Spring and Summer Life in Chapelton

Evenings are getting brighter, flowers have begun to bloom and birds can be heard chirping in the trees, which are finally in bud. All sure signs that spring is here and summer is just around the corner.

Chapelton is the ideal base to begin your very own outdoor adventure and make the most of the seasons with this list of things to do and see in and around the town.

Green Spaces

Chapelton boasts a variety of green spaces scattered throughout the development. Hume Square is home to the base for the Chapelton Trail as well as being the focal point of many community events.

Large informal green parks are situated towards the edge of the town offering plenty of options to get outdoors during the warmer seasons.

Explore the Chapelton Trail

As the first of several planned footpaths to be realised in Chapelton, this popular walk starts and ends at Hume Square. It takes in many local landmarks, including the picturesque Dubbis Stile, Elsick Burn and Causey Mounth, along its 2.4 mile length

Walkers should allow approximately one hour to complete the walk. Whilst ambling around the trail you will enjoy the area’s diverse array of tree species and the grandeur of the imposing beech hedge on the East Drive.

Geocaching

Best described as high-tech treasure hunting, geocaching is available to Chapelton residents and visitors thanks to housebuilder ZeroC.  Participants, known as Geocachers, use coordinates on their GPS devices to hide and seek a waterproof container. Once the geocache has been discovered, players hide the container for future players to discover.

It’s a great family activity involving walking and problem solving, getting you out and about to explore the beautiful scenery in and around the town.

The geocache will soon be stashed in a top secret location within the town for eager explorers to find. Be sure to check the Chapelton Facebook and Instagram pages to find out when the Chapelton Geocache goes live.

At Home

Where better to enjoy spring’s offerings than from your very own Chapelton home. Take inspiration from the surrounding area and give your house kerb appeal by treating your garden to a makeover. When planting outdoors, finding the best flora to withstand the Scottish weather is key.

Why not head to Kirktown Garden Centre to stock up on a colourful mix of annuals and perennials to make your garden the talk of the town for all the right reasons.

And whilst spring has arrived, Aberdeenshire’s unpredictable weather can still bring icy showers, and weeding a patio on a rainy Sunday morning is far from enjoyable. Instead of gazing longingly at the gloomy Scottish weather outside, bring the outdoors in and freshen up your home with the colours and aromas of spring. Transform your bathroom into a tropical rainforest or simply compile a mini herb garden on a windowsill. Add life to an otherwise plain spot so you can enjoy spring even on the wettest of days.

Events

With planned events taking place in Chapelton regularly, there is always something to look forward to across the spring and summer months. For instance, both adults and children alike can join the Walking with Wildlife on May 20th.

Children under 12 can embark on the Minibeast Scavenger Hunt from 11.00 – 12.30 at the new woodland planting Nether Cairnhill. Within the Chapelton community children will have the opportunity to scavenge for mini beasts in the long grass, gorse bushes and dry stone dyke. Where better to discover the smaller residents of the community at Chapelton?

Adults can enjoy a Wildlife Wander from 1.30 – 3.30, setting off from the Causey Mounth at the entrance to Chapelton. Relax listen to the birds and take a closer look at nature on this gentle stroll. Hopefully, participants will see skylarks and other birds in the fields as well as bumblebees on the rhododendrons, as well as a variety of different tree species.

Email Carol Leslie: CCIC_Admin@chapeltonlife.co.uk to register your place.

Take it all in at Teacake

Providing delicious treats all year rounds, Teacake’s outdoor seating with views across Hume Square is the perfect location to appreciate spring in Chapelton. The Teacake team updates its menu seasonally to offer daily-prepared fresh treats with ingredients sourced from local suppliers.

Teacake boasts much more than just coffee and cake, it is very much the hub of the Chapelton community. The welcoming cafe/bistro is now available for small private functions. For all enquiries call 07841917150 or visit their Facebook page.

Admire the coastline of Stonehaven Beach

The pretty coastal town of neighbouring Stonehaven is popular all year round due to its rugged coastline and array of local shops and eateries. The beach itself is just over one kilometre in length, and enjoys a popular boardwalk for walkers, joggers and pet owners to enjoy. Here you can see the River Carron’s majestic confluence with the North Sea, and take in the jagged cliffs which make up this historic part of Kincardineshire.

The walk along the beach is best enjoyed by heading north. Once you’ve completed the walk, you’ll come across The Bay – a multi award-winning fish and chip shop or Aunty Bettys next door if a coffee and a sweet treat is more your thing.