Enjoy trail running around Aberdeen but not sure where to go? I list my favourite five routes and why. Our doorstep is our playground, there are some fantastic runs out there that help get you out of the city hustle and bustle and into the natural environment. Here is my five – whats your? For other routes around Aberdeen click here…
Number 5 – The River Dee Loop
This lovely 6-mile route starts at the boat pond of Duthie Park. From here, crossing over the road on to the river path, the well tar path soon turns to trail as you head under the bridge of Dee at Garthdee and follow the meandering path out for 2 miles. Numerous routes shoot into and away from the main path but it twists and twine its way to the reservoir.
Wrapping around the back of the reservoir you head back into the forest and follow the trail into the grounds of The Robert Gordon University, where lush grass under foot allows a small respite from the trails. Keeping to the right eyes peeled for a small trail back on to the original path which takes you back along the river to the bridge and further to the starting point of Duthie park.
Can be over grown in the summer, can be flooded in the winter – this run is great on a summer’s night and can get very warm on the sheltered part.
Gem – a nice stop on a broken bridge with great views of the Dee the whole length of the way
Miles – 6.14
Elevation Gain – 141ft
Grading – easy running
Link to flyby route.
Number 4 – Scolty, Banchory
This route starts in the main park in Banchory and incorporated the Run Banchory 10km loop. This loop is both challenging and mixes good tarmac paths with fire track surfaces. Minimal areas of mud when I ran it but can be weather / season dependant.
Turning left out of the park, down the road to cross over the silver Dee, less than 200m into a run and the scenery is already breathtaking. First small climb up on to the Scolty road, then right at the top and along for 1mile before branching right again to drop onto the low road. This road again is rolling with as many ups as downs. Around the 3.5km mark the path turns to the left and you start the next 1-2 mile climb, gaining height but also gaining a great view on Banchory below you.
The first climb is over but the rolling firebrick continues until around 7km where you start to gain the reward for the climbing with a fast down hill section taking you around to the main Scolty carpark where you continue to drop until meeting the road you came in on.
The run can be reduced by 1-1.5km by starting at the carpark and can also be reversed with a more gradual climb.
Gem – views well worthy of the climb
Miles – 6.24
Elevation Gain – 564ft
Grading – moderate running
Link to Flyby Route
Number 3 – Hazelhead / Countesswells – Kings Hill
This run is a staple in most Metro runners diet. It can be shortened, lengthened, adjusted for any requirement with multiple routes to be taken on muddy rooty trails to firm but fair fire track.
Starting in the Groats Road carpark you initially take the Hazelhead park run route for 2 km before splitting right through a dark padded forest which takes you to a gate where you cross to the back of a new housing development. Following the path around it takes you to the countess wells Culter road, which you cross and head into the Countesswells forest.
After 800m, branch left and follow the trail around, crossing over a few other paths until you are heading out the north side of the forest. The path takes you to an opening, keep heading north ( where the path takes you) and you will come to a couple of rocks which mark the start of Kings hill.
Climbing up Kings hill ( loop is 2 miles) you over look west hill, Kingswells and Prime Four business estate before returning back into the tree covered forest. Completing the loop with some lovely softer trails which take you to the south of the forest. The path returns you back after a small climb to the central network of paths which funnel east towards the carpark and the road to cross back towards Hazelhead, retracing your steps to the start.
Gem – flexible running 3-15miles depending on whats needed, a sanctuary in the city.
Miles – 3-15
Elevation Gain – 10miles = 800ft
Grading – easy running
Link to Flyby Route
Number 2 – Pitfichie – Green Hill / Cairn William
Statting at the back carpark ( through Monymusk and around by the castle) you start with a great lung bursting 500m climb which makes you review your life choices, before calming down into scenic rolling firebrick around the base of the hills you are going to climb. Don’t be lulled into a false sense that even though the hills look beautiful, they will make you work for the rewards of glorious views.
Continue around 3 miles where you head off road onto a trail which takes you around and up Green hill, the elevation jumps quickly here as you follow a natural river bed up the hill to the first cairn. Views of Cairn William and the top of Mither Tap are the reward before you take a technical descent to the fire track leading to the Cairn William climb. The climbs fun, runnable with natural and man made play slabs to run on as you continue climbing. The fun aspect takes your mind off the elevation and you don’t realise how high you are until you reach the cairn at the top.
Dropping down is fast and fun, natural switchbacks are used to zig zag down the hill, even going down a man made stone staircase is enough to make for a fun descent. On arriving at the bottom, joining the fire track to complete the hill and return to the original fire track to take you back to the car. Concentration on the downs is needed but you can definitely risk a lot of smiles as it is fun and fast.
Gem – the switch backs / zig zags are great and allow you to hit speed with out sharp turns, the view on these hills includes millstone hill, Mither Tap and distant views of Aberdeen remind you this is our door step.
Miles – 8
Elevation Gain – 1354ft
Grading –Moderate to Hard running
Link to Flyby Route
Number 1 – Bennachie
Bennachie comprises of many summits, once your up the running is great. There are many ways to get to the top but the route I prefer is from the Insch side, following the route the Bennachie Hill Run takes in the summer.
Forestry commission fire track for about 1km you head off track onto the trail that takes you quickly up to elevation. Starting here at Watch Craig you head over to Oxen Craig and eventually Mither Tap. A scree scramble up Oxen Craig is fun and technical enough to enjoy at a level of speed. The trails have been well maintained with numerous footfall which makes for good running, but still enough trip hazards to catch the unsuspecting runner.
On reaching the Mither Tap – you glide down a speedy decline towards the visitor centre before turning left 2km down and heading west through the forest. A narrow river bed-esk route takes you through the forest towards the looping commission fire track. Tracking this around allows you to pick up the original path which takes you back to the carpark.
This is a great run and is my favourite that I have been on, it has elevation, speedy downhills, technical scrambles and views of Aberdeenshire. Wether you are an advanced runner or new to trails this certainly makes your heart work and well worth the climb for a natural playwark in the sky.
Gem – it has everything, respect it s it will hurt you if not careful, but it will also treat you to the spectacular sun rise/set, views and memories of a fantastic route.
Miles – 8.1
Elevation Gain – 1702ft
Grading – easy running
Link to Flyby Route
There are many routes out there and I am always willing to try new routes and trails. I also run trails each Wednesday night you are more than welcome to join… my pater isn’t great but the runs normally are
Whats your favourite route? Where do you find your secret views? Where is your sanctuary?
Thanks as always for reading
Run Long and Prosper
James
