The Deeside Way
The Deeside Way is a 41 mile path running from Aberdeen to Ballater. The route follows the line of the Old Royal Deeside Railway.
The path is suitable for walkers and cyclists throughout the duration of the route. Many sections of the route are also suitable for horses.
The rewarding journey is frequently broken down into 4 sections Aberdeen to Drumoak, Drumoak to Banchory, Banchory to Aboyne and Aboyne to Ballater.
Aberdeen to Drumoak: 10.6 miles / 17 km.
Beginning at the Polmuir Road entrance to Duthie Park, you will journey through the suburbs of Aberdeen to Peterculter (PLEASE NOTE THE PETERCULTER SECTION OF THE ROUTE IS CLOSED DUE TO FALLEN TREES) The path takes you past Coalford towards Dalmaik and into Drumoak. This section of the Deeside Way takes roughly 3 - 4 hours to walk.
Drumoak to Banchory: 7 miles / 11 km.
Heading west out of Drumoak towards Crathes you will venture through Park Estate which is an ancient hunting estate of Robert the Bruce. You will enjoy gorgeous views of the River Dee and rolling hills en-route to Banchory. This section of the Deeside Way takes roughly 2 - 2.5 hours to walk.
Banchory to Aboyne: 13 miles / 21 km.
The longest section of the route takes you out of Banchory to the south of the river, before heading uphill through forest and descending back toward the River Dee at Potarch and onwards to Kincardine O'Neil (the oldest village on Deeside) From ‘Kinka’ the route ascends into forest trails before rejoining the old railway line route into Aboyne. Most of this section is not on the old railway line, it takes you through the hills providing great views over the Aberdeenshire landscape. This section takes roughly 4 - 5 hours to walk. THIS SECTION OF THE ROUTE IS CURRENTLY BLOCKED BY FALLEN TREES TO THE EAST OF ABOYNE.
Aboyne to Ballater: 11 miles / 17.7 km.
This final section picks up on the old railway line once again. After leaving Aboyne the route will pass Deeside Gliding Club airfield and on to Dinnet. You will then get to Cambus O'May where you will see the impressive suspension bridge which was damaged following flooding in December 2015. For any Cheese connoisseurs a trip to Cambus O'May Creamery is a must do for a much needed refuel. Shortly after you will arrive in Ballater, winding through the houses transporting you back to Queen Victoria's time. This final section takes roughly 3 - 4 hours to walk.
