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Routes
Hikes
Aberdeenshire

Benholm And Johnshaven

Routes
Hikes
Aberdeenshire

Benholm And Johnshaven

The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Benholm And Johnshaven

4.5

(24)

257

hikers

6

hikes

Family friendly hiking trails around Benholm And Johnshaven are primarily characterized by their coastal paths and scenic shoreline along the North Sea. The region features a mix of level tracks and some routes with moderate ascents, offering diverse landscapes from rugged cliffs to sheltered sections. Inland, the Benholm Burn and its surrounding woodland provide a different natural experience, including a waterfall and historical bridges. The area also incorporates charming fishing villages and historical sites into its trail network.

Best family…

Last updated: May 26, 2026

4.8

(5)

24

hikers

#1.

Johnshaven Harbour – Gourdon Harbour loop from Johnshaven

14.0km

03:33

40m

40m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

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Tips from the Community

Bart
July 26, 2025, St Cyrus Beach

Great beach, and a chance to see dolphins

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The Gourdon Survival Station – small, blue, and absolutely essential for survival! Right on the harbor wall in Gourdon, you'll find everything you need for survival – in a charmingly Scottish miniature version: • 🥫 The Storage Box – A food donation box. Open, honest, and supportive. If you're hungry, help yourself. If you have anything left over, put it in. Works better than some refrigerators! • 📚 The Little Free Library – A blue bookcase with anchor decorations, packed with crime novels, children's books, and romantic dramas. For your mind when the weather turns to "horizontal rain" again. • ⚡ The Defibrillator – Safely stored in an old telephone booth with a retro mosaic. If the thrill of a JD Kirk novel or the stairs to the harbor sweep you away – here's power for your heart. Conclusion: Humans need three things: food, reading, and life. In Gourdon, you'll find everything – right next to each other, without any bureaucracy. You just have to brew your own tea.

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Imagine a tiny museum in an old Coast Guard building right on Gutty Harbor—charming, but with the heart of a captain. The superstar there is the "Maggie Law," a 30-foot surf rowing buoy built in 1890, rowed by six men, and ingenious at performing rescues between sharp rocks—it saved 36 lives in 40 years of service!

Translated by Google

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Ideal location for a picnic overlooking St Cyrus Beaches

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Brian
January 28, 2024, St Cyrus Cliffs

Stunning location to view along the beach at St Cyrus

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If you're looking for a scenic and adventurous day out, why not visit the Woodston Burn waterfall at St Cyrus beach? This hidden gem is tucked away at the northern end of the beach, where you can also see the ruins of the 15th century Kaim of Mathers Castle. To reach the waterfall, you'll need to scramble over some foreshore rocks, so make sure you wear sturdy shoes and check the tide times before you go. The waterfall is a spectacular sight, especially after heavy rain, and you might even spot some wildlife along the way. You can also explore the old cottage near the waterfall, which was once used by salmon fishermen. For more information about this area, you can visit the St Cyrus Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, where you'll learn about the rich history and biodiversity of this coastal landscape. So don't miss this opportunity to discover one of Scotland's best-kept secrets, and enjoy a walk with a difference at the Woodston Burn waterfall.

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There’s a great wee coffee shop right in the harbour and the staff are lovely and friendly. They have vegan cakes and you can have a choice of drinks.

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51m
March 19, 2023, Johnshaven Harbour

Johnshaven has been an important fishing village for centuries. In the herring boom 59 boats operated out of the harbour. The harbour itself is interesting, constructed from the local sandstone in late 1800's it has an outer harbour protected by a sea wall and then an inner harbour accessed by a side entrance from the outer harbour. Today fishing is still a major source of income here along with tourism. Look out for the Fish Festival and do try the Lobster Shop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Benholm And Johnshaven?

There are 6 family-friendly hiking trails around Benholm And Johnshaven. These routes are specifically curated to be easy-going, with manageable distances and gentle paths, perfect for families to enjoy the outdoors together.

