Scotland – Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire
Distance: 101⁄2km/61⁄2 miles
Time: 21⁄2hrs
Type: Town and coast
Where: Circular walk around Aberdeen’s Old and New Town, visiting many of the Granite City’s most historic buildings and landmarks.
Start/End: Beach Leisure Centre car park (NJ954071).
Terrain: Pavements, one short section of riverbank and woodland path.
Maps: OS Explorer 406; Landranger 38.
Aberdeen, Scotland’s third-largest city, is bound by the great rivers of the Don and the Dee – and within these boundaries sits the Old Town, dating from the 12th century, and the New Town, built around the 18th century. Aberdeen’s harbour was established in 1136 (it’s often referred to as the oldest business in Britain), while the city was granted a Royal Charter in 1319, transforming Aberdeen’s economic fortunes well before the oil boom of the 1970s. Much of the wealth of the city centre is reflected in an array of sensational buildings, many of them built from Aberdeen’s world-renowned granite. This invigorating walk visits several of these incredible architectural achievements, including St Machar’s Cathedral, King’s College, the Town House and the awe-inspiring Marischal College. It also takes in Aberdeen Beach, granting superb, softer views along the Aberdeenshire coastline, contrasting sharply with the stonework of the city centre.
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