The Deeside Way is a 70km long distance route that runs from Duthie Park in the heart of Aberdeen to Ballater on Royal Deeside. For much of the route it is fairly level as it follows the line of the old Deeside Railway, except for the stage between Banchory and Aboyne where the railway diverts northwards from the river to Torphins and Lumphanan.
This is a beautiful part of Scotland, with a wide, fertile strath, the stunning River Dee and a variety of attractive towns and villages. Although the route is off-road, long sections run parallel to the main A93 road, which can be noisy.
The route is well waymarked, apart from a short missing section on the approach to Aboyne; this gap can be easily completed though by continuing along the route of the old railway line. In the longer term it is hoped to extend the route to Braemar.
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STAGE DESCRIPTIONS
THE CHALLENGE
With much of the route following the line of an old railway, the Deeside Way is fairly flat and offers a good introduction to longer distance walking. The one exception is the longer Banchory to Aboyne stage which leaves the old railway and climbs through the woods below Scolty Hill. The whole route is well waymarked except for a short stretch before reaching Aboyne.
ROUTE MAP
ROUTE PLANNING
Much of the Deeside Way runs along the line of the old Deeside Railway, so as you'd expect it passes through towns and villages for most of the route, with fairly regular shops, cafes and services.
There are accommodation options at all stage start/end points except for Drumoak - which instead has bus links to the towns of on either side.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The Deeside Way is very well served by public transport, with the bus service along the A93 reaching most parts of the route including all the start and end points of the stages and each of the main settlements.
USERS' REPORTS
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