Out and About

Walks from the house..

There are a few pleasant walks from Brackenbrae, about 3 or 6 miles in duration. The following two are examples..

If you would like a walk of about one hour, turn left at the front gate and walk to the end of the road at the crossroads. You will see a red telephone box on the right, turn down the hill past the box until you reach the cottages at the foot of the hill. Turn left and the road will eventually bring you back to the Chivas Road where you started from.

The five mile walk is exactly the same as the three mile walk above; until you reach the crossroads. Go straight ahead past Chivas House and farmyard carrying on until you reach the road, turn left, walk about one mile where you will arrive at a division in the road. Straight on is the bridge over the river Ythan, you should turn left and carry straight on, passing some cottages on the corner until you reach the Chivas Road where you again started from.

Both these walks are so enjoyable, past fields with cattle, Shetland ponies and you may also see pheasant, grouse, rabbits and many species of wild birds and animals particular to this area.

There are many local forest walks a few miles away where deer and various wildlife can be seen.

Beach Walks..

There are miles of coasts and sandy beaches to roam and explore, only fifteen minutes drive from us at Newburgh.

Bennachie..

Bennachie has been described as "The Mount Fuji" of Aberdeenshire due to its shape. It is topped by a granite rock called a tor which is surrounded by an Iron Age Fort. This walk explores the hill and its surround; care should be taken near the summit cliffs.

Bennachie is the highest hill in the Gordon district and is easily reached by a short drive to Inverurie on the A96 and taking the road to Chapel of Garioch. The views from the top of Bennachie are simply splendid. You may occasionally catch a glimpse of a capercaillie, the largest member of the grouse family.

Ellon to Peterhead Railway..

The Ellon to Peterhead Railway walk is being developed by local authorities in Aberdeenshire. It follows the old railway lines along the east coast. Starting at Dyce, this walk can be accessed from Ellon a few minutes drive from Brackenbrae. This route can also be cycled north to Auchnagatt or south to Dyce.

Ellon Riverside Walk..

The riverside walk is a pleasant amble along the banks of the Ythan River of some two and a half miles.
River Ythan old and new bridges looking West	Above Picnic Area right River Ythan Looking East towards Ythan Estuary

Twitchers..

The Ythan estuary is a bird reserve and a must for bird watchers.