 1/2 hours Height Gain: 300 metres/990 feet

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