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The 12 Most Scenic Running Trails in Aberdeen You Gotta Try
You won’t believe what happened to me the other day when I decided to take a “quick” run through one of Aberdeen’s trails. I went out to clear my mind and ended up getting hilariously lost.
Yep, somehow my sense of direction led me to everything but the actual trail. After a couple of hours tackling an unexpected hike, covered in mud, and with a story worthy of a comedic movie, I finally made it back.
But you know what? That experience got me thinking, if I can save even one fellow runner from the same fate, it’ll all be worth it. So, I’ve put together Aberdeen’s best running trails, complete with local tips to keep you on the right path (literally).
Hazlehead Park
Media credit: wanorchid
Expertise: Beginner to Moderate
Distance: 2 miles
Time (Approx.): 1 to 1.5 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available near the park entrance
- Public Toilets: Available on-site
- Pathways: Mixed surfaces, mostly well-maintained
- Benches/Seating Areas: Plentiful along the pathways
Hazlehead Park is where you’ve got miles of well-kept paths that wind through beautiful, wooded areas. The trails are mostly flat, with some gentle inclines, making it perfect for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros looking for a nice, steady run.
And since it’s a mix of paved and unpaved paths, you won’t get bored of the same scenery. Along the way, there’s a golf course right in the middle of it, so don’t be surprised if you catch a glimpse of someone teeing off midway through your run.
Oh, also, you’ve got toilets and even a café for that post-run coffee (because, yes, you’ve earned it). Additionally, there are plenty of benches if you need a quick breather or just want to take in the scenic views.
Pro tip:
Try to start your run early in the morning to beat the crowd and enjoy the serene beauty of the park all to yourself. Also, carry a map or use a GPS tracker, especially if you’re new, as the trails can get a bit confusing.
River Dee Path
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Expertise: Beginner to Moderate
Distance: 3 miles
Time (Approx.): 2 to 2.5 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available near the starting point
- Public Toilets: Limited, available at start/end points
- Pathways: Well-maintained natural paths
- Benches/Seating Areas: Available at several spots
The River Dee Path is an absolute gem, especially for those who love running near water. The trail hugs the riverbanks, giving you that cool river breeze to keep you going.
The path is practically flat, which means you can focus more on your pace and less on dodging hills. There are some quaint little spots along the way where you can pause and soak in the view, like mini scenic breaks in the middle of your run.
And if you’re into wildlife, keep an eye out for some deer and a ridiculous number of birds. The amenities are quite decent too, with a couple of spots where you can find toilets and places to refill your water bottle.
Pro tip:
Remember to be mindful of cyclists sharing the path, but other than that, it’s a smooth ride… or run!
The stretch between Duthie Park and the Old Railway line is probably the most scenic part of the path. Aim to run this section during your workout—you won’t regret it.
Seaton Park
Media credit: teaintheparkaberdeen
Expertise: Easy
Distance: 1.5 miles
Time (Approx.): 1 hour
Amenities:
- Parking: On-site parking available
- Public Toilets: Available on-site
- Pathways: Paved and well-maintained
- Benches/Seating Areas: Numerous
If you love greenery and wide-open spaces, Seaton Park’s got you covered. The route here offers a nice mix of easy-going paths and some more challenging hilly sections.
It’s great if you’re looking to keep things interesting and test your stamina a bit. Plus, the paths are well-maintained, so you won’t be dodging potholes or anything ridiculous.
What’s more, you’ve got botanical gardens, a historic cathedral nearby, and some cheeky little wooden bridges to bind over. There’s a big playground too, which is perfect for a mini family outing and want to sneak in a quick run while the kids play.
Pro tip:
Amenities are pretty decent as well. You’ll find toilets dotted around and a few spots to grab a drink.
Try running in the late afternoon when the sun is lower—the light filtering through the trees makes the park look absolutely stunning.
Aberdeen Beach Esplanade
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Expertise: Easy
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time (Approx.): 1 to 1.5 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Ample parking along the esplanade
- Public Toilets: Available at various points
- Pathways: Paved and well-maintained
- Benches/Seating Areas: Plentiful
Aberdeen Beach Esplanade, obviously, runs right along the coastline, giving you that salty sea breeze and waves to keep you company. It’s mostly flat and fully paved, making it perfect for a smooth, uninterrupted run.
