What are the outdoor activities and attractions near Aberdeen?

North of Aberdeenshire, the area bordering the Moray Firth and the shores of the River Spey is known for its idyllic landscape, but possibly more so for the fact that it contains more than half of Scotland’s whisky distilleries. Follow the Speyside Way for a multi-day walk that swings past big names like Macallan and Glenfiddich. The Glenlivet Estate is renowned not just for the water of life, but for its excellent cycle tracks. Caravan parks, rustic holiday cottages, and tent sites dot Moray and Speyside. The Granite City is Scotland’s third largest, fronted by the North Sea with possibly the busiest port in the country. It's the hub of the oil industry and the departure point for Northlink’s Northern Isles ferry service to Orkney and Shetland. A stretch of beach next to the port attracts surfers and esplanade cafe-goers, while the grid of tiny cottages in Footdee, a former fishing hamlet, are prime for a stroll. The sprawling country surrounding the seaside city is ripe with opportunities for adventure. You can also explore different options for camping near Aberdeen on Hipcamp.