For the last part of my blog series, I want to inspire you to dust off your hiking boots and get ready to enjoy some of the best scenes Scotland has to offer. Outdoor enthusiasts, feast your eyes on some of the best day trip adventures in Aberdeenshire!

Prince Albert’s Cairn

Did you know that The Royal Family erected 11 stone cairns on their Balmoral estate? Queen Victoria had these cairns made to commemorate the marriages of her children, however, the largest and most impressive cairn was built in 1862 in honour of her late husband, Prince Albert. If you are planning an afternoon at Balmoral Castle, you should definitely think about adding in this 5-mile woodland walk to visit each cairn.

Prince Albert’s Cairn is one of those things you have to see to believe. The pyramid-like structure against the mountainous backdrop of the Cairngorms is something truly special that I think everyone should experience, especially if they live in Aberdeen. It’s kind of nice that you don’t have to go all the way to Egypt to see the pyramids…

Bennachie

Get your heart rate pumping with a journey to the top of Bennachie! To me, there’s nothing more rewarding than challenging yourself to something outside of your comfort zone and feeling on top of the world once it’s all over. This near 4 mile return climb is great for most fitness levels, as you can take everything at your own pace. The highlights are definitely getting an extreme dose of fresh air, packing some treats to enjoy at the top, and that satisfying strain in your muscles the next day reminding you of what you’ve accomplished.

Loch Muick

If you’re looking for a gorgeous freshwater loch, look no further. You can enjoy a beautiful waterside walk at Loch Muick, while admiring everything the Cairngorms has to offer. Follow a 7.5 mile circular track, visit the Glas Allt Shiel waterfall, and keep your eyes peeled for red squirrel, red deer and salmon!

This is one of my favourite day trips no matter the season because I love experiencing the different weather at the loch. From the winter wonderland in December, to seeing all the wildlife in spring, I make sure to go several times throughout the year!

Newburgh Beach

Newburgh Beach is the most leisurely trip on this list, as I thought you may want to swap out the hiking boots for sandals at least once! I’ve been to some beautiful beaches in my lifetime, but this one is truly special. Despite what most people think, we can get some gloriously sunny summer days in Aberdeen, and when they come, this is my first stop.

A colony of approximately 400 seals have made this shoreline their home, and you are able to safely observe them from the opposite sandbank – not something you see every day! It’s almost as if the seals know they have an audience, because they will often be quite playful in the water.

I have yet to experience it, but it’s not unheard of to also spot whales and dolphins in the area…I told you this is some beach!  Pack a picnic, get sandy in the dunes, and soak up the sun at Newburgh Beach as soon as you can, you won’t regret it.

Where is your favourite spot to visit in Aberdeenshire? Comment below!

Related Blogs:

My Favourite Castles in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

My Favourite Locations in Aberdeen