Winter walks: walk off those mince pies

Dunnotar Castle

The city and shire abound with amazingly scenic places to go for a walk and get some fresh air. Don your most sensible shoes, wrap up warmly and head out on our pick of the best routes whether you fancy some sea breezes, a hill walk, a scenic stroll or just a short wander towards somewhere warm that offers great cake and coffee…

Heritage Hikes

Haddo Country Park

The estate grounds at Haddo are a great way to spend a couple of hours wandering along the paths through the woods and by the ponds. It’s a good choice for families because there’s a playpark and picnic areas, as well as a gallery. There are a couple of tea rooms on site, but opening hours vary. Visithaddo.com has the details.

Dunnottar Castle

This is a 5km walk that includes fairly steep sections. Start with a stroll along the beach boardwalk to the harbour, then head uphill to the war memorial and onwards to the spectacular ruins of Dunnottar Castle. If you want to see round the castle, you can book tickets at dunnottarcastle.co.uk. If the hike has made you hungry, try The Bay for fish and chips or pop into Molly’s for cake and coffee.

Craigievar Castle

If it’s been snowing, then Craigievar Castle is utterly magical. The castle itself is closed from the end of September to the start of April, but the grounds are worth visiting and are open from dawn to dusk each day. If you’re lucky, you might spot roe deer, a pine marten or even a rare Scottish wildcat as you walk the 45 minute woodland trail.

Loch Muick

Aberdeen Beach

Craigievar Castle

Waterside wanders

Aberdeen Beach

The beach offers about six miles of walking. The sands are often deserted in winter, particularly if the weather is a bit bracing. Footdee is always worth exploring and the harbour can provide an interesting diversion as the ships manoeuvre. The esplanade is perfect for buggies and wheelchairs as well as those who prefer to walk on the flat. Better yet, there’s a choice of cafés and entertainment options ready to welcome you at the end of your walk.

Pitfour Lake

Mintlaw’s Pitfour Lake is a great family walk as it’s not too long and it’s a circular route meaning there’s always something new to see. You can often see wildfowl or solitary fishermen and this is a surprisingly quiet and still place, perfect for inner contemplation too. The walk itself is just a couple of miles, but if you’d prefer a bit more exercise, you can head to nearby Aden Park.

Loch Muick

The Loch Muick circuit comes in at 12.5km and takes up to four hours, so it’s not one to take on in your favourite Jimmy Choos. There are spectacular hill views and insta-worthy small beaches, bridges and the opportunity to spot birds of prey, deer and other wildlife.

Hills

Bennachie

Bennachie offers several peaks and some challenging routes. The walk is mainly uphill and there are one or two places that involve a bit of a scramble over rocky ground. The routes are well marked and start at the Visitors’ Centre. The Mither Tap trail will take you to the remains of an Iron Age fort and some great views. Head into Inverurie for sustenance afterwards.

Scolty Hill

Banchory’s Scolty Hill is less of a trek than Bennachie and easier to manage with small children or older relatives. There are a variety of marked routes through the woodlands, or you can just keep heading upwards towards the monument at the top, which offers the chance to have a breather and admire the views over Deeside.

Take the pain out of hair removal with our Smart Diode Laser treatment

Get rid of unwanted hair forever with our latest medicalgrade Smart Diode laser hair removal machine. Say good bye to shaving rashes, ingrown hairs, messy depilatory creams, excruciating epilators and razor nicks and hello to silky smooth skin in just 8-12 sessions.

• Permanent results – kills the hair follicle • 66% better performance than most laser systems • ICE Cooling technology for pain free results • Works on facial and body hair and any skin type • Life-changing results for PCOS sufferers • Surprisingly affordable • Free consultation and patch test

Now’s a great time to start your hair removal journey as sunbathing and tanning lotions must be avoided. Start your spring with silky smooth skin.

Book on 01346 583365 or Facebook

treatcompany.co.uk

ABERCROMBIE SMILE DESIGN:

The straightforward approach to orthodontics

Abercrombie Smile Design are known for making braces as straightforward as possible for both NHS and Private patients. The team is led by Specialist Orthodontist Gautham Sivamurthy who explains, ‘Our friendly, experienced Orthodontic team is dedicated to providing efficient service and quality patient care. From the initial consultation through to having your brace fitted, we ensure our patients are provided with realistic time scales and excellent communication.’ With our principal Dentist, Dr Naga Narra, offering the latest in clear aligner technology, Abercrombie Smile Design can accommodate all your tooth straightening needs. Our Orthodontic patients can benefit from optional Saturday appointments, and our practice is only a short 15min drive from Aberdeen city centre with free onsite parking. Contact us now to start your Orthodontic journey with Abercrombie Smile Design.

