Milltimber: Walks along the River Dee and railway history

Milltimber can be explored during a stay from two perspectives: along paths by the River Dee and through the woods, and through its former railway and archaeological finds. If you are looking for a hotel in Milltimber, these local highlights can help you plan your trip. The walking routes differ in their landscape features; the railway station is also linked to a walk. You can first decide whether the river, woodland or local history should be the focus of your trip. The details below offer specific points of reference: a riverside path with a bend in the river, a circular route with woodland sections, and the historical connection at the start of Walk 11.

Walks along the River Dee and through the woods

Walk 11 starts at Milltimber Station on the former Deeside Railway Line, known as the Deeside Way. The starting point establishes a direct link between the walk and the area’s railway past.

The riverside path follows the River Dee around a wide bend and includes a flat section. The Milltimber Circular Walk passes through woodland and follows paths on both sides of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route (AWPR). It offers views across the River Dee and upstream along the river.

The routes differ in the role the River Dee plays: the riverside path is shaped by the bend in the river and its flat section, while the Circular Walk features views across and upstream, as well as woodland paths. So when choosing between the two walks, you are comparing a route along the riverbank with a circular walk combining woodland and river views. This lets you experience the river either as a route beside the water or as a view during a woodland walk.

Conditions on the Milltimber Circular Walk can change; check the latest situation before setting out. Bus route 19 stops near the traffic-light junction of North Deeside Road and Beaconhill Road. As bus details can change, check the timetable before travelling.

Railway and archaeological history

Milltimber Station opened in 1854. The buildings of the former station have been removed; remains of a station have survived at Milltimber Station. Together, these details offer insight into the history of the railway location without conflating the removed buildings with the surviving remains.

Archaeological finds are also part of Milltimber’s history. During the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route project, archaeologists discovered 90 bread ovens near Milltimber. Stone tools around 14,000 years old were also found near Milltimber as part of the same project.

The year 1854 marks the station’s opening; around 14,000 years is the approximate age of the stone tools. The 90 bread ovens are another type of find. This places the railway and archaeological history in context, with their distinct time references: the station represents railway history, while the tools reveal a much older period.

Discover more destinations: New Deer, Chapel Of Garioch, Tarves, Portlethen, Ballater, Westhill, Rosehearty, Gourdon

For the main travel overview: Aberdeenshire.