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WALK ON THE WILD SIDE WITH ENERGETICA HARBOUR THE BULLERS OF FORVIE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE NEWBURGH AND THE YTHAN THE BUSINESS WALK AROUND ENERGETICA FOREWORD

ABERDEENSHIRE PROVOST JILL WEBSTER THE LORD PROVOST OF ABERDEEN GEORGE ADAM

AS PROVOST OF I KNOW HOW MUCH ABERDEEN IS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY, LOCATED IN THE THIS AREA HAS TO OFFER, FROM THE RICHNESS AND NORTH-EAST OF . SINCE THE 1970S, IT HAS BEAUTY OF OUR LANDSCAPES TO THE DIVERSITY OF BEEN THE HUB OF THE UK’S ENERGY INDUSTRY AND IS THE LOCAL WILDLIFE. HOME TO MANY PEOPLE OF MANY NATIONALITIES WHO HELP TO MAKE IT A FABULOUS MULTI-CULTURAL CITY. From the north of Aberdeen all the way All along the Energetica corridor there to Peterhead, the Energetica corridor are great opportunities to spend time Aberdeen is key to the UK and Scottish The annual Energetica Walking & Wildlife truly offers some of the most stunning outdoors, from pond-dipping at Peterhead economies and an internationally Festival offers a programme-packed scenery in the whole of Scotland. Long to coastal walks at Collieston and dolphin recognised business centre with globally weekend of activities and events for all sandy beaches, sheer cliff faces, vast watching in Aberdeen harbour. competitive industries, excellent academic the family to enjoy. It also highlights nature reserves and seashores teeming and research capabilities and a highly the range of walks and opportunities with life make this area the perfect Many of these activities are available all THE PROVOST skilled workforce. We have drive and amid the fabulous coastal scenery of the THE LORD PROVOST OF ABERDEENSHIRE OF ABERDEEN hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts of all year round, or at least during the spring, ambition and the enviable position as one Energetica corridor which are on offer to ages and abilities. summer and autumn months. This guide of the top five energy cities in the world. everyone all year round. highlights some of the best walks and The Energetica corridor is abundant activities to help you make the most of Aberdeen is a cosmopolitan city I would encourage everyone to take with a huge diversity of wildlife which the Energetica corridor and all it has with stunning architecture, superb time out of their busy schedules to get also makes it well worth a visit. See to offer. dining, retail and leisure opportunities, outdoors, enjoy some light exercise, thousands of seabirds including puffins surrounded by the outstanding breathe in some fresh sea air and learn at , look out for otters See the sea cave at Bullers of Buchan, Aberdeenshire countryside and stunning more about the wonderful natural at Haddo and spot dolphins swimming spot seals at Newburgh or stretch your coastline which includes the Energetica history and local history along the route at Aberdeen Harbour. legs in a walk to Aberdeen’s beach after corridor up to Peterhead. of the Energetica corridor. a long day at work. I hope you enjoy May 2014 was the second year of the the walks and activities suggested in Energetica Walking & Wildlife Festival, which this guide and use it to kick start a new offers two-days of family-friendly outdoor journey to discover the natural beauty in activities showcasing how much there is to the Energetica corridor. see and do in this part of Scotland.

FORVIE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE PETERHEAD HARBOUR

PETERHEAD HARBOUR IS TYPICAL OF WHAT ENERGETICA MEANS; THRIVING INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE RUBBING SHOULDERS WITH FANTASTIC WILDLIFE AND RECREATION.

THE BUSTLING HARBOUR IS HOME TO BOTH THE BUSIEST WHITEFISH PORT IN AND THE ASCO OIL & GAS BASE WHICH HAS SERVED AS THE GENERAL STORE TO THE OIL INDUSTRY FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS. ECONOMICALLY THIS IS A MAJOR HUB, BUT IF YOU LOOK CLOSER YOU WILL FIND THERE IS A LOT MORE TO IT THAN INDUSTRY.

On warm summer days children build For true birdwatchers a spell of extreme LONG-TAILED & EIDER DUCKS sand castles and swim in some of winter weather can bring in rare gulls the cleanest waters in Scotland at from the north, with the gull and Peterhead’s award-winning beach. the mighty glaucus gull sometimes seen Meanwhile, local and visiting yachts in double figures. Peterhead Harbour bustle in and out of the sheltered deep is also one of the best sites to see the water marina. Not the kind of activity you incredibly rare Ross’s gull which is might expect in a busy industrial harbour. usually found at the edge of pack ice 1,000-miles north. Wildlife finds a home here too; the harbour is a magnate for large hungry seals and during the winter, seaducks SEALS such as eider and the graceful long- tailed duck feed in the sheltered waters.

BUCHAN NESS PETERHEAD FISH MARKET

ASCO OIL & GAS BASE

1 PETERHEAD BEACH & MARINA 2 THE BULLERS OF BUCHAN

HEADING SOUTH FROM PETERHEAD, THE COAST BECOMES INCREASINGLY ROCKY AND WILD AS IT SWEEPS PAST THE FISHING VILLAGE OF BODDAM. THE CLIFFS, A SCOTTISH WILDLIFE TRUST RESERVE, BRUSH AGAINST A HUGE QUARRY, WHILE THE NEW PATH NETWORK AT STIRLING HILL OFFERS GREAT VIEWS AND HISTORY FROM THE NEOLITHIC PERIOD RIGHT THE WAY THROUGH TO THE MODERN INDUSTRIAL AGE.