Unit 2-3 Ashdale Drive, Westhill, AB32 6LP Tel: 01224 742513

abercrombie-dental.co.uk

the iconic fairfax & favor regina boots need no introduction

Styled up or dressed down, these must-have boots are your wardrobe saviour, taking you from weekends in the country to evenings out in impeccable style. Now available in limited edition Plum, this is a rich and luxurious colour perfect for Autumn. Team up with skinnies or a mini, and match with a Windsor or Tetbury bag. All now available at Country Ways, Aberdeen, Banchory & Online

115 Holburn Street, AB10 6BQ 2-8 Bridge Street, Banchory, AB31 5SX

countryways.com

Tiger Lily Boutique is a womenswear fashion boutique located in Aberdeen and Broughty Ferry. As a team we are constantly supplying our loyal customers with on trend, affordable styles and new stock every week. You'll find us TLB girls constantly running up and down the country and even Europe to find you the latest styles to keep you weekend and weekday ready!

We have a little bit of everything for everyone and all ages. In our stores we pride ourselves on customer service and a personalised shopper environment, with the motto that ‘there's a dress for everyone’. We would love to see you Instore, so we can help find you that perfect outfit!

To keep up with all things TLB be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram, and don’t forget to tag us in any pics!!

8 Chapel Street, AB101SP Tel: 01224 626983 tigerlilyboutique.co.uk

the

PERFECT FIT IN BRAS

At Inverurie’s Katsize owner Tamara is dedicated to finding the perfect bra for every customer.

Tamara explained, ‘Bras that don’t fit properly are a pain – literally! My fittings are professional but fun. We carry a large stock from first bras, nursing bras, surgical and mastectomy bras in sizes ranging from a 28A to a 46J. There is a bra for every boob and every occasion and we just need to find it!

‘Everyone is welcome at Katsize regardless of age, disability, gender, or size. It's a totally judgement free zone.’

67 High Street, Inverurie, AB51 3QJ Tel: 07787 055134 katsize.co.uk

& SDH FITNESS:

better health inside and out

When it comes to making lasting improvements to health, beauty and wellbeing, the award-winning team at Stonehaven’s Bio Wellness and SDH Fitness understand what really works, transforming the way you look and feel.

Personal Trainer Steve Doige-Harrison specialises in improving healthspan and fitness, through exercise, nutrition and supplementation. Former nurse Ruth Strachan offers scientifically proven treatments that leave you glowing with health - from massage, problem skin management and non-invasive skin regeneration, to body contouring and pelvic floor treatments.

22-24 Evan Street AB39 2EQ Stonehaven

Tel: 01569 769633 bioskinclinic

Discover better skin at

Qualified nurse and gifted skincare expert Martina Mackay is known for her natural approach and outstanding results.

Martina explained, ‘The most effective treatment isn’t always the most expensive or invasive option. For example, DermaPen is a micro-needling treatment that stimulates collagen and elastin production. It can give a better result than injectable fillers and also helps with acne, rosacea and hair regrowth. Similarly, Plasma Fibroblast Skin Tightening is a non-surgical treatment that improves facial lines and wrinkles, pores, photo-aging skin pigmentation and other skin irregularities.’

Enjoy 20% off all treatments in Nov & Dec.

Valid on presentation of this advert voucher

Garioch Road, Inverurie, AB51 4RQ Tel: 07885 760084 aestheticbeautyinverurie aesthetic_beauty_inverurie

Multrees Walk: The Definition of Luxury in the Heart of Edinburgh and the perfect destination for all your exclusive and luxury Christmas shopping while visiting the Scottish Capital City.

Located just off St Andrew Square, and only a 5 minutes’ walk from Waverley Train station, we are home to

Scotland’s only Harvey Nichols, which boasts five floors dedicated to luxury fashion, beauty, food and wine. Offering an unrivalled shopping and dining experience, Harvey Nichols leads the way in sourcing the most desirable and cuttingedge designer brands. Visit the Foodmarket and Wine Shop to discover sweet and savoury treats, limited edition spirits and fine wines, as well as the premium range of Harvey Nichols hampers for all your gifting needs.

In Multrees Walk you will also find Louis Vuitton, Burberry, and many other exclusive fashion brands including Johnston’s of Elgin, Mulberry, Strathberry, MaxMara, and Canada Goose that bring a unique experience as well as timeless products from all over the world which combine both innovation and style, perfect for your wardrobe needs each season.

Love Art? The Castle Fine Art gallery have a team of friendly, experienced Fine Art Consultants who are on hand to offer tailored advice and recommendations.

Coffee Lovers can visit the Nespresso Boutique to browse the large range of coffee machines and accessories as well stock up on your favourite coffee capsules.

Finish off the day with a bite to eat at the Harvey Nichols Forth Floor Brasserie. Enjoy spectacular views overlooking Edinburgh’s historic Castle and Georgian New Town across to the Firth of Forth on the horizon as you dine in style with delicious dishes, fine wines and creative cocktails.

Follow our vibrant Instagram account @MultreesWalk for daily fashion and lifestyle inspiration, exciting offers.

There is something for everyone at Multrees Walk.