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 Elliott Brown

1. Peddars Way

Route description

Peddars Way stretches along 46 miles between Knettishall Heath and Holme-next-the-Sea, where it connects with the Norfolk Coastal Path. For the most part, Peddars Way follows an ancient Bronze Age route that later became a Roman road. The path runs past intermediate towns like Blackwater Carr, Little Cressingham, Castle Acre, Sedgeford, and Ringstead.

The main highlights of the Peddars Way include the extensive pine and oak forests near Blackwater Carr and the heathlands in the Breckland area, which are a prime location to spot the local bird species.

Peddars Way, Norfolk: Knettishall Heath by Michael Perryman

Practical information

The trailhead at Knettishall Heath can be reached from Harling Road train station. From there, trains connect the Peddars Way with Norwich, Cambridge, London, Manchester, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Liverpool. The northern trailhead at Holme-next-the-Sea is connected by bus with Sheringham and Kings Lynn, where onward train connections are plentiful.

Between Easter and the last week of September, the Brecks bus shuttles hikers between the main towns and villages along Peddars Way. The bus originates in Thetford (served by a rail line) and continues on to Knettishall before terminating at Swaffham. From this point and until the end of the path at Holmes, bus connections are limited.

Art on the Peddars Way is an interesting project that combines music, poetry, and sculpture with the outstanding natural beauty of the area. Some of the sculptures function as waymarkers.

Accommodation

There is a caravan park and campsite near River Thet, by Thorpe Woodlands. Alternatively, bed and breakfast and cottage accommodation are available at Castle Acre, Sedgeford, Thetford, and Swaffham. Some of the cottages offer amenities like wifi Internet, washing machine, TV, and microwave.

2. Norfolk Coastal Path

Route description

The Norfolk Coastal Path runs along 45 miles between the towns of Hunstanton and Cromer. Along the way, the route traverses some of eastern England’s most stunning coastal scenery, including areas that have been designated Areas of Outstanding National Beauty.

The trailheads are located at Cromer and Hunstanton, and intermediate towns include Holme-next-the-Sea, Titchwell, Brancaster, Burnham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Blakeney, Salthouse, Weybourne, Sheringham, and Beeston Regis.

Some interesting things to see while walking the Coastal Path include the Victorian architecture in Hunstanton, the salt marshes near Brancaster and Blakeney, the beaches and wildlife at the Holkham National Natural Reserve, and the Sheringham cliffs.

The sea cliffs at Hunstanton: Norfolk Coastal Path by Andrew Dunn

Practical information

The Coastal Path can be easily accessed by car or public transportation from two main towns: Norwich and in Kings Lynn. At Kings Lynn, trains link this Norfolk town with London and Cambridge. Those who prefer to start their walk on Norfolk’s Coastal Path at an intermediate point can take one of the hourly Coasthopper bus services, which depart from Kings Lynn train station and go all the way to Hunstanton, stopping at the main points of interest for walkers. Coasthopper buses also link Norwich with Cromer, Cromer with Wells-next-the-Sea, and Wells with Hunstanton.

There is an information centre in Sheringham, which can provide walkers with leaflets and local transportation and accommodation advice. The path is safe to walk on all-year-round, although it is important to keep in mind that the high season (which runs between April and September) brings an increased number of visitors and therefore it is wise to book accommodation in advance.

Written on behalf of Potters Leisure Resort – Holidays in Norfolk

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Zdiar, High Tatras mountains, Slovakia by admin

Bask in the beauty of Europe’s many idyllic walking locations, with a vast array to chose from you’re spoilt for choice. When walking you’re surrounded by a constant flux of new and enthralling sights, allowing you to interrogate areas and places where a crowded tour bus can’t reach. With a multitude of choice it’s difficult to narrow down where to go, however the following locations are certainly not ones to miss.

Austria’s picture post card worthy Alpine scenery is undeniably one of the world’s most beautiful scenes, and if you’re going on a walking holiday, this is certainly the place to be. The network of beautiful mountains and the glistening lakes exudes a tranquil ambiance, perfect for any walking holiday. You don’t have to be an expert or hardcore enthusiast; if your legs long for a break you can sit back and relax in a cable car, and feast your eyes on breath-taking, unrivalled views. The famous region of Salzgammergut is regarded as one of the worlds most beautiful areas to date, and it’s not difficult to see why with it’s utopian beauty. There’s a lot more to the Austrian Lake District then simply being aesthetically pleasing, for those with a hungry and inquisitive mind there are plenty of wonders to explore such as the Dachstein caves!

Feel as if you’ve stepped in to a different world in Finland’s Taiga forest, a world you’ll find hard to leave behind. A natural bliss, the forest is full of endangered wildlife like the brown bear and wolverine. With such natural wonders out there it’s hard to resist, with a myriad of lakes glistening in the sunlight-it epitomises everything a perfect walking location should be. The range of wildlife watching, and outdoor activities adds an extra element to your walking holiday, creating an abundance of choice and opportunities to keep you busy!

The famous Tatranska Magistrala inspires awe with its beautiful, unrivalled views of the mountains that surround the border between Poland and Slovakia. The red marked trail of Tatranska Magistrala follows the Tatras from east to west, commencing at the Velke Biele. Prepare yourself for a 16 hours walk at least, so make sure you’re equipped with a sturdy pair of hiking boots and rainproof clothing. Popradske Lake is a beautiful attraction of the trail with its clear blue water. The lake has provoked a lot of interest from travellers and walkers alike- since the beginning of the 20th century, memorial signs were scattered across the mountains to mark the memory of those that had lost their lives. It is often regarded as the “symbolic cemetery” and is worth seeing.