The Esplanade is not just about the beach, though. Along your route, you’ll pass by some cool features like Codona’s Amusement Park and a few local cafes that beckon for a post-run treat.
Plus, there’s plenty of space, so you don’t have to worry about dodging a bunch of people. There are also several public toilets along the path and water fountains to keep you hydrated.
Pro tip:
Try running early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun and crowd. Plus, these times are when the beach is at its most peaceful and scenic.
Duthie Park
Media credit: eloisebalfour
Expertise: Easy
Distance: 2 miles
Time (Approx.): 1 to 1.5 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: On-site parking available
- Public Toilets: Available on-site
- Pathways: Paved and well-maintained
- Benches/Seating Areas: Plentiful
Duthie Park is vast, offering plenty of paved and gravel paths that snake through some beautifully landscaped gardens. Not to mention, the winter gardens are home to some exotic plants and can be a cool detour if you’re in the mood for a slower-paced run.
One of the great things about Duthie Park is the sheer variety of routes you can take. Whether you’re up for a quick 3k or looking to stretch it out to a more leisurely 5k or more, you can totally do that here.
The paths are well maintained, and there’s minimal elevation change, making it ideal for runners of all levels. Amenities-wise, there are public restrooms and water fountains, which is always a plus.
Pro tip:
What’s nice is you can also bring your dog, as the park is dog-friendly.
Aim for an early morning run to avoid the crowds, especially on weekends. You’ll also get to enjoy the serene beauty of the park without bumping into too many folks.
Tollohill Wood
Media credit: terrycharleton
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: 3 miles
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Small parking area available
- Public Toilets: None on-site
- Pathways: Natural, uneven in places
- Benches/Seating Areas: Limited; bring a portable seat if needed
Tollohill Wood is a fantastic spot if you love a more rugged, natural trail. The wooded terrain is full of well-trodden paths that weave through a dense forest, so expect some uneven ground and roots here and there.
There’s definitely more elevation gain here compared to Duthie Park, which means you get to challenge yourself with some good uphill bursts. It’s a great mix that keeps your run interesting.
There aren’t any formal amenities here, like restrooms or water fountains. Though there’s ample parking at the trailhead, so you won’t have to stress about where to leave your car, and it’s generally not too crowded.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to bring a small hydration pack and maybe a snack. You’re out in nature and might find yourself wanting to extend your run.
It’s worth noting that if it’s been raining, the trails can get a little muddy and slippery, so wearing trail shoes is a smart move.
Deeside Way
Media credit: kellyjmo
Expertise: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 41 miles (can be broken into sections)
Time (Approx.): Varies based on section; approx. 3 to 8 hours per section
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at various entry points
- Public Toilets: Available at some trailheads
- Pathways: Well-maintained, mixed surfaces
- Benches/Seating Areas: Frequent along the way
Deeside Way is perfect for those who enjoy a longer, uninterrupted run. This former railway line turned multi-use trail stretches for miles, running all the way from Aberdeen to Ballater.
It’s mostly flat, well-maintained, and runs parallel to the River Dee, so you’ve got that scenic riverside view pretty much the entire way. The surface varies between tarmac and compressed earth, so it’s kind on the joints!
While the trail itself doesn’t offer a lot in terms of amenities, the various villages and towns you’ll pass through do have cafes, shops, and restrooms. It’s also cycle-friendly, so keep an eye out for bikers sharing the path.
Pro tip:
You can try breaking your run into sections if you’re looking to explore. Start in Aberdeen and set your sights on one of the nearby villages for a “destination run.”
Kincorth Hill Local Nature Reserve
Media credit: magpie_001
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: 2.5 miles
Time (Approx.): 1 to 2.5 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available near the reserve
- Public Toilets: None on-site
- Pathways: Natural, some uneven and steep sections
- Benches/Seating Areas: Limited
Kincorth Hill is the real deal for trail runners who thrive on variety and a bit of a challenge. With a proper mix of steep inclines and flat sections, your legs and lungs get a good workout here.
The paths are well-marked, though they can get a bit rocky and rooty, so keep an eye on your footing. After tackling some of those inclines, reaching a high point and getting to soak in the sights is totally rewarding.
By the way, the trails meander through woodlands and open heathland, giving you a great mix of environments. When in here, pack light but smart—bring hydration and maybe a small first aid kit, just in case.
Pro tip:
If you’re new to Kincorth Hill, consider downloading a trail map or using a GPS watch. The paths can get a bit tangled, and it’s easy to miss a turn. A map will help you maximize your run without getting lost.
