Deeside Way 1: Aberdeen to Drumoak

Summary

The first stage of the Deeside Way follows the line of an old railway from Duthie Park out through the suburbs of Aberdeen and into open farmland, passing a number of disused stations. At Coalford the route runs on quiet roads, tracks and paths to reach Drumoak which has buses.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Easy walking on mostly level cyclepath.

Getting there

Start

Polmuir Road entrance to Duthie Park, Aberdeen.

Public Transport

Regular bus service along the A93 linking Drumoak and Aberdeen.

Start Grid Ref

NJ938046

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.1km / 10.75 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 130m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

Start from the Polmuir Road entrance to impressive Duthie Park on the south side of Aberdeen. This entrance is at the north-east corner of the park and has very limited parking, the park itself has a cafe and toilets. To begin the Deeside Way don't enter the park, instead head towards the back of the glasshouses and go up a ramp on the right which leads up onto the old railway line; turn left along this. This is the route of the Deeside Line built in 1853; it ran until 1966. Originally intended to link Aberdeen to Braemar, these plans were prevented by Queen Victoria who bought up land surrounding her Balmoral Estate and the line was only built as far as Ballater. Pass the platforms of Holburn Station and head over the new bridge.

Stage 2

Continue on the old railway line, ignoring any paths off, passing under the A92. Later the route passes the old station building at Pitfodels Station which is now a private house.

Stage 3

The route becomes greener, passing some large houses and open ground before reaching the old station at Cults which has a cafe and toilets. The railway allowed this area to rapidly grow as a suburb of Aberdeen in the early twentieth century with a 12 minute rail commute to the city. The route continues west, crossing a modern metal bridge and more open countryside including a golf course.

Stage 4

As the route continues there are a couple of cafes signed from the Deeside Way including at Murtle Station. Built to serve the Deeside Hydropathic, a popular and luxurious establishment offering water-based medical treatments which opened in 1899 and became a TB hospital after the first World War. The route now continues through more open countryside.

Stage 5

After Bieldside the route runs through farmland. As the route nears Milltimber there are open views to the A90 on the left. Look out for a junction (yellow bollards) where you turn right, leaving the railway for a short time. Turn left along a residential road and cross the A90. On the far side bear left and cross a road to pick up the old railway once more.

Stage 6

The Deeside Way continues through farmland soon descending to cross a road. The buildings of one of Aberdeen's Camphill Communities can be seen to the left here. Established by a group of Austrian refugees in 1940 this became the first of 120 communities supporting and training people with learning difficulties. Continue as the route passes to the south of Peterculter (all services). There are views to the River Dee in a couple of places.

Stage 7

At Culter's old station cross the road ahead (Howie Lane) and take the residential street on the left, passing bungalows. Turn down Station Road South and very soon branch right back up onto the old railway line. After a bench the route continues ahead now on an unsurfaced path. Keep ahead to cross a track and soon turn sharp right uphill to reach a minor road; turn left along this.

Stage 8

At a junction (triangular Deeside Way sign) turn left, passing the houses of Coalford and continuing until a crossroads with a house on the right. Keep ahead here onto a wide track. Keep right when a road branches to Dalmaik Farm; soon the Deeside Way continues onto a fenced path through farmland. Bear left when this emerges onto a track; soon it continues on a path again around fields and past an impressive white old manse. Continue ahead at a metal gate to keep the tall plantation trees on your left and at the vehicle barrier turn right onto a path next to the road to head up to reach Drumoak which has a bus stop; the route continues to the left, or there is parking to the right at the war memorial.

Next stage: Drumoak to Banchory

Route Profile

Where to stay

Aberdeenshire hostels

Glamping and Camping

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