It may be amongst the most obvious of choices, however Corsica’s GR20 isn’t any less remarkable. Writer Paddy Dillon deemed the path one of the top paths in the world, and it’s not hard to see why. Walk amongst a tranquil path with the stunning backdrop of mountains and valleys. The trail consists of two main parts, divided by the north and the south. Expect unbounded beauty in the north, however prepare yourself for a much more difficult hike with steep and rocky paths. In contrast, the south is a lot simpler and easier to walk- suitable for less experienced hikers. Cirque de la solitude is infamous for it’s risk factor; hikers virtually have to descent 300 vertical metres. Many walkers dread this stage of the trail but agree that the triumphant feeling after completing justifies any previous worry or concern.

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Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain by Alquiler de Coches

Beach Vacation

Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife is the largest of the seven Canary Islands, and a beach-lover’s paradise. A Spanish island and province, it is located off the coast of northwest Africa and features grey-sand beaches, one of the largest volcanoes in the world and a warm tropical climate. Tenerife’s average year-round temperatures are in the mid-20s C, earning it the nickname ‘Island of the Eternal Spring’ and attracting tourists from around Europe and beyond (more than five million annually). Known for its yearly carnival, Tenerife is a surprisingly affordable cheap, even destination, offering fun and relaxing holidays for the whole family.

Rural Retreat

Lake Bled, Slovenia
Slovenia markets itself as the ‘Green Piece of Europe’ and visitors will find plenty of green in Lake Bled, a pristine glacial lake and sleepy resort town just over 30 miles from the capital, Ljubljana. Surrounded by lush woodlands and the towering Julian Alps, the area is a haven for walkers and mountain-bikers. In the middle of the lake is a medieval church, accessible by boat, with stone walls offering stunning views. Overlooking over the lake in the hills above is the medieval Bled Castle, which is available for tours. Families will find Slovenia affordable on the whole, and off-season, visitors will find Lake Bled to be particularly low-cost.

City Break

Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon is a city on seven hills that still maintains an historic quarter — including original Roman walls — despite several massive earthquakes throughout its history. It is an affordable cultural centre known for its mournful Fado music, unique carriage museum, imposing cathedral filled with the graves of famous Portuguese explorers, and world-famous pastries. Beautiful countryside awaits a short drive from the city, and a view of the sea is never far. Lisbon is continental Europe’s westernmost city and one of the oldest in Europe, predating London. There are two UNESCO sites to visit, though many things of interest in this affordable capital.

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Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by 29cm

Triglav National Park is located on the northwest edge of Slovenia, near the border with Italy and is easily accessible from all directions. It is a paradise for nature lovers, who can enjoy intact alpine world here full of rare plants and animals. Therefore, there applies stricter rules than in other protected areas of lower status. The park area is covered with alpine karst, from the steep cliffs you can see falling great and powerful waterfalls and in the deep valleys are hidden glacial lakes. The largest lake Bohinj, which have tectonic-glacial origin, is situated at an altitude of 523 meters above sea level. With an area of ​​3,18 square kilometres and a depth of 45 meters it is the largest natural freshwater area in Slovenia. But they are also other minor lakes such as Kriška Lakes, Black Lake and Krn Lake (Krnsko jezero).

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Grant Bishop

The first a proposal to protect the area around Triglav was submitted in 1908, and in 1981 the region was declared a national park. It now occupies an area of 838.07 square kilometres wich is about 3% of the total area of ​​Slovenia. There are springs of two major Balkan rivers – the Sava and Soča. Soča rises at an altitude of 1050 m and flows into the Adriatic Sea. In contrast, Sava river is formed by the confluence of the Sava Dolnika and Sava Bohinjka streams, and flows into the Danube before Belgrade and then into the Black Sea.

The heart of Triglav National Park is formed by the dominant mountain Triglav, which, after recognition of an independent Slovenia became a kind of a national symbol, as is depicted on the flag, as well as the national emblem. Today it is a popular destination for climbers, adventurers and lovers of adrenaline. Its steep and clouds shrouded cliffs seemed to be insurmountable for a long time. Triglav’s north wall is with its width of 3 km and height of 1 km even the largest wall of the Eastern Alps. On top of Triglav over the north wall climbed the German-Austrian expedition for the first time in 1906, after which the route is now called the “German way”. Otherwise, it is possible to climb to the summit by following more than twenty other routes. A relatively simple and therefore most often used is that one from the southern side of Bohinj Lake.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by chripell

If you want to know Triglav National Park a little more it is good to stay here for at least a week, otherwise you can miss many of its attractions and beauty. Park crosses over 7000 km of marked and maintained paths, where you encounter many inns and lodges for tourists providing quality and adequate facilities. Triglav National Park offers excellent conditions for hiking, recreational, as well as mountaineering. Prepare yourself, however, that the biggest attractions such as waterfalls are charged. It is not allowed to camp or bivouac in the park.

The best starting point for tours is the town of Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Bovec and Kobarid. The largest information center of the park is located in the town of Bled. For hiking trips along the most beautiful valleys such as Vrata, Kot and Krma are the best starting points in the villages Dovje and Mojstrana. Just beyond the north edge of Triglav National Park you can find a mountain valley Planica, which is a place of famous Championships in the ski flying.

Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by 29cm

In the valley Vrata, which leads to the northern wall is a memorial dedicated to the local partisans from the World War II. Other attractions in the valley, but this time with the natural character is a waterfall Paričnik, falling in two stages – one from a height of 52 meters and the second from a height of 16 meters. The largest waterfall in the park is Zapotok waterfall (Zapotoški slap) measuring 73 meters, third largest then is the Savica waterfall with the height of 50 meters.

View Triglav – Julian Alps in Slovenia in a larger map

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