Come With Us to Monymusk
Nestled just 15 minutes from Inverurie and Westhill, the charming village of Monymusk is the perfect spot for a family adventure. With a fantastic play park at its heart and plenty of scenic paths to explore, it’s a great choice for a morning or afternoon outing with kids.
Monymusk has a variety of walks you could explore, and a great play park too.
Hi, I’m Jess. As a family we are always on the lookout for new adventures — from local gems in Aberdeenshire to hidden spots further afield.
Every walk we share is one we have enjoyed ourselves. If you find something new or notice an update I should make, please let me know! You can use the Get in Touch button below
Here are two lovely walking routes to try, both suitable for different ages and guaranteed to keep little ones entertained.
The Dam Walk (roughly 1 mile)
Start your adventure by parking either in the small layby on the road out of Monymusk towards Kemnay (next to the large boulders), or at the bottom of the St Thomas housing estate.
From the layby, follow the track into the woodland and join the circular route around the dam. If you’re closer to the housing estate, simply go through the gate, walk up the gravel track, and look for the entrance on your right. You can choose to go clockwise or anti-clockwise, but be prepared for a bumpy path—so a carrier or sling is recommended for little ones.
Highlights along the way:
Story stones hidden to discover.
A big tree swing on the “island” (accessible from the far side of the dam).
Benches for snack breaks.
Bridges perfect for a game of pooh sticks.
The Riverside Path (roughly 1.5 miles)
For this route, it’s best to park at the football fields near St Ninians. From there, head through the gap in the fence, then take a right at the bottom of the hill to follow the river path. This leads you all the way to a red gate (note: not buggy-friendly).
Once through the gate, turn right and follow the tarmac path up to the village play park. It’s an ideal spot to let the kids burn off energy while you enjoy a break. When you’re ready, loop back through the village and return to the football fields.
Highlights along the way:
Plenty of chances to spot wildlife by the river.
A winding, interesting path to keep children engaged.
The walk ends at the play park—perfect for a picnic or snack stop.
Cafés & Treats
No family outing is complete without a little refreshment! In Monymusk you’ll find:
Village Thrift Shop: Tea and cake on Mondays and Tuesdays, served until around 12–12:30pm.
Grant Arms Café: Open Wednesday to Sunday, ideal for a takeaway coffee and cake to enjoy at the park.
Nearby Kemnay: Additional café options if you want to extend your outing.
Why We Love Monymusk
Monymusk combines nature, play, and community charm all in one place. Whether you fancy a short loop around the dam, a riverside stroll with wildlife-spotting, or just some good cake and coffee while the kids play, this village makes a wonderful day out for families.
The Thriving Mum Hub aims to support you to thrive through motherhood, one small step at time.
It provides you with effective tools to make everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Through quick at-home workouts, weekly play prompts for your little ones, and flexible meal plans, I help you look after your health, connect with your child, and take the stress out of family mealtimes.
