Having a baby definitely makes getting outdoors more difficult, but we made it our mission to find pram friendly walks in Aberdeenshire! Walking is a massive part of our lifestyle and one way that we spend quality time together as a family. We also believe it is so important that our children grow up to love and respect nature.
The type of pram you have will definitely impact your accessibility on walks. If you are looking for a robust off-road pram suitable for a variety of walks in Aberdeenshire, we highly recommend the Out n About. However, all walks in this guide should be accessible with a standard sturdy buggy.
1. Pitfour Lake, Mintlaw
Pitfour Lake in Mintlaw is 3.2km and will take you 45-60 mins to walk. It's ideal for all ages and also manageable for little legs. The walk is a pretty simple circular trail around the lake. It can also be extended by walking through Drinnie's Wood, although these paths may be a little more bumpy or muddy (absolutely fine with an off-road buggy).
You begin the walk by parking just off the A950 across from Aden Country Park. Click here for the start point on Google Maps.
2. Fetternear Palace, Kemnay
Fetternear Palace is one of Aberdeenshire's hidden gems and such an amazing all-age walk! It's exciting for little ones to visit and see the ruined Fetternear House, originally the site of the Medieval Bishop's Palace.
The walk is 2.2km which takes about half an hour, and paths around the estate are all very flat and accessible. However this can be extended to around 8km by walking round Cot-Town Woods. We highly recommend this option however you may find it less accessible for a normal buggy.
You begin at Fetternear Car Park which is just outside Kemnay and across the River Don.
3. Keith Hall Estate, Inverurie
Keith Hall Estate is another hidden gem of a walk near Inverurie. We didn't know about it until recently, but it is very pram friendly.
We began this walk by parking in the Retail Park beside Ury Riverside Park. From here, take the path along Oldmeldrum Road, passing Ury Riverside Park. Just as you come close to Osprey Heights and pass the 30 sign, keep your eye out for a road that takes you uphill to the right. Cross the road and head up here for about 70 meters. You will now be in the estate.
Follow the path for as long as you want and then return in the way you came. We walked for around 5km, taking just over one hour although there are other loops you can add on.
4. Strichen Lake
Strichen Lake is a very peaceful pram friendly walk in Aberdeenshire. And the best part? There is a coffee shop here! The walk is just a couple of kilometres so ideal for little ones who are also walking.
The paths are in such brilliant condition and there is lots for little ones to interact with - from enjoying the play areas to spotting ducks in the lake.
6. Haddo House, Tarves
Haddo House is a popular pram friendly walk half an hour north of Aberdeen. It is one of the easiest places to take children and there are so many facilities such as toilets, a cafe and a park. Parking is very easy although does cost a few pounds. There are different paths that loop through woodlands and park a lake.
Haddo also have a number of exciting child-friendly activities on throughout the year so it's worth keeping an eye on their website to see what is on!
7. Crathes Castle, Banchory
Crathes Castle is another popular buggy friendly place to visit in Aberdeenshire. There are a range of different trails round the castle grounds along with facilities such as a cafe, shop and toilets. It is worth noting that some of the paths we found were only possibly with our off-road buggy, but there are plenty options and tracks.
While you are here, we also recommend popping down to the Milton of Crathes complex. This is a very unique retail park filled with local businesses in a picturesque location.
8. Kirkhill Forest, Near Dyce
Kirkhill forest has finally opened up again and is ready for your walks with a pram! It can be a little bumpy underfoot at points, but so long as you stick to the main tracks you should be fine.
This forest walk in Aberdeenshire is great for all ages because you can walk for as little or as long as you like! We headed up to Tappie Tower which was 7km out and back (but paths were quite rough at the very end - even the off road pram struggled). There is also plenty to engage kids, from splashing in muddy puddles to picking brambles.
9. Brimmond Hill, Dyce
Brimmond Hill is a simple and straightforward walk that begins at Brimmond Hill Car Park just above Craibstone Golf Course. The route up from here is a little steep but very accessible with a buggy! You will be clearly lead uphill so just follow the path to the summit and then return back the way you came.
The top of the hill is covered with communication masts, however what you will get is an incredible view across the whole city of Aberdeen!
10. Loch Muick, Near Ballater
If you are feeling brave, then Loch Muick is one of the best pram friendly walks in Deeside! However, it is a long walk at taking 3-4 hours and you do need to adapt from the usual path. Rather than do the whole circular route, you will need to head along the north side where the paths are very flat and accessible which is amazing for a robust buggy. You can walk up as far as Glass-allt-Sheil house but will need to walk back the way you came. You will probably need a carrier if you want to do the full circular route. This is one of our favourite Aberdeenshire Walks because you are always surrounded by spectacular views.
You begin by parking in the Glen Muick car park (charges apply).
