10 family-friendly walking trails near Stonehaven | Houses for sale Stonehaven

Location plays a huge part in where you and your family choose to put down roots and for many, having an abundance of walking trails and loops to enjoy nature is vital when choosing a new home.

With coastal views, a bustling town centre and an easy commute to both Aberdeen city and places down south, it’s no wonder Stonehaven proves popular with househunters. But for those looking for more of a community feel, the nearby, charming town of Chapelton is also a highly sought after location. Its variety of well-designed homes offer the same amenities and benefits as houses for sale in Stonehaven, and is in an enviable position for enjoying the popular scenic coastal routes and peaceful woodland trails that Stonehaven offers. 

In this blog post, we’ve shared 10 family-friendly walks in and around the area, catering to adults and children of all ages and abilities. Whether you prefer an easy morning stroll or a challenging hike, we’ve got you covered!

1.) Dunnottar woods 

Distance: 3.2 – 3.5km 

Route: Circular 

Location: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire 

Dunnottar woods is a wonderful circular trail located near Stonehaven and is considered a moderate walk. Approximately 44 minutes to complete – depending on abilities – this popular trail is often used by runners, hill walkers and families and is the perfect place to enjoy a gentle stroll on a warm summer’s day. 

2.) Dunnottar Castle via Stonehaven Coastal Walk

Distance: 4.3km 

Route: Out & back

Location: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire 

Also considered a relatively easy route, taking around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete, this coastal walk offers uninterrupted views of the coastline and the famous Dunnottar Castle. If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to spot dolphins and seals swimming in the steely North Sea. 

3.) Three Stones Circular Hill: Short Loop 

Distance: 6.1km 

Route: Circular

Location: Fetteresso Forest, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire

Following a gentle loop around gravel forest roads, The Three Stones Circular Hill has the option of a shorter or longer trail. For those with younger children, it may be better to opt for the shorter loop which takes an average of 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled throughout your journey as deer are often spotted running amongst the trees!

4.) Crawton Waterfall

Distance: 1.2km

Route: Circular 

Location: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire 

Formerly part of a fishing village located on the Aberdeenshire coast, the Crawton Waterfall is a spectacular natural attraction situated only a short distance from Stonehaven. Not to be underestimated, this short walk certainly packs a punch with its impressive views. It’s best to attempt this trail with older children and in dry or calm conditions as the trail runs alongside a steep cliff edge. 

5.) Chapelton Trail

Distance: 4.5km

Route: Circular 

Location: Chapelton, Aberdeenshire

Starting from Hume Square, the Chapelton Trail is a circular 4.5km route that takes you through a number of marked points including Duke’s Walk, Elsick Burn and Dubbis Stile. Taking approximately one hour, this splendid trail is great for families as there is lots of diverse scenery and local wildlife to explore. 

6.) Portlethen Village and Coastal Walk Circular 

Distance: 3.9km 

Route: Circular 

Location: Porthlethen, Aberdeen

Starting in the popular village of Portlethen, this walk is considered a gentle route taking an average of one hour to complete. One of the many brilliant things about this walk is that it’s open all year round – meaning you can enjoy the beautiful coastal views during the peak of summer or during crisp winter days.

 7.) Cheyne Hill Circular

Distance: 3.9km 

Route: Circular 

Location: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire 

Popular with hikers, mountain bikers and runners, The Cheyne Hill Circular trail has the perfect balance of woodland, featuring a mix of different terrains including dense forest and open farmland. 

8.) Newtonhill-Burn of Muchalls 

Distance: 7.4km

Route: Out & back 

Location: Muchalls, Aberdeenshire

A slightly longer walk than those previously mentioned, this fantastic route takes you along the coastline with plenty of opportunities to take a small detour to stop and admire the views of the rocky headlands, sea stacks and open sea. 

9.) Crawton Bay and RSPB fowlsheugh circular 

Distance: 3.9km 

Route: Circular 

Location: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire 

An extension of the Crawton Waterfall, the Crawton Bay and RSPB fowlsheugh circular walk is approximately 3.9km and located just south of Stonehaven. On a late spring or summer’s day, this walk is truly a magical experience with the opportunity to spot some of Scotland’s finest seabirds including razorbills, kittiwakes and puffins. 

10.) Stonehaven- Cowie Chapel

Distance: 8.1km 

Route: Circular 

Location: Stonehaven & Cowie, Aberdeenshire

Combining wide stretching views over Stonehaven Harbour and lots of history associated with ‘the Auld Toon of Stonehaven’ and Cowie Village, this spectacular walk is ideal for families who are looking for a longer trail to fill their weekend plans. 

Before you set out on your journey, it’s important to fuel your body and what better way to do so than by popping past Brae at Chapelton for a piping hot cup of coffee or bacon roll. 

Alternatively, why not treat yourself after your walk to a well-deserved traybake or a spot of lunch? 

To find out more, visit Brae on Facebook or Instagram.

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