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Six of the Best Outdoor Spring Activities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

During the past year it has been a tough challenge trying to keep the entire family entertained indoors. But with the sun starting to shine and restrictions beginning to ease, brush the cobwebs off your walking boots and start planning your weekend activities.  

Step into spring with these local activities that will be sure to burn off excess energy, while sticking to both a budget and level 3 Scottish Government Guidelines.

Dunnottar Castle

Less than a 20-minute drive from Chapelton, the cliffs at Dunnottar Castle offer one of Scotland’s most truly dramatic and beautiful views. Steeped in history and with plenty of local beaches to explore, Dunnottar Castle is great way to get the kids excited about a day out of the house.

Aberdeen Spy Mission Treasure Trail

Discover Aberdeen like you have never seen before on a self-guided Spy Mission treasure trail! Get your magnifying glass out and solve tricky clues set on existing buildings and monuments to crack a code and complete the mission! A must-do for families, you can get out and about exploring Aberdeen for just £10.

Chapelton Trail

Did you know that we have our very own trail around Chapelton? You can follow a one hour marked walk through diverse scenery and wildlife habitats. The Chapelton trail has been used by many over lockdown as people use the area to exercise and socialise. You can download our Chapelton trail map here.

trail Six of the Best Outdoor Spring Activities in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Dolphin spotting

You don’t need to venture abroad to Spain or Australia to spot dolphins…you can find them right here in Aberdeen. Visit Aberdeen Harbour to see urban dolphins jumping out of the water. You might even be able to spot sunbathing seals at Newburgh Beach if you make the trip.

Crathes Castle

We’ve got good news for history buffs as the beautiful Crathes Castle is due to re-open on 30 April. Explore the wonderful 16th-century castle with its intricate towers and turrets.

Crathes Castle is the perfect location for a family day out – take a stroll through the idyllic walled gardens and spot wildlife such as deer, red squirrels, and woodpeckers…it’ll be a day to remember! For opening times and entry prices, check the National Trust for Scotland website first.

Chapelton Farmers’ Market

You don’t have to venture far from home to enjoy a day out! Come along to our first Farmers’ Market of the year on Sunday 23rd May. Hosted outdoors in Burgess Park, the event boasts over 25 stalls with a range of produce and items from local suppliers as well as hot food to take away.

The farmers’ market is open 11am-2:30pm.

Highland Coos!

Why not pay a visit to the wonderful herd of Highland cattle that graze in the grounds of Meldrum House? Whilst the house is closed to the public, visitors can visit the grounds and wave hello to the coos! Remember not to touch them or get too close – they’re not as cuddly as they might look!

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Whatever the weather, there are plenty of places to visit over summer as lockdown restrictions ease in Scotland. Why not visit our Facebook page and tell us your favourite local trip?

Looking to move home this summer?

If you are looking for a new build home for sale near Aberdeen, Chapelton community offers stylish houses on the outskirts of the city. View our homes for sale.


Five Ways to Keep Active This Winter

Even in a normal year it can be difficult to keep active over winter, as the nights draw in and the lure of a blanket on the sofa grows stronger. That’s why we’ve put together this list of five tips to help our community stay fit through the long nights and cold mornings.

1. Walking Through History

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One of the best ways to get yourself out the house when it’s cold outside is to find a walk with a purpose – it’s much easier to get off the sofa when there is a reward at the end. Luckily, Chapelton is surrounded by lots of great things to see which can be combined with a vigorous stroll. With Dunnottar Castle, Crathes Castle, Drum Castle and much more less than half an hour from Chapelton there are plenty of options for long walks with lots to see – some of them even have takeaway tearooms available to help you stay cosy. While these sites are all currently open for walkers it is worth having a quick look online before you go to check their status.

2. Bring the Gym to You

Exercising at home took the nation by storm during lockdown and proved that it is possible to get that post-gym feeling from the comfort of your own living room. From dance classes and yoga to cardio and weights training there is something to for everyone so all you need to do is find one that suits you and get going.

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3. Warm Up Without Cooling Down

If you still want to do your workout in the fresh air why not make it that bit easier for yourself by doing your warm up and stretches in the warmth of your home before setting off. Starting your run with your blood already pumping not only reduces your chances of injury but also makes it that bit easier to take the plunge.

4. Lunchtime Launch

We all know it can be difficult to motivate yourself to get out when its dark and gloomy outside. Changing your workout routines so that you exercise on your lunchbreak means that not only do you get to make the most of the daylight but also that you can relax guilt free with a warm cup of tea when clocking off time comes.

5. Explore the Local Area

Finally, why not base your activity around the Chapelton Trail, starting from the heart of the town at Hume Square. The 4.5km route offers the perfect opportunity for a long walk or a run and can also offers a great way to get outside for children and dogs too!


Young Explorers Hit the Chapelton Trail

Throughout this week, the Chapelton Trail has seen curious young minds making the most of the great outdoors.

The Chapelton Trail – a 4.5km walk taking in ancient roads, a magical forest and a babbling burn – has been playing host to an extra special Autumn Scavenger Hunt. The best part is that its not too late to come down and explore it for yourself.

From the enchanted fairy village to the sights and sounds of nature there is something for all the family. Despite being just 20 minutes from the centre of Aberdeen, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into another calmer world.

Share your creative autumn pictures or photos with us on the Chapelton Facebook page for the chance to win a prize.

Scavenger hunt activity sheets can be collected from Slate & Grain in Chapelton, or you can download and print from here.