A Wander Around The East Of Aberdeen

[RicKamila]

As most of you know, I love Aberdeen. So with some nice weather forecast, Kamila and I set off down to the beach to wander around the eastern suburbs of Aberdeen.

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We parked near Footdee (Fittie) and set off along the beach promenade in a northerly direction. The tide was starting to come in, but the rocks on the beach were visible, so we went down to the waters edge and had a look around where we met this little fella. Looking in our birds guide, we think its a Dunlin.

Juvenile Dunlin?

Heading back up to the promenade, we walked to the pedestrian crossing at the Beach Ballroom and crossed over the road to start climbing the 28m high Broad Hill. Even though its not very high, you get a wonderful view from the trig point of Aberdeen, the Harbour and up along the sand dunes to Boddam.

Aberdeen from Broad Hill

Coming back down the other side of Broad Hill, we crossed Golf Road and passed by Pittodrie Stadium, home to the not-so-magnificent Dons.

Pittodrie Stadium

We took the second left after Pittodrie Stadium and made our way towards the Aberdeen Sports Village. Crossing at the traffic lights next to the Tesco Petrol Station and turned right along King Street towards the University of Aberdeen. We took the first left and walked along side the playing fields before turning right into High Street towards Kings College. There is a lovely Turkish designed entrance gate to Crombie Johnston Halls of Residence.

Turkish Delight at Crombie Halls

We stopped at Kings Chapel where a wedding was taking place. It is a stunning building, if you are in Aberdeen have a look inside during the week.

Kings Chapel

Kings Chapel

Carrying along High Street, we passed by the New Kings Building which holds lots of memories for Kamila and finally reached the Town House at the end of the street.

New Kings Building at Aberdeen Uni

Old Aberdeen Town House

Crossing the lights, we carried straight on towards Seaton Park, taking a quick detour through St Machar's Cathedral. Again, if you are in Aberdeen, its highly recommended to have a look in, even if its just to see the ceiling.

St Machar Cathedral

One of the fortified steeples

A close-up of the steeple

We walked into Seaton Park and went straight through the centre of the gardens. It looks at its best between May and August. We turned to the right and headed to the River Don where we passed a "Shoe Tree" which seems to be becoming a bit of a craze in Aberdeen, this is the third one we have seen this week.

A Shoe Tree in Seaton Park

Stopping at a bench to get some sun, a small bird started singing its head off right next to us.

Singing Bird at the River Don

After a few minutes rest, we walked along the somewhat muddy path behind the Hillhead Halls of Residence and set off towards the Brig o' Balgownie. We went for a wander along the road first to see the Cottown of Balgownie before heading back the way we just came and down some steps to feed the ducks at the River Don. A seal even popped its head up to say hello.

Cottage at the Cottown of Balgownie

Brig o' Balgownie

Knowing that the seals were in the area, we walked along the north bank of the Don to the Bridge of Don and turned right across the bridge before turning right again to get a good look at the sunbathing seals. Lazy things they are!!

Lazy Seals

Back-tracking, we crossed Ellon Road and headed down the Beach Esplanade. There is a nice view of all the towers at Seaton and Balgownie from this road.

Seaton and Balgownie Towers

We detoured off the road and caught a glimpse of Rick's favourite birds, the Oystercatcher, who were standing right on the edge of the Don Mouth.

Oystercatchers at the Don Mouth

Heading back to the road, we made our way to the Promenade again and walked the 2 miles back to the car along the beach.

Aberdeen Bay

Aberdeen truly is a great city for a wander!!

[LeithySuburbs]

Ooh, Basscadet and myself did an almost identical walk on Sunday but in reverse. Certainly improved my opinion of Aberdeen .

[RicKamila]

Was a lovely day for a walk on Sunday. We were on the old Deeside railway line. Aberdeen is lovely.

[Gordie12]

My knowledge of Aberdeen is limited to Pittodrie (to watch the mighty St Johnstone on their travels) and the town centre where I drag my feet annually while Andrea goes handbag shopping so this was really interesting!!!!

[denfinella]

Your photos manage to capture some of Aberdeen's best parts very well the area around the River Don and the Bridge of Balgownie has got to be one of the city's true gems.

Glad you got such a nice day for it!

[Lenore]

New kings building looks old! What's in it? (and what are the memories )

[Sarah86]

It has been years since I have visited Aberdeen city, I have relatives up there that we used to visit regularly. Lots of interesting buildings and that show tree is unusual the closet I have seen is about 5 pair of trainers over a telephone wire

[RicKamila]

New kings building looks old! What's in it? (and what are the memories )

Not the sort of memories you are expecting...

New Kings does look old, but its quite modern, built in the 70's I think. Kings Chapel is from around the 1500's. New Kings is the building Kamila had most of her uni classes in, so good and bad memories.

It has been years since I have visited Aberdeen city, I have relatives up there that we used to visit regularly. Lots of interesting buildings and that show tree is unusual the closet I have seen is about 5 pair of trainers over a telephone wire

Some of the shoes were so high and on such little branches, it makes you wonder how they got them up there... The things Uni students can get up to hey

Your photos manage to capture some of Aberdeen's best parts very well the area around the River Don and the Bridge of Balgownie has got to be one of the city's true gems.

Glad you got such a nice day for it!

Indeed it is!!

My knowledge of Aberdeen is limited to Pittodrie (to watch the mighty St Johnstone on their travels) and the town centre where I drag my feet annually while Andrea goes handbag shopping so this was really interesting!!!!

C'mon St Johnstone!! :thumbsup:

[morag1]

I love Aberdeen

You and me both Rick, it was my second home for a long while till the family moved out to Deeside.

A great walk and great photos, always good to see the Granite City

[basscadet]

Aye, like Leithy said, we did exactly the same walk on Sunday Living in that neck of the woods, it is quite a nice circuit for a sunny summer after work wander/picnic for me..
Its nice to read someones elses perception
You missed out the secret garden in Seaton park, and the botanic gardens, both of which are en route, and some of the best bits I would say Although the secret garden wouldnt be very secret then would it

[The Rodmiester]

Unlike in Dundee the Aberdeen Council have insured their Archtectural Heritage to remain, some lovely looking classic buildings, spoilt for choice!

[RicKamila]

Aye, like Leithy said, we did exactly the same walk on Sunday Living in that neck of the woods, it is quite a nice circuit for a sunny summer after work wander/picnic for me..
Its nice to read someones elses perception
You missed out the secret garden in Seaton park, and the botanic gardens, both of which are en route, and some of the best bits I would say Although the secret garden wouldnt be very secret then would it

Have been to the secret garden numerous times. We chose to walk the other side of the park instead. Im assuming you mean Cruickshanks when you say Botanic Gardens? I'll get some photos of it once Spring is in bloom

[hailiamdigby]

It's probably the case that when you've lived in a place your whole life, you rarely appreciate the good things about it. I don't have much to complain about Aberdeen but I barely give it any thought, either. When I go out for a walk, it's certainly not Aberdeen the city.
You've managed to capture great character of the city though and you got many great pics from this walk. Thanks for revitalizing my opinion of home.

[pebbles-2]

hailiamdigby -- hi, think your pc settings are out. Your comment was posted at 10.50pm today! I have had a wee dram, but I don't think that's possible unless you are H G Wells I had the same prob with my WH posts until I adjusted the settings in my account settings.

Or maybe your time is fine and I really have had too much Glenmorangie.

[pebbles-2]

Now I'm really confused!! Or something else beginning with P induced by incholol. Mine are out too?? What's occurring?