4.2
(172)
3,976
hikers
23
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Cove And Altens are characterized by the dramatic North Sea coastline, featuring rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and expansive sea views. The terrain offers a mix of easily navigable paths, providing an invigorating coastal environment. Hikers can experience paths tracing clifftops and offering panoramic vistas. The area is defined by its coastal landscapes and diverse trails.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
3
hikers
5.44km
01:28
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
9
hikers
4.19km
01:10
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.7
(3)
6
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
hikers
4.10km
01:08
70m
70m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
take a rest on the hill and enjoy the vista of Aberdeen
0
0
Doonie's Hill stands at 68m high and provides some lovely views across to Aberdeen's harbour and out to the North Sea.
1
0
Tullos Hill is situated around 2 miles south of Aberdeen central. The hill stands at 83m high and provides some fantastic views over to Aberdeen city and out to the North Sea. It's a popular local spot for hikers, dog walkers, and joggers,
1
0
Burnbanks Haven is a cove that extends back some 100 metres from the North Sea coastline. A coastal path will lead you around the cove, where you'll be treated to some fantastic vistas showing off the wild coastline of Scotland's east coast.
0
0
The clifftops between Girdleness and Cove on the south-east edge of Aberdeen are a magnificent sight. As you walk along the coastline, you'll be treated to enchanting coves, dramatic clifftops, and soaring interrupting views out to the North Sea.
1
1
There are over 250 easy hiking trails in Cove and Altens, offering a wide variety of coastal paths and scenic routes for all ability levels.
Easy hikes in Cove and Altens primarily feature the dramatic North Sea coastline, with rugged cliffs, secluded coves, and expansive sea views. You'll find paths tracing clifftops and offering panoramic vistas, providing an invigorating coastal environment.
Yes, many of the easy trails in Cove and Altens are circular. For example, the Doonies and Tullos Hill loop is a popular 5.4 km circular route, and the Girdle Ness Radar Station – Girdle Ness Lighthouse loop from Footdee also offers a circular coastal experience.
While hiking, you can explore various points of interest. Consider the Girdle Ness Radar Station – Girdle Ness Lighthouse loop from Footdee to see historic coastal landmarks. Further afield, you might encounter the St Machar's Cathedral or the Bridge of Balgownie. The Footdee Beach is also a notable spot.
Yes, many easy trails are suitable for families. Routes like the Doonies and Tullos Hill loop are shorter and provide a gentle walking experience, making them ideal for a family outing.
Most easy hiking trails in Cove and Altens are dog-friendly, especially the coastal paths and open areas. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, particularly near cliff edges or in areas with wildlife, and to check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Easy hikes in Cove and Altens typically range from 1 hour 25 minutes to just under 2 hours. For instance, the Doonies and Tullos Hill loop takes about 1 hour 27 minutes, while the Mercat Cross Aberdeen – Statue of Edward VII, Aberdeen loop from Footdee is closer to 1 hour 57 minutes.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from over 130 reviews. Hikers often praise the stunning coastal views, the well-maintained paths, and the invigorating sea air that makes for a refreshing outdoor experience.
Yes, beyond the immediate coastline, you can find easy routes that offer different scenery. The Victoria Bridge loop from Footdee, for example, provides views along the River Dee and through urban green spaces, offering a pleasant contrast to the coastal paths.
The coastal trails of Cove and Altens can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer milder weather and longer daylight hours, ideal for enjoying the sea views. Autumn brings dramatic skies, while winter walks can be crisp and refreshing, though conditions may be more exposed.
Yes, the coastal environment is excellent for wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for seabirds along the cliffs. Grey seals, dolphins, and even minke whales can sometimes be spotted in the North Sea waters, especially from elevated viewpoints.
While not directly within Cove and Altens, the magnificent Old Deeside Railway Line (also known as the Deeside Way) is a traffic-free path that starts in Duthie Park, Aberdeen. You can access it from Aberdeen and enjoy a tranquil escape into the Aberdeenshire countryside, shared by walkers and cyclists.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.