The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Going ‘wild’ in ABERDEEN
Parks full of amenities, abundant wildlife and a host of great walks show the other side to oil capital of Europe
Aberdeen – it’s known as the oil capital of Europe and has a reputation for being a busy, commercial city.
But scratch just a little beneath the surface and you’ll discover it’s a city full of natural habitats where you can get closer to nature, see fantastic wildlife and find space to fill your lungs with clear, north-east air.
And the remarkable thing is, no matter which part of the city you choose to stay in, you’re never more than a short distance away from a green space.
Take a walk from the heart of the city centre and within minutes you can find yourself in what feels like a
different world. Aberdeen beach has more than two miles of soft, golden sand making it perfect for walking, sunbathing (weather permitting) or watching wildlife.
At one end of the beach, where the River Don rushes out to meet the North Sea, you’ll find Donmouth Local Nature Reserve, a tranquil spot for picnics, walks and bird-watching – there’s even a bird hide here.
At the other end, you’ll find the historic village of Footdee, known locally as “Fittie”, which sits at the entrance to the city’s busy harbour. Fittie, and the Torry Battery, a historic hilltop fortification overlooking the harbour, are both excellent places to spot the resident bottlenose dolphins who like to feed in and around the harbour mouth and, at times, seem to come rather close to some of the huge ships making their way in and out of the safe haven.
Between April and August, RSPB Dolphinwatch organises guided viewing tours so you can learn more about these beautiful creatures.
Another way to get a closer look at them is via a boat trip – Aberdeen Harbour Tours runs harbour and dolphin cruises all year round and these make for a great family day out.
Families, especially those with little ones, will enjoy visiting Doonies Rare Breeds Farm, which is also a short distance from the city centre.
The farm, close to Nigg Bay, stretches to more than 100 acres and visitors can expect to learn something about rare and endangered native farm animals, while having fun too.
Aberdeen, once known as “The City of Roses” thanks to its extensive flower displays, is a city that punches well above its weight when it comes to parks.
In the heart of the city, you’ll find Union Terrace Gardens. At various times throughout the year, these
are used to host special art events or shows, but for those looking for somewhere to enjoy a quick, peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, they’re ideal.
For families with youngsters, both Duthie Park and Hazlehead Park have much to offer.
Duthie Park dates from 1883 and still has many wonderful old features such as an elaborate bandstand, boating pond, statues and fountains.
More recent additions include an artificial grass area for ball games and a superb children’s adventure playground, which a few years ago was named best play space in Scotland.
The jewel in the park’s crown is the David Welch Winter Gardens, one of the biggest indoor gardens and hothouses in Europe and home to many exotic plants, among them the world’s only talking cactus!
Hazlehead Park is home to myriad attractions, ranging from a golf course and putting green to a pets corner where you can meet farmyard animals and exotic fish, to a traditional maze.
Westburn Park and the adjacent Victoria Park are pretty, green spaces with a host of amenities.
Of special interest in Victoria Park is a large granite fountain, said to be “one of the handsomest in Great Britain”, and Sunny Valley, a special sensory garden.
For a burst of colour, it’s hard to beat the flower displays in Seaton
Park in Old Aberdeen.
And if you’re after something more than a walk by the River Don which flows next to the park, you can kayak along it.
Aberdeen Kayak Club has an equipment store at the park. They hire out equipment and offer taster sessions for those who have not used a kayak before.
With waterfalls, streams and a charming rustic bridge, the city’s Johnston Gardens are something of a mini oasis, while Kincorth Hill, on the south side of the city, has lots of paths criss-crossing it, a sculpture trail and is a good place to enjoy fine views across the city, as well as bird and nature watching.
Aberdeen City Council’s countryside ranger service (www.aberdeencity.gov. uk) organises an excellent selection of guided walks and nature events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking to see what’s on – advance booking is essential.
Last but by no means least, there’s the popular Deeside Way.
Once the Old Royal Deeside Railway Line, it’s now a path suitable for walkers and cyclists which goes all the way from Aberdeen to Ballater in Royal Deeside.
Again, many sections are within the city, but with everything from colourful plants to buzzards and butterflies to look at, you’ll feel like you’re in the heart of the countryside.