Crynoch Burn
Media credit: tina_b87
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: 3.5 miles
Time (Approx.): 2 to 3 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available near the starting point
- Public Toilets: None on-site
- Pathways: Natural and sometimes uneven paths
- Benches/Seating Areas: Minimal; bring a portable seat if needed
The Crynoch Burn trail winds through some seriously lush and varied landscapes, so you never get bored. You’ll start off in the dense woodland areas, where the towering trees make for a pretty cool, shaded running experience.
As you keep pushing forward, you’ll notice the terrain shifts to more open spaces with breathtaking views of small streams and waterfalls. Plus, the trail is pretty moderate, so you’re not going to be wiping out on some crazy steep incline.
What’s more, there’s parking available at the starting point, so you won’t have to drive around in circles trying to find a spot. However, one thing to note is there aren’t any public toilets on-site, while benches are pretty sparse.
Pro tip:
On wetter days, some parts can get a bit muddy, so having proper footwear is key. For instance, you can opt for trail running shoes with good grip to navigate the muddy and uneven sections smoothly.
Maryculter Community Woods
Media credit: beesnaphappy
Expertise: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 2 miles
Time (Approx.): 1.5 to 2 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Limited parking available
- Public Toilets: None on-site
- Pathways: Natural, some uneven areas
- Benches/Seating Areas: Limited
Maryculter Community Woods gives you a good mix of open spaces and shaded woodland, ideal for all kinds of weather. What’s cool is that this place is community-managed, so you’ll often find it well-kept and litter-free.
There are also plenty of entry points so you can explore different sections of the woods, giving you new routes to try out on each visit. It’s a popular spot for dog walkers too, so expect some four-legged cheerleaders along the way.
Now, if you need to refuel, there’s a small kiosk offering drinks and snacks, which can be a lifesaver post-run. The woods are also dotted with markers to help you navigate, along with some informational boards with insights about the local wildlife and ecology.
Pro tip:
If you’re looking to up your running game, you can go try tackling some of the slightly steeper inclines scattered throughout the woods.
Look out for the community events often held here; they can be a fun way to mix up your usual solo run and meet some fellow runners.
Tyrebagger Stone Circle
Media credit: thesilicontribesman
Expertise: Moderate
Distance: 2 miles
Time (Approx.): 1 to 2 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available near the entrance
- Public Toilets: None on-site
- Pathways: Well-marked paths leading to the stone circle
- Benches/Seating Areas: Minimal
Tyrebagger Stone Circle offers a blend of forestry paths and open spaces, making for an invigorating experience. The main trail will take you through a scenic forest before opening up to reveal the ancient stone circle where you can pause and take it all in.
This trail can be a bit rugged, especially in parts where the forest floor is more uneven and strewn with roots, but that’s part of what makes it exciting. Also, the elevation changes are more pronounced here—think undulating hills that test your endurance.
Your run can span anywhere from a short 3K loop to much longer distances if you venture deeper into the forest trails. Amenities are minimal here, so it’s more of a ‘pack everything you need’ kind of place.
Pro tip:
Just be mindful of the trail signs and your footing, especially if it’s been raining since the paths can get pretty slippery.
It’s also better to check the weather before you head out so you can wear appropriate trail running shoes for better grip—it’s worth the extra prep!
Donmouth Local Nature Reserve
Media credit: anna.of.all.things
Expertise: Easy
Distance: 2 miles
Time (Approx.): 1.5 to 2 hours
Amenities:
- Parking: Available at nearby entry points
- Public Toilets: None on-site
- Pathways: Natural and some paved paths
- Benches/Seating Areas: Some available
If coastal runs are your thing, then Donmouth Local Nature Reserve is your go-to spot. You get these amazing views of the River Don meeting the North Sea, and the flat, sandy trails make for an easy but scenic run.
The paths are mostly level and well-maintained, ideal for a leisurely run or even a faster-paced one if you’re training for an event. You’ll also encounter diverse birdlife, including seals if you’re lucky.
Since it’s a nature reserve, there are plenty of signs and information posts along the way. Don’t expect facilities like cafes or restrooms right by the trail; however, the area around the reserve has some eateries and shops to fuel up before or after your run.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars if you’re into bird-watching—there are some fantastic sightings to be had, especially during migration seasons.
