7k Run Kemnay: Scenic Trail through Fetternear and Cot-Town Wood

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.7km loop offers a refreshing escape into the Aberdeenshire countryside, starting from the Riverside Road bridge in Kemnay. Runners will find themselves on a predominantly off-road journey through lush woodland trails and scenic estate paths. With a moderate ascent of 73m and a "hilly" rating of 2, the route provides enough elevation change to keep the legs working without being overly taxing. You'll move through the tranquil Fetternear Woods before tackling a rewarding loop of Cot-Town Wood (often locally referred to as Cot-Down). Expect a mixture of soft forest floors and steady gravel tracks—perfect for those looking to swap the pavement for a more natural, cushioned terrain.

Located just west of Inverurie, Kemnay is perhaps most famous for its striking pink granite, which was used to build the Scottish Parliament and the Thames Embankment. However, this route focuses on the area’s rich natural heritage rather than its industrial past. As you run through the Fetternear estate, you are passing through land with deep historical roots; it was once the summer palace for the Bishops of Aberdeen dating back to the 14th century. The woods today are a haven for local wildlife, including red squirrels and roe deer, offering a peaceful atmosphere that makes this 6.7km circuit feel like a true retreat into the heart of the Don Valley.