Aberdeen Beach, Scotland, UK by Bernt Rostad

Whether you’re a city slicker or a wilderness wanderer, Aberdeenshire offers something for everyone. Read on for some tips on where to get started in this diverse and dazzling county.

City

It goes without saying that the city of Aberdeen is a great place to start your exploration of the region. Staying in Aberdeen gives you plenty of options for walking in the city and further afield.

To get to grips with the area, the circuit of Aberdeen centre takes you through the highlights of the Granite City. Many of the town’s most impressive stone buildings can be seen on the short circuit, starting at Castlegate at the east end of Union Street, turning onto Broad Street and past the striking Marischal College. From there, cross the street and walk under the arch of St Nicholas House to Provost Skene’s house and onto Flourmill Lane and Schoolhill, eventually coming to Robert Gordon University, the Art Gallery, the War Memorial, His Majesty’s Theatre and the Central Library building.

Turning left along Union Terrace affords fantastic views over the city, before turning back towards Union Street and the elegant houses of Golden Square and Bon Accord Square.

The sea around Aberdeen, Scotland, UK by Bruce McAdam

Sea

There are countless coastal walks to choose from in Aberdeenshire, all of varying length and difficulty. In the northernmost parts of the region, Banff and Buchan offers plenty of low impact ambles which are full of great shoreline vistas. For a small challenge offering big rewards, try the 3 – 4 hour walk from St Combs to Rattray Head, taking in the vast sand dunes and long beach which stretches all the way to Peterhead, with the Strathbeg Nature Reserve in close proximity.

Land

Inland, great walking country is in abundance, with rolling rivers and hills of heather perfectly complementing a number of interesting historical landmarks. A number of popular routes exist on the hill ridge of Bennachie in the district of Gordon, with its recognisable peak and hill-top iron-age fort. Slightly further afield, Glenlivet offers spectacular and wild scenery, not to mention many opportunities to sample a wee dram of the region’s famous whiskey.

Highland cattle by backpackphotography

Mountain

Aberdeenshire and the Highlands are home to the biggest range of high mountains in the Britain, stretching across the largest National Park in the country. The Cairngorms stretch for miles, encompassing vast areas of wilderness, ancient forests, stunning landscapes and an array of native wildlife. The best known part of the national park is home to the Cairn Gorm Mountain itself, famous for being the snowiest part of Britain. For those who want to keep their feet closer to the ground, the lower slopes boast Caledonian pinewoods and clear lochs, including Loch an Eilein, home to a ruined island castle.

What are your favourite nature walks in Aberdeenshire?

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Photo by admin

First of all, a rented villa offers much more space than a hotel at a much lower price. Most villas are airy and well maintained. Some even have terraces where you can have open-air meals or just sit down and enjoy the view all around you. Others come with a pool where you can take a relaxing swim or entertain guests and friends.

Renting a villa during your cheap holiday in Italy will also offer you the privacy that you cannot get at a hotel. You can have peace and quiet and you can be sure that you won’t be bothered by the crowds especially during the peak season.

If you love to cook, then a villa is perfect for you since it is equipped with a working kitchen and other comforts of home. You will be able to have the foods that you are used to at a much lower price. This will also give you the chance to explore the local markets and get to know the local people. When you stay in a villa on your cheap holiday in Italy, it is basically living in your home away from home.

So if you are just in looking for some accommodation in Italy, think about this tip!

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