Scotland's larger cities are not ideal for runners. Glasgow is a bustling, busy city, and Edinburgh has some steep, calf-destroying inclines. Yet its third biggest, Aberdeen, is the perfect haven for anyone who runs for fitness. It is a safe city, with access to the Scottish countryside and direct ferries to its many islands. In this article, we discuss why Aberdeen is a fantastic city for running enthusiasts.
The City Itself
Aberdeen is known as the Granite City. This is due to its grey appearance and the wet weather, which does leave a lot to be desired. Yet its other positive aspects more than make up for it. It is one of the safest cities in the United Kingdom and has won multiple awards for its safety in the evening. This means you can run after dark and rest easy.
The green spaces are also pretty generous. Hazlehead Park, Duthie Park, and Johnston Gardens are great locations where you can also go for a walk with the family, and Slains Castle provides the opportunity for exercise in a historical setting.
Property in Aberdeen is also plentiful. Due to the oil and gas industry, prices have often managed to buck trends seen in other parts of the country. Rental demand remains strong, as do property prices. As well as high-street estate agents, there are plenty of companies like We Buy Any Home in Aberdeen who provide cash offers on properties. They can turn sales around in as little as seven days, providing cash offers with no hidden fees. All of this has kept the property market in the area fluid and healthy, making Aberdeen an alluring place to buy a home.
The Aberdeenshire Countryside
The wider country of Aberdeenshire also offers you some of the most picturesque places to run. There are plenty of smaller villages abound, such as Ballater. Balmoral Castle is close by, and the village has its own list of royal warrants for its local produce. Braemar, Crovie, and Pennan are just a few more small towns worth a jog through.
The wider county also borders the Highlands, Scotland's jewel in the crown. This sparse region features high mountain peaks and wide lochs. Dotted about are small castles and country houses, many of which can be hired for a night's rest and recuperation.
The Isles of Scotland
If that is not enough to consider, then Aberdeen has ferry links to some of the most famous Scottish isles. Ferries travel to both Orkney and Lerwick in Shetland provided by North Link. Here you can find ancient stone circles, family-run distilleries, and trails for those of all skill levels. There are even a host of all-terrain wheelchair routes, so no one needs to miss out on the majesty of these islands.
Aberdeen really does have something for everyone. It may not have the weather of other locations, but its natural beauty and quality of life are quite unparalleled. Pay a visit and see what you think of this remote but rewarding part of the United Kingdom.
