The best running trails in Aberdeenshire

Enjoy an easy 2.5-mile (4.0 km) jogging loop through Ury Riverside Park in Inverurie, featuring diverse natural scenery and minimal elevatio

Embark on a challenging jogging adventure with The White Mounth & Lochnagar loop from Spittal of Glen Muick, a difficult route spanning 17.7 miles (28.4 km) with a significant 3369 feet (1027 metres) of elevation gain. This demanding trail, typically completed in around 3 hours and 57 minutes, takes you through varied and rugged terrain, including rocky paths and unpaved sections. You will encounter "the Ladder," a steep boulder field leading towards Lochnagar's summit, and experience the expansive views from the Mounth Plateau. The trail offers a true test of endurance and sure-footedness, rewarding you with the wild beauty of the Cairngorms National Park.

Planning your visit requires careful consideration due to the trail's demanding nature. This hard run requires very good fitness, sturdy shoes, and alpine experience, especially given the potential for high winds year-round and snow and ice in winter. Be prepared for a burn crossing where your feet might get wet. The route is situated within the Balmoral Estate, so be mindful of local regulations and conditions. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly in this exposed mountain environment.

This loop is notable for its opportunity to bag five Munros, including Lochnagar (Cac Carn Beag), considered the highest and finest mountain of the Mounth plateau. As you jog, you will pass Glas Allt Shiel, a lodge built by Queen Victoria, adding a historical touch to your journey. Keep an eye out for remnants of an RAF Canberra plane wreckage from a 1956 crash on Carn an t-Sagairt Mòr. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, such as grouse and deer, making for an immersive nature experience within the picturesque Cairngorms National Park.

The Burn o' Vat Waterfall & Loch Kinord loop from Dinnet offers a varied jogging experience through pine and birch woods, with scenic views along Loch Kinord. You'll navigate well-maintained, waymarked paths, but be ready for stony sections and tree roots. The route is generally undulating with small hills, covering 6.0 miles (9.6 km) with an elevation gain of 199 feet (61 metres). This moderate jogging loop typically takes around 1 hour to complete. A highlight is the viewpoint overlooking Loch Kinord, where you might spot white water lilies in summer.

Be prepared for some sections of the trail that can be wet and slippery, especially after rain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. The entry into the Burn o' Vat itself involves scrambling over rough boulders and stepping stones, which is a more challenging part of the route. Certain areas can also become boggy in wet conditions. While the overall loop is moderate, this specific section requires careful navigation. Consider checking local conditions before you head out to ensure a pleasant jogging experience.

The Burn o' Vat is the trail's standout feature, an impressive geological formation carved by glacial meltwater thousands of years ago. Inside, you'll find a waterfall within an 18-meter-wide and 13-meter-high circular chamber, offering a dramatic sight. This area, part of the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve, showcases diverse habitats and evidence of glacial activity, including kettle hole ponds. The trail also passes remnants of prehistoric settlements and the ancient Kinord Pictish stone, adding a layer of historical intrigue to your jog.

This moderate jogging route, a 7.9-mile (12.7 km) loop around Loch Muick, offers continuous views of the serene upland loch and the surrounding hills within Cairngorms National Park. You will jog through diverse landscapes, including forests with remnants of ancient Caledonian pine, and follow the meandering River Muick across a glacial valley floor. The trail features mostly accessible and well-maintained paths, though some sections on the western side can be uneven and rocky, with a total elevation gain of 359 feet (109 metres).

Plan for about 1 hour and 33 minutes to complete this loop at a jogging pace, requiring good fitness due to its moderate classification. The path is generally considered to have fairly level and easy footing in many areas, consisting of gravel, unpaved, and natural surfaces. You can also make a detour to see stunning waterfalls, adding to the scenic variety of your run.

This trail is notable for its location within the Balmoral Estate, the summer home of the royal family, and includes historical sites like the Glas-allt Shiel house, Queen Victoria's former lodge. The loch itself is glacially carved and exceptionally deep, surrounded by heathered slopes and sheer cliffs, providing a captivating blend of natural beauty. Keep an eye out for wildlife, such as red deer and golden eagles, which can often be spotted along the way.

Embark on a difficult jogging loop from Glenshee Ski Centre, bagging three Munros: Carn Aosda, Carn a' Gheoidh, and The Cairnwell. This 7.2-mile (11.6 km) route, with 1316 feet (401 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 1 hours and 37 minutes to complete. You will experience a mix of rocky tracks and grassy slopes, with expansive views across the eastern Highlands from the scenic ridge to Carn a' Gheoidh. While some sections near the ski centre show infrastructure, Carn a' Gheoidh offers a more remote feel with views towards the Cairngorm plateau.

To start your adventure, head to Glenshee Ski Centre, which offers convenient parking for a fee, along with toilets and a café. While navigation is generally clear, be prepared with a GPS or map and compass, as visibility can change quickly in the Scottish Highlands. This route requires a reasonable level of fitness and appropriate hillwalking gear to handle the rapidly changing mountain weather.

This loop is notable for being one of the most accessible ways to bag three Munros in a single outing, making it popular for those new to Munro bagging. Starting from the highest public road pass in Britain at around 670 metres significantly reduces the overall ascent. The trail offers a unique blend of wild mountain scenery, especially on the ridge to Carn a' Gheoidh, contrasted with the visible ski centre infrastructure on Carn Aosda and The Cairnwell.

Jog this moderate 6.2-mile loop from Stonehaven, featuring dramatic Dunnottar Castle views and peaceful Dunnottar Woods.

This difficult 20.2-mile (32.6 km) jogging loop from Linn of Dee tackles Derry Cairngorm and Ben Macdui in Cairngorms National Park.