Torry Battery and Girdle Ness, Aberdeen

Summary

Girdle Ness is the headland that guards the southern side of Aberdeen harbour. The short walk around it takes in the lighthouse, sea views and Torry Battery - built to defend the harbour in 1860; if you are lucky you might catch sight of one of the dolphins which frequently visit the mouth of the harbour. There is a cafe at the Greyhope Bay Centre at Torry Battery.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Shore path, steps and minor roads

Getting there

Start

The Battery car park.

Public Transport

Local bus to Torry district of Aberdeen - or walk from the centre.

Start Grid Ref

NJ964056

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 3.75km / 2.25 miles
Time: 1 hour
Ascent: 55m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 406 - Aberdeen

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

ROUTE SPONSORED BY

Walk Description

User reports (2)

Stage 1

Torry Battery car park is reached by heading along the road from Aberdeen South Harbour around Girdle Ness, passing the lighthouse. There have been cannons and coastal defences to protect Aberdeen harbour since the late 1400s but it was in 1840 that the Battery you see today was built. The Greyhope Bay Centre at the Battery houses a cafe.

Stage 2

The Battery commands an excellent outlook over Aberdeen harbour. Begin the walk by leaving the Battery and heading down to the road (Greyhope Road) and cross, then head slightly left before turning down a path on the right which leads down steps to the shore.

Stage 3

Turn right along the path that follows the coastline, with views out of the pier that carries a white harbour tower. Keep to the right of the wall and gate that blocks the pier entrance and then head up the flight of steps to continue round the coast at a higher level. The path soon comes alongside a car park and then rejoins the road.

Stage 4

The road soon passes round the furthest end of the headland, dominated by Girdle Ness lighthouse.

Stage 5

This elegant structure is 37 metres high, opened in 1833 and was designed by Robert Stevenson.The doors and windows were damaged in 1944 when a mine drifted ashore and exploded. Continue round the road, passing the foghorn, used until 1987 if visibility was less than 5 miles.

Stage 6

The road gives views across Aberdeen's new South Harbour. Continue until a road junction, and here turn right along St Fittick's Road. This climbs gently back across the headland. Keep straight on when the main road bends left to descend back to the northern side. Turn right along the road and look out for a signed path heading down to the shore on the left. Follow this path back to the bottom of the steps at the start of the walk, enjoying the views of Aberdeen harbour.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Aberdeen Hotels

Aberdeenshire B&B

Aberdeen cottages

Aberdeenshire hostels

Glamping and Camping

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?