Looking for new places to explore with the kids? Kemnay and its surrounding countryside offer some fantastic family-friendly walks — from gentle buggy-friendly paths to woodland trails and views worth climbing for. Here are four of our favourite spots for a morning wander, weekend adventure, or a spontaneous “let’s get outside” moment.

The early years of parenting are filled with cuddles, bedtimes stories, fixing scraped knees with a kiss and little people following us around everywhere we go. Then seemingly overnight, our children start to grow into their own people - full of opinions, interests and a sense of independence that can sometimes take us by surprise.

If you’re looking for a quieter alternative to the busier Balmedie or Newburgh beaches, Blackdog Beach might just be your new favourite beach spot. It’s a hidden gem — the beach is easy to reach and perfect for kids.

Between school runs, work, after school activities, and the never-ending laundry pile, it’s easy to feel like there’s never enough time in the day — especially when it comes to meals. If you’ve ever stood in front of the fridge at 5 p.m. wondering what on earth to cook, you’re definitely not alone.

As parents, our days are packed. Between work, meals, school runs, and trying to keep up with laundry, it can feel like there’s never enough time to “do it all.” I used to think quality time with my kids meant carving out big, elaborate activities—family outings, special crafts, or hours at the park. And while those moments are great, I’ve learned something important: even just 15 minutes of play each day makes a huge difference.

Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most incredible things your body can do. But once your baby is here and life begins to settle into a new rhythm, many new mums start to wonder:

“When can I exercise again after giving birth?”

This walk explores the forestry area just off the A96. Despite being close to the road, the walk itself feels peaceful and quiet. It’s a great “starter hill walk” for kids beginning to manage longer distances with a bit of ascent.

This trail takes you up through beautiful woodland to open heather hills, rewarding you with superb views from the top. The path is described as steep, rough, and rocky, with large steps and roots.

Monymusk is a small village around 15 minutes from Inverurie and Westhill. As well as having a great play park right in the village, there are plenty of opportunities for walks.

We’re spoilt for choice in this part of the world, with plenty of lovely beaches and secluded bays to explore—but if you haven’t been to Hackley Bay yet, I’d definitely recommend adding it to your list.

National Trust properties are always a great choice if you just want somewhere to wander without a set plan. At Drum Castle, there are two walking trails to choose from—both just over a mile long.

This walk is also known as the Rocks of Solitude. It follows the North Esk River to an impressive gorge. It gets a lot of hype on social media, and I can see why. The river and its waterfalls are stunning—I’m sure it looks different in each season.