Kirkhill Forest

7 miles (11.2 km)

This forest near Aberdeen has some good walking paths and mountain bike trails to try. There's also a series of hills to climb with great views over the surrounding area.
You can start your exercise from the car park at the south eastern corner of the forest, just off the A96. Head west and then north and you can climb to Tyrebagger Hill at a height of 306m. On the top of the hill you will find a viewing tower with a spiral stairway. Climb to the top for fine, far reaching views over Aberdeenshire.
From Tyrebagger Hill you continue to the Hill of Marcus before descending to easier woodland trails.
Use the open street map link below to see the mtb trails mapped out.
To continue your woodland walking in the Aberdeen area head north west and visit the Bennachie Forest. There's more fine trails with some challenging climbs in the Bennachie Hills to enjoy too.
If you head east you can visit Balmedie Country Park on the coast. There's a beautiful beach with boardwalks and stunning coastal views.
Also to the west is Haughton Country Park where there are nice woodland trails and waterside paths along the River Don.
If you head south you can visit the 13th century Drum Castle and explore the estate surrounding the castle. The Loch of Skene can also be found just to the south west. It's a lovely peaceful place for birdwatching and easy strolls.

Postcode

AB21 0TU - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locations

Kirkhill Forest Ordnance Survey Map - view and print off detailed OS map

Kirkhill Forest Open Street Map - view and print off detailed map

Kirkhill Forest OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Kirkhill Forest Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

Head west of the forest and you can visit the ancient Whitehills Stone Circle on the Pitfichie�Forest Walk. Near here you'll find a historic local highlight at the National Trust's Castle Fraser in Inverurie. The stunning 15th century castle is surrounded by some beautiful gardens and landscaped grounds.
A little further west there's more local history at the 16th century Craigievar Castle. Here you can explore the attractive grounds of a pink fairytale castle, thought to have been the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle.
In Duthie Park in Aberdeen you can pick up the popular Deeside Way. The shared cycling and walking route runs along a disused railway between Aberdeen and Ballater.