Aden Country Park, near Mintlaw

Summary

Aden Country Park is a 230 acre parkland set just west of Mintlaw, 15km west of Peterhead. The park features an aboretum, ruined mansion, lake, burn and woodland. The walking route described here makes a circuit around the park.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good paths throughout.

Getting there

Start

Central courtyard area, Aden Country Park (final large car park is nearest but 2 others on approach).

Public Transport

Buses linking Peterhead and Stuartfield pass through Mintlaw and New Deer, passing the park entrance.

Start Grid Ref

NJ981479

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 4km / 2.5 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 25m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

There are several car parks on the drive in to Aden Country Park. The walk is described from the courtyard area, the site of the cafe and information centre as well as the Aberdeenshire Farming museum. Even if not visiting, it's worth having a look in the museum foyer to appreciate the building's origins as a dovecot. Start from the car park and take the surfaced path on the right as you face the courtyard, passing the toilet block and continuing round the back of the museum building with a wooden fence on your right. After leaving the building behind bear right on a track past a metal vehicle barrier with a stream on your right.

Stage 2

The track leads through the trees, at a junction turn right, signed for the lake and caravan park. Continue ahead at the lake, passing to its right. Ignore all turnings off both to left and right, continuing ahead along the track until a small lodge and the A950 is visible ahead. Just before this, turn left at a crosspaths by a bin.

Stage 3

The path now leads through the trees, turn right at the next junction (signed for the Formartine and Buchan Way. Keep straight ahead ignoring a path to the right then the left and cross a small footbridge. Ignore another path on the left and then the right and continue to an open grassy area ahead.

Stage 4

Turn right at the t-junction here to walk around a recently planted arboretum, dotted with young specimen trees. Keep ahead on the slowly curving path until it nears the ruined mansion house, rebuilt in the neo-classical style by architect John Smith of Aberdeen.

Stage 5

Before the portico front door is reached turn right at a white marker post and follow the path down to a stone bridge over the river. Cross the bridge, turning left on the far side to follow the burnside path crossing an area of decking and passing trees from the original Victorian aboretum.

Stage 6

Cross a wooden footbridge and climb the path beyond. Continue on the main path until a junction of four paths, turn right here and soon fork left at a bin.

Stage 7

Now simply stay on the main, winding path, ignoring branch paths off to either side (some lead to picnic tables). There is a view of the farm over to the left at one point. Go straight across at a cross-paths. Keep left at a fork to soon reach the main tarmac entrance drive to the park. Cross and take the path on the right from the small car park, just the other side of the headge. Follow this until the path ends near an outdoor gym, bear left and cross the entrance driveway and follow the pavement back to the main car park and courtyard.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Gardenstown Hotels

Aberdeenshire B&B

Gardenstown cottages

Aberdeenshire hostels

Glamping and Camping

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