Step into nature this May
1 May 2025
May marks National Walking Month, the perfect time to lace up your walking shoes and enjoy the fresh air with the whole family. Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire offer a treasure trove of gentle, family-friendly trails where kids can explore, play and learn, all while making unforgettable memories outdoors.
Haddo Country Park
Head north to Haddo House & Country Park near Tarves. With woodland trails, open fields, a play park and even red squirrels, Haddo is packed with variety. Its flat paths are pram-friendly, and there's plenty of space for kids to run wild.
Forvie Sands Nature Reserve
For something a little more adventurous, visit the Forvie National Nature Reserve in Collieston. With easy trails across dramatic sand dunes and a chance to spot seals and seabirds, it's both an exciting and educational outing for little explorers.
Duthie Park
Start your day in Duthie Park, with wide, flat paths perfect for strollers, beautiful gardens, a boating pond and the David Welch Winter Gardens. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed family walk and a picnic in the sun.
Image: Duthie Park
Ballater Walking Festival
If you're looking for a special walking experience, the Ballater Walking Festival in May is a must. The festival offers guided walks through Royal Deeside, with options suitable for families and beginners. It’s a brilliant way to celebrate National Walking Month whilst discovering the area's natural beauty.
Tyrebagger Forest
Tyrebagger Forest, just outside Aberdeen, features woodland trails that are easy to navigate for young children and ideal for a peaceful nature walk or forest picnic. It’s a quiet, accessible space where families can enjoy the sounds and sights of the forest together.
Kirkhill Forest
Kirkhill Forest is a popular destination for walkers and cyclists, while some routes cater to more experienced trail users, there are plenty of shorter, gentler paths suitable for families. The forest has waymarked routes, picnic spots and great views over the surrounding countryside, making it a fun and flexible option for a day out.
Bennachie Visitor Centre
For a more interactive experience, Bennachie Visitor Centre, near Inverurie, is a great starting point. It offers a wide variety of well-marked trails for all abilities and family-focused features like educational boards and wildlife spotting opportunities. The Discovery Trail is especially good for kids learning about nature and local legends.
Seaton Park
Seaton Park, one of Aberdeen’s most scenic green spaces, offers riverside paths leading to the Brig O' Balgownie, a historic medieval bridge. This walk combines natural beauty, local legend and photo-worthy views, perfect for a laid-back family outing.
Image: Seaton Park
Hazlehead Park
Hazlehead Park in Aberdeen is another local favourite. This expansive park includes woodland walks, a rose garden, large open spaces and even a small petting zoo. With plenty of room for games and a café for refreshments, it's a go-to destination for a relaxed afternoon outdoors.
Aden Country Park
Further north, Aden Country Park in Mintlaw offers wide, pram-friendly paths, open grassy areas and a rich sense of local heritage. With its on-site museum, playgrounds and regular family events, it’s a full day out wrapped in beautiful countryside.
Loch of Strathbeg,
For wildlife lovers, Loch of Strathbeg, an RSPB nature reserve near Fraserburgh, is a wonderful place to spot migrating birds, wildfowl and even otters. It’s peaceful and a perfect introduction to birdwatching for kids.
This May, make walking a family tradition. Whether it's a weekend walk or an after-school stroll, exploring Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s beautiful trails is a fun, healthy way to connect with nature and each other.
Upon your travels, don’t forget to tag us @VisitABDN or use our hashtags #VisitABDN or #BeautifulABDN for your chance to feature across our social channels.