Top outdoor adventures in Aberdeenshire for snowy walks, wildlife, and stargazing
5 December 2024
With winter in full swing, now is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors and experience the unique beauty of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. As temperatures drop, our rugged Scottish landscapes take on a new charm, and the winter skies put on dazzling displays—perfect for stargazers and Northern Lights seekers.
Let’s dive in to a range of outdoor activities and locations you can visit across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire this winter:
Walking Wonders of Aberdeenshire
Calling all walking enthusiasts! Whether you’re exploring ancient woodlands, trekking heathery moors, or searching for the best view, Aberdeenshire has you covered.
Haddo House
Explore the scenic grounds of Haddo House this winter. With frosty mornings and clear, brisk days, the estate offers a perfect walking sanctuary. Designed in 1732 by William Adam, this elegant Georgian-style Scottish home provides a lavish garden terrace and miles of walking paths in its country park. Covering almost 240 acres of woodland, grassland, parkland, and water, Haddo House Country Park is ideal for the entire family, with around four miles of wheelchair-friendly surfaced paths. Please note some areas may have rough surfaces or inclines.
The Deeside Way
Explore the old railway line infrastructure on this long-distance riverside path running from near the city centre of Aberdeen to Ballater in the Cairngorms National Park. Referred to as The Deeside Way, this 41-mile path is frequently broken down into four sections: AAberdeen to Drumoak, Drumoak to Banchory, Banchory to Aboyne, and Aboyne to Ballater. Along the way, stop for a hot chocolate or pastry at one of the many locations on route to keep you fuelled for the day ahead.
Dunnottar Woods
In the grounds of Dunnottar House lies Stonehaven’s lively community wood, steeped in history with stories from the Kennedy family who once lived there. With a perfect balance of history and nature, wrap up warm, wear waterproof footwear, and lose yourself in the gorgeous winter foliage on its two-mile history trail. Around a 30-minute walk from the woods, you’ll find Dunnottar Castle, which looks even more magical coated in snow! Find out more about visiting Dunnottar Woods.
Winter Wildlife Encounters
As winter settles in, Aberdeenshire’s snowy terrain becomes home to an abundance of majestic wildlife. Whether you spot red deer, badgers, pine martens, or even a wildcat in its natural habitat, you’re in for a treat!
Glen Tanar
Experience the magic of wildlife in Aberdeenshire with Glen Tanar's secluded wildlife hide. Known as ‘The Lookout’ this spot is located on the edge of Glen Tanar’s pine forest, offering incredible views of its diverse wildlife. Accommodating up to six people, gather your friends or family and make unforgettable memories. Reserve your spot today!
Greyhope Bay
A comfy seat, coffee in hand, and the best views for dolphin spotting - they say the best things come in threes, and that’s certainly the case at Greyhope Bay, located at Torry Battery, Aberdeen. With the highest chance in the UK of spotting bottlenose dolphins year-round, don’t let the colder days diminish your chances of seeing these beautiful creatures! Disabled parking spaces are available in the upper car park in front of the archway at Torry Battery.
Starry Nights and Northern Lights
As our winter skies become the darkest, Aberdeenshire becomes a grand spot for stargazing and spotting the treasured Northern Lights. Did you know Aberdeenshire has some of the starriest skies in Western Europe?
A prime location to appreciate the beauty of our dark skies is nowhere other than the incredible Cairngorms National Park. The Howe of Torbeg, a family-run business in Ballater, offers unique accommodation options, and guided stargazing sessions accessible to all. Remember to bring warm layers for the night ahead. Book your stargazing session in Aberdeenshire!
At Cairngorm Bothies why not get involved in their Star Bathing Parties? The wonderful team provides you with seating, cosy blankets, food, drink and all the equipment needed to make your experience unforgettable. In collaboration with Lost Loch Spirits, you will even receive a local spirit tasting. Tickets are £45, and children aged 12 and under are free. Make a night of it with the family this winter, you may even be lucky enough to spot the Northern Lights! Get your tickets now!
With endless winter beauty to uncover, plan your adventure in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire today! Remember to tag us in your adventures @VisitABDN or use our hashtags #VisitABDN, #BeautifulABDN or #NorthernNights for your chance to be featured on our social channels.