What makes the family-friendly trails in Benholm And Johnshaven suitable for children?

The family-friendly trails in Benholm And Johnshaven are characterized by their easy-to-moderate difficulty, featuring mostly level tracks and gentle ascents. Many routes offer engaging coastal scenery, historic villages, and natural features like the Benholm Burn, keeping younger hikers interested. Routes like the Johnshaven Harbour – Johnshaven Harbour loop are particularly short and accessible, ideal for families with small children.

What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails in Benholm And Johnshaven?

The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Benholm And Johnshaven, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 24 ratings. Hikers often praise the stunning North Sea views, the charm of the fishing villages, and the well-maintained paths that make for an enjoyable experience for all ages.

Are there any circular family walks in the Benholm And Johnshaven area?

Yes, several family-friendly routes in Benholm And Johnshaven are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. For example, the Johnshaven Harbour – Gourdon Harbour loop from Johnshaven offers a scenic coastal circuit, while the shorter Coastal Path – Johnshaven Harbour loop from Johnshaven is also a great circular option.

Can we find waterfalls on family-friendly hikes around Benholm And Johnshaven?

While the primary focus of these family-friendly routes is the coastline, the wider Benholm area does feature natural attractions like waterfalls. Benholm Den is known to have a waterfall, and you can also find the Woodston Burn Waterfall and Rocks and Den Finella Waterfall nearby, which can be explored as part of other adventures or short detours.

Are the family-friendly trails in Benholm And Johnshaven suitable for dogs?

Many of the coastal paths and trails in Benholm And Johnshaven are dog-friendly, offering plenty of space for your furry companions to enjoy. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a lead, especially near cliffs, livestock, or in nature reserve areas like St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, to protect wildlife and ensure everyone's safety.

What interesting landmarks or attractions can we see along these family-friendly routes?

The family-friendly routes often pass through or near charming historic fishing villages like Johnshaven and Gourdon, where you can explore their unique harbours. You might also encounter historical features such as old coach roads or sections of disused railway lines. The St Cyrus National Nature Reserve and St Cyrus Beach are also significant natural attractions in the vicinity, offering additional exploration opportunities.

Are there any easy routes suitable for toddlers or strollers?

For toddlers and families with strollers, the shorter, flatter sections of the coastal paths are ideal. The Johnshaven Harbour – Johnshaven Harbour loop is a relatively short and easy option. While many coastal paths are generally well-maintained, some sections might have uneven terrain, so a sturdy, all-terrain stroller is advisable. Always check the route details for specific terrain information.

Where can we find parking for these family-friendly hikes?

Parking is generally available in the main villages like Johnshaven and Gourdon, which serve as common starting points for many of the trails. Specific parking information can often be found in the details of individual komoot tours, but village car parks are usually a good bet for accessing the coastal paths.

Are there places to eat or get refreshments near the family-friendly trails?

Yes, the charming fishing villages of Johnshaven and Gourdon, which are central to many of these family-friendly hikes, offer options for refreshments. You'll find local cafes and pubs where you can enjoy a meal or a snack after your walk, providing a perfect way to round off your family adventure.

What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Benholm And Johnshaven?

The coastal paths of Benholm And Johnshaven are enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for family hikes, with longer daylight hours and blooming wildflowers. Autumn provides beautiful coastal colours. Even in winter, the trails can be walked, though appropriate warm and waterproof clothing is essential due to the exposed coastal conditions.

Are there any less crowded family-friendly trails in the area?

While the main coastal paths can be popular, especially in peak season, the Benholm And Johnshaven area generally offers a more tranquil hiking experience compared to larger tourist hubs. For potentially quieter walks, consider exploring some of the inland sections along the Benholm Burn or routes that venture slightly away from the immediate village centres. Shorter routes like the Johnshaven Harbour – Johnshaven Harbour loop might also be less crowded during off-peak hours.

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