Be One with Nature this Autumn…
23 August 2016
Autumn is the perfect time to enjoy the great outdoors in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The changing of the leaves and the morning dew make for the ideal setting to enjoy some of what the Aberdeenshire countryside has to offer.
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire are home to a number of beautiful walking paths, castle grounds and country estates, perfect for a weekend away this autumn. If escaping the hustle and bustle of city living, enjoying the fresh air with the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet through the day; and relaxing by a roaring fire through the night sounds like your cup of tea (or dram of whisky if you’re from round here) then our region is perfect for you.
Mar Lodge Estate
Mar Lodge Estate is recognised as one of the most important nature conservation landscapes in the British Isles; over 40% of the estate is covered by national and international nature conservation designations. Mar Lodge Estate occupies nearly 7% of the Cairngorms National Park, covering 29,380 hectares of some of the most remote and scenic wild land in Scotland. The beautiful ancient pine woods are home to red squirrels and pine marten.
Dunnottar Woods
Dunnottar is a wonderful woodland for all the family to enjoy with wildlife, a rich diversity of wild flowers, and many historical features such as Lady Kennedy's Bath, an ice house and the Shell House.
Loch Muick
Just south of Braemar lies the freshwater loch, Loch Muick (pronounced "Mick" locally). Surrounded by hills, the Loch stretches roughly 2.25 miles wide, with breath-taking views. The walk is mostly flat, with access to a path, however the walk is long.
Fish Dee
The River Dee is internationally famous for its salmon fishing, especially for its multi-sea winter spring salmon, with anglers coming from all over the world to fish. It has historically been thought of as the top spring Atlantic Salmon river in the world (Feb-May).
Glen Tanar Estate
The Glen Tanar Visitor Centre features car parking and visitor facilities, including a permanent exhibition explaining the history, management and wildlife of the Estate. Start here and follow the marked routes that go through the Estate. You can also use these routes for cycling or head higher up on the hills for mountain biking. If you are feeling energetic then why not try the 14 mile round trip up Mount Keen which is the most easterly Munro (hills over 3000 feet in Scotland).
Cairngorm Lodges
Cairngorm lodges are just 5 luxury eco-lodges located in a Scots pine forest. Guests can choose to stay in a lodge overlooking a beautiful loch or in one deep in the forest in total seclusion. Enjoy peace and tranquillity and the freedom to explore a Scottish Highland Estate. Your only visitors will be the red squirrels and roe deer who roam in the forest.
Bennachie
Bennachie is one of the better known hills in the Aberdeenshire region. It can be approached in a variety of ways from the slightly easier route from the Bennachie Visitor Centre or the longer route from the Maiden’s Causeway Path.