Short Walks Top 10

The walks highlighted here range between 1 to 2 hours to complete and you should be properly equipped despite their moderate nature. You may find that you manage the routes more quickly which will give you a measure of your rate of completion relative to the generous time allowance given here. Remember to take some time to stop and listen and feel the green! Generally there are good paths for these walks but please take care to read the full description courtesy of www.walkhighlands.co.uk , where mapping is provided as part of the explanation. Good footwear is imperative. The walks are ordered by approximate duration, starting with the shortest.

Please also be aware that a number of Deeside towns, Braemar, Ballater, Kincardine O Neil have short walks clearly way marked with an indication of how long they will take. Most towns are located around the River Dee, with park and garden space that may prove to be just right for you. Enjoy exploring.

Bellabeg forest walk, Strathdon [1.75 miles/3km - 1 hour] A pleasant climb through forestry with good views over a felled area to look down on Donside and later the village of Bellabeg. Full route description.

Meall Beag, Donside [2 miles/3.25 km - 1 hour] A short forestry walk on grassy paths and tracks with some steep climbs and good views over the rolling countryside of Strathdon. Full route description.

Craigendarroch oakwoods, Ballater [2.5 miles/4 km - 1.5 to 2 hours] Craigdendarroch may be a small hill, but it has a big place in the affections of Ballater folk. Its oakwood-clad flanks are steep making its ascent an enjoyable but arduous little walk. The views are superb. Full route description.

Linn of Quoich circuit, Braemar [2.75 miles/4.5 km - 1.5 to 2 hours] Water rushes through the narrow Linn of Quoich making a picturesque stopping point on this short walk. Queen Victoria was fond of this place and it became a popular attraction, nowadays it is much quieter than the nearby Linn of Dee. Full route Description.

Morrone Birkwood, Braemar [2.75 miles/4.5 km - 1.5 to 2 hours] Morrone birkwood (birk is Scots for birch) is a National Nature Reserve, one of the finest examples of 'downy' birchwoods in the UK and with vast areas of juniper. This fine circuit explores the nature reserve and has some wonderful views. Full route description.

Burn O' Vat and the Culblean circuit, near Dinnet [4 miles/6.5 km - 1.5 to 2 hours] This circular walk takes in the impressive geological feature known as the Vat, a deep, water gouged bowl that you can enter, and then rises through pleasant pinewoods and more open countryside to make a good circuit through the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. Full route description.

Pannanich Woods and Craig Coillich, Ballater [3 miles/5 km - 1.5 to 2 hours] The climb through Pannanich woods to the viewpoint of Craig Coillich offers a steep hike with good views at the top and a winding woodland descent back to Ballater. Whilst not such a pretty walk as Craigdendarroch, the woods are home to capercaille and red squirrels, and on a clear day the excellent viewpoint makes the climb worthwhile. Full route description.

Loch Kinord circuit, Muir of Dinnet [3.75 miles/6km - 1.5 to 2 hours] This waymarked trail makes a beautiful circuit around Loch Kinord in the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. The walk is excellent for both bird-watchers and wildlife spotters, both on the loch and in the surrounding birch woodland. Full route description.

Glen Tanar riverside circuit [2.75 miles/4.5 km - 2 hours] This delightful walk on the Glen Tanar estate combines forestry and farmland with a long, pretty riverside section. The walk is well waymarked and can be combined with the visitor centre which has more information on the wildlife to be found on the estate. Full route description.

Ben Newe, Strathdon [2.25 miles/3.75 km - 2 hours] This enjoyable circuit climbs up through the Ben Newe forestry plantations before visiting the rocky summit – a superb viewpoint. Full route description.