Deeside Way

The Deeside Way is 69.85 km long, so most hikers complete it in about 3 to 4 days. A common split is Aberdeen to Drumoak, Drumoak to Banchory, Banchory to Aboyne, and Aboyne to Ballater, with the longest day usually the Banchory to Aboyne section at roughly 24 km.

The Deeside Way is generally considered an easy multi-day route. Much of it follows the old Deeside Railway line, so gradients are gentle for long stretches, with the main exception being the Banchory to Aboyne section, which leaves the railway corridor and climbs through woodland below Scolty Hill before descending again.

The Deeside Way runs between Aberdeen and Ballater in northeast Scotland. The eastern end is at Duthie Park in Aberdeen, and the western end is in Ballater on Royal Deeside, giving the route a point-to-point layout rather than a loop.

Yes. The route is well served by buses along the A93 corridor, which links Aberdeen, Drumoak, Banchory, Aboyne, Dinnet, and Ballater. That makes it practical to walk the Deeside Way in sections or return to a start point without needing a car.

Parking is available at several useful access points along the Deeside Way. Drumoak has parking by the war memorial, Aboyne has parking near the village center by Victory Hall, and Ballater has public parking including Church Square Car Park, which is a convenient option for the western end of the route.

The Deeside Way is generally suitable for walking with a dog because it is mainly off-road and follows broad paths and former railway trackbed for much of its length. In Scotland, access rights usually extend to people walking dogs, but dogs should be kept under close control around livestock, wildlife, roads, and other path users.

The terrain on the Deeside Way is mostly straightforward, with long sections of level or gently graded path on the former railway line between Aberdeen and Ballater. The route is waymarked for most of its length and includes a mix of old railbed, woodland paths, village links, and some stretches that run close to the A93.