Aberdeen Kiltwalk shares best photo opportunities on route ahead of charity event

Aberdeen Kiltwalk will return to the north-east on Sunday, June 4.

By Ellie Milne

May 31 2023, 5:47 pm

The Kiltwalk will return to the north-east on Sunday, June 4. Image: Aberdeen Kiltwalk.

Aberdeen Kiltwalk has shared the best spots on the north-east route to take photos ahead of the event this weekend.

Hundreds of peoples are expected to walk from Duthie Park to Bellfield Park on Sunday to raise money for charity.

The 18-mile Mighty Stride covers most of the Deeside Way, while the 3.7-mile Wee Wander includes the grounds of Crathes Castle – with both options offering a number of scenic spots for photos.

A man and woman dressed in kilts and yellow charity t-shirts on the Kiltwalk — Walkers on the old railway line near Drumoak. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson.

Susanne Morrison, marketing manager for Kiltwalk, said: “We’ve shaken things up a bit this year, reducing the length of the Mighty Stride and starting at Duthie Park, where we used to finish.

“We also have a new route for the Wee Wander starting at historic Crathes Castle, one of Scotland’s best-preserved castles set in beautiful, highly Instagrammable gardens.

“With amazing beauty spots, national landmarks and a few local treasures to enjoy enroute, we can’t wait for our Kiltwalk Heroes to discover the sights on our new routes and raise much-needed funds for the charities that mean most to them.”

Where at the best photo locations on the Aberdeen Kiltwalk?

This year’s Aberdeen Kiltwalk will start at Duthie Park which offers a variety of photo opportunities, including the bandstand which is located in the centre of the main green.

Four men in kilts in front of the Duthie Park bandstand — Kiltwalkers at Duthie Park in 2014.

Most of the route covers the Deeside Way along the Old Royal Deeside Railway which features a specially converted steam train running on its tracks at the Deeside Railway Station.

Another popular spot is the ruined Category B-listed Dalmaik Old Parish Church, which dates back to 1062, located in Drumoak.

Park Bridge, a Category-A structure which has been closed to traffic since 2019, features two cast-iron arches which pedestrians and cyclists can travel over.

A locater of Park Bridge taken from below — Park Bridge was designed by engineer John Willett.

One of the famous landmarks in Banchory is Scolty Tower which points to the sky from the top of Scolty Hill and is visible from most places in the town.

Lovers Walk in Peterculter is a popular beauty spot with views of the River Dee which is located a short distance from the Mighty Stride path.

This year’s Wee Wander will start at Crathes Castle which offers a range of photo opportunities, including its four-acre walled garden.

A group of walkers wearing kilts and red Friends of Anchor t-shirts in front of Crathes Castle — Kiltwalkers at the Big Stroll start line Crathes Castle at Aberdeen Kiltwalk 2022. Image: Elaine Livingstone Photography.

There is still time to sign up online for the Aberdeen Kiltwalk, as well as the Dundee Kiltwalk on August 20 and the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on September 17.