Best walks near Aberdeen by train

Inverurie Station to Kintore Station (Aberdeenshire)

15m direct from Aberdeen.

a really beautiful walk. Leaves Inverurie on the quiet Old Port Road, then walkers' tracks through woodland and along the river edges of the Urie and Don (narrow, care needed near the water). Uses a farmer's tractor bridge and field-edge skirting and with well-defined farm tracks. Hillwalking boots needed for some sections. The route passes Kinkell churchyard and through farm yards (Ardmurdo, Balbithan). An optional stile route skirts fields at Breedie's Haugh near Kintore golf club instead of the road.

Easy: 8km, moderate ascents.

Narrow riverside paths require care; if the Urie or Don river levels are high, stay inside the fields. A narrow bridge over the Urie and the next bend need care with frequent cars in both directions.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Arbroath Station to Montrose Station (Angus)

30m direct from Aberdeen.

breath-taking views along the cliffs. A dramatic clifftop coastal walk on worn-grass and farm tracks (which can be muddy), with sandy beach, pebble-beach and some road sections. Spectacular cliff scenery throughout and with steps and erosion in places. Crosses the Montrose Basin (a notable wildlife site) on the approach to Montrose; nice artworks line the path into town. Optional diversions take in Lunan Bay, Red Castle and Scurdie Ness.

Tough: 31km, steep ascents.

The route runs close to cliff edges where there is some erosion; watch your footing and follow any diversion signs. Some farm-track sections can be muddy.

Lunch stop: the But 'n' Ben.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Carnoustie Station to Arbroath Station (Angus)

45m direct from Aberdeen.

beautiful views; nice views out to sea. An easy, flat walk on unsurfaced hardcore running level alongside the railway for most of the route, with town streets twisting through at each end and nice sea views. Suitable for cycles and wheelchairs and pushchairs. Follows the train line. East Haven has a small beach.

Easy: 11km, gentle ascents.

There is a possibility of flooding at one point, though remedial work has been done and it is fine in most weathers.

End-of-walk reward: the Marcos.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Insch Station to Inverurie Station (Aberdeenshire)

30m direct from Aberdeen.

Tough: 23km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route

Huntly Station to Insch Station (Aberdeenshire)

45m direct from Aberdeen.

Tough: 22km, steep ascents.

Documented by Slow Ways — download GPX route