The 5 best Aberdeen running routes for beginners this summer

By Ana Da Silva

June 25 2022, 6:00 am

Loirston Loch in Cove is one of our best running routes for beginners in Aberdeen. Picture by Darrell Benns

If you want to give running a try this summer but aren’t sure where to start, we’ve mapped out the best routes for beginners in Aberdeen.

We’ve consulted with our own resident runners, and sporting groups from across the city, to bring you five of the best places to give it a go.

They’re all beginner friendly – and labelled with distances and estimated walking times so you can prepare for your outing.

And if you get the buzz – you might be interested in taking it up as a hobby with a local club.

Beach Esplanade

Aberdeen beach is a great place for running beginners, with a long, flat surface. Picture by Chris Sumner

Perhaps a common go-to location – but it’s popular for a reason.

The long, flat walkway between Footdee and Donmouth is ideal for runners with an upper and lower promenade for a little variety.

Plus, it’s easy to cool off afterwards with a dip in the North Sea – or a stop by one of the many beachfront cafes for some ice cream.

Duthie Park and Deeside Railway

Laps of Duthie Park in Aberdeen are a good way for beginners to get used to running. Picture by Paul Glendell

Try running loops around the path in Duthie Park, so you’re never far from where you began.

The Victorian park is largely flat – and also has a cafe if you’re in need of some refreshments.

Alternatively, you could start at Duthie Park and head out along the old Deeside railway line.

It stretches 10 miles through Cults and Milltimber before ending at Drumoak. Perfect if you’re looking for a longer run.

Parts of the Deeside way are well-shaded with leafy trees. Picture by Darrell Benns

Riverside Drive towards Torry

Start from Duthie Park, then head along Riverside Drive towards Bridge of Dee on the riverside path.

Then cross the Bridge of Dee and come back on yourself past the Goals five-a-side pitches and Inverdee playing fields.

Riverside Drive, which follows part of the Dee, is another good route for beginners. Picture by Darrell Benns — Riverside Drive, which follows part of the Dee, is another good route for beginners.<br />Picture by Darrell Benns

If you use the crossing under the George VI Bridge, you can climb up towards the offices of Northsound to find a lovely path.

You come out at Abbotswell Road then can head further up towards Wellington Road.

Turn left, come back down towards Torry, then cross the bridge and back along Riverside Drive to the park.

Kincorth Hill

This path is exactly one mile start to end, making it great for running beginners – and offers fantastic views of Aberdeen at the same time.

Here, you can park on Abbotswell Drive and head into the reserve.

If you only fancy a shorter run, then stop and turn back halfway through.

Loirston Loch

You can use the same starting point as Kincorth Hill, but this time you head along the picturesque Redmoss Road.

Once you reach the end, head left past the new-build houses and you’ll appear at the top of Wellington Road.

Head back using the footpath along the dual carriageway – crossing the road as necessary – and you’ll be rewarded with a great view of Loirston Loch (or, as some locals know it, the Loch of Loirston).

Go past the roundabout and turn left at the top of Abbotswell to come back to the car park.