The line is OpenStreetMap's mapping of the route (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), via Waymarked Trails, with heights from a 30 m terrain model. Check the current official route before a long trip: diversions and permitted paths change. Where the mapping has gaps (3 km), the line is drawn by our router along mapped paths: check those stretches against the waymarks. See the source.
The trail
The Deeside Way runs from Duthie Park in Aberdeen up the River Dee to Ballater, mostly along the line of the former Deeside Railway. Its own site gives 41 miles (66 km) and divides it into four sections: Aberdeen to Drumoak, Drumoak to Banchory, Banchory to Aboyne and Aboyne to Ballater. The line here, from OpenStreetMap, measures 71 km.
Stages
A suggested split into 4 days of about 17.7 km (11.0 mi). Each day ends at the town or village on the way nearest to an equal share of the distance, or at a hotel or hostel where there is none. These are not the official stages: check where you can stay before you book.
- Day 1 Aberdeen to Drumoak 17.6 km · 17.6 km from the start
- Day 2 Drumoak to Banchory 11.1 km · 29 km from the start
- Day 3 Banchory to Aboyne 24 km · 53 km from the start
- Day 4 Aboyne to Ballater 17.8 km · 71 km from the start
Summits on the way
- Hill of Tillybath · 37 km from the start
- Little Ord · 39 km from the start
- Mon 219 m · 67 km from the start
Tops within 300 m of the line. Summits from OpenStreetMap.
Start and finish
Start: near Aberdeen, Scotland. 57.13503, -2.09853
Finish: near Ballater, Aberdeenshire. 57.05053, -3.03953
Places to stay
Rooms in the towns and villages along the way:
- Aberdeen, Scotland · The start Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Drumoak, Aberdeenshire · After day 1 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Banchory, Aberdeenshire · After day 2 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Aboyne, Aberdeenshire · After day 3 Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
- Ballater, Aberdeenshire · The finish Booking.com → Expedia → Hotels.com →
Affiliate links: if you book, Global Adventurer earns a small commission at no cost to you.
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line comes from the source named under the map and the heights from a terrain model, so treat the figures as a guide. Check for diversions before you go, take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.
