Explore the Deeside Way and Crathes Castle
Location: Banchory, Aberdeenshire
A 7 km circular route near Banchory, combining the flat corridor of the Deeside Way with sheltered woodland tracks. The riverside stretch keeps things level underfoot along the old railway line, running close to the River Dee, before the circuit loops up into the quiet woods around Crathes.
Underfoot is a mix of paved and off-road, leaning towards paved, with smooth hard surface along the waymarked trail giving way to softer woodland paths along the Ley Way. With only around 60 metres of climbing across the circuit, the ascent is concentrated in a single gentle pull through the trees before drifting back down towards the water. A sheltered, straightforward circuit blending steady riverside running with peaceful woodland.