AT THE HEART OF THIS RUGGED COASTLINE IS THE COLLAPSED SEA CAVE, THE BULLERS OF BUCHAN. A SHORT WALK CAN BE ENJOYED BY MOST, WHILST LONGER WALKS ARE A MORE SERIOUS UNDERTAKING AS THE PATH IS NARROW AND CLOSE TO A SHEER DROP.

PUFFINS AT THE BULLERS OF BUCHAN ARCH AN DUNSBY BULLERS OF BUCHAN

THE BULLERS OF BUCHAN TASTER WALK

From the large car park on the A975 is a sinkhole, where the roof of a sea This outcrop is also the best place locally Puffins and guillemots return by the end It is also possible to leave your car in road, walk down to the pretty hamlet of cave has collapsed leaving a large hole to look for puffins, which can be seen of March. During the spring and early Cruden Bay village, take a bus to Bullers PUFFIN the same name, Bullers of Buchan. This connected to the sea by a small arch. at the entrance to rabbit holes close to summer this is a busy place with the noise of Buchan and walk back to your car is a classic fishing village with a steep the top of the cliffs to your right. Below, of thousands of birds filling the air, but by along the cliffs and past the magnificent walk down to the boats which must have It is possible to walk all the way around hundreds of guillemots and early August the last of the chicks have left New Slains Castle. been a challenge for the fishermen, and the edge of the pot, but please note this crowd onto the cliffs whilst shags build the cliffs and quiet returns. the walk back up the hill with the catch can be a treacherous route so please precarious nests at its base. even harder. stick to the well-made path on the left. This spot is a great place to sit and BREACHING BOTTLENOSED DOLPHIN A little way past the pot, the high-quality Fulmars are normally the first bird watch the amazing coastal wildlife. For a Follow the path to the right of the path ends at a headland which gives back to Bullers of Buchan in February. longer walk, continue following the path hamlet and after 30 metres you leave a beautiful view out to sea and is a These birds may look like gulls, but north, or you can return to the village the village following a well-maintained fantastic place for watching whales and they are in fact more closely related and keep walking south. Both routes can but narrow path. The views of the sea dolphins with orca killer whales, Risso’s to the albatross, flying just above the be hard going, featuring narrow paths increase and in spring or summer the dolphin and minke whale all seen from waves on straight wings. People rock which are often very close to the edge sound of countless breeding seabirds that spot in 2013. climbing soon learn to avoid these birds of the cliff, so care must be taken. will be filling the air as you approach at nesting time as they can regurgitate “the pot”. The Bullers of Buchan pot oily fish with a high degree of precision 3 if threatened. 4 CRUDEN BAY

CRUDEN BAY HAS A GLORIOUS BEACH, A STRONG COMMUNITY AND A FEW SECRETS.

TO THE NORTH, THE MIGHTY CLIFFS OF THE BULLERS OF BUCHAN DOMINATE THE VISTA, AND TO THE SOUTH THE LONG GLORIOUS SANDY BEACH SWEEPS ON ALMOST TO SLAINS CASTLE THE NEIGHBOURING HAMLET OF . BEHIND THE BEACH A LINE OF SAND HOST CRUDEN BAY GOLF COURSE, ONE OF THE TOP COURSES IN BRITAIN.

SUNSET AT CRUDEN BAY

CRUDEN BAY Indeed, in years gone by this was the Past the Ladies Bridge is the harbour If you have time, follow the narrow path place to be seen, with the upper classes known as Port Errol. Salmon nets dry on north to view the Arch of Dunsby, a travelling by train from all over Britain a small green while small pleasure boats small island covered in breeding birds to stay at the famous Cruden Bay Hotel. and the odd creel boat use the harbour. that has almost been split in half by the One of the tramcars which transported In the summer children catch mackerel sea. It is possible to continue on this thousands of visitors can still be seen at from the harbour wall. narrow path all the way to the Bullers of the Transport Museum in Alford. Buchan (previous page) and return by No trip to Cruden Bay would be the bus. Be aware that this is a serious CRUDEN BAY GOLF CLUB & COASTLINE The beach can be reached via the complete without a walk to New Slains walk, being narrow and close to a big elegant Ladies Bridge. The beach is Castle which perches on a cliff to the drop into the sea. Good weather and long and pristinely clean thanks to the north of the village and famous for walking boots are highly recommended commitment of the local community in being the possible inspiration for Bram for this walk. removing litter that may have drifted in Stoker’s Dracula. This can be reached via each day. Whilst the beach may be calm a well-made path that passes through and tranquil, economic activity is never fine woods before following the coast. In far away, as up to 1,200 litres of oil per places the path is made up of thousands second passes unseen or heard beneath of scallop shells which have been used the sand via the Forties Pipeline, which in place of gravel. The castle is an carries around 30% of to impressive sight and well worth a visit, the Refinery. however please do not pass the fence as it is not safe to explore. 5 NEWBURGH BEACH 6 COLLIESTON

COLLIESTON IS A PICTURE PERFECT VILLAGE WHICH PRIDES ITSELF ON BEING SO REMOTE IT HAS NO MOBILE PHONE SIGNAL OR EVEN A VILLAGE SHOP.

WHAT IT DOES HAVE IS A STUNNING BEACH, GREAT VIEWS AND A PICTURESQUE SETTING WITH ITS WHITE COTTAGES NESTLING ON THE SLOPE THAT LEADS TO THE HARBOUR.

The village is also notable for the beauty The local dialect in Collieston, and the and abundance of its local wildlife. For north-east of Scotland, is Doric. seven months in 2011, three humpback A key coastal Doric phrase is ‘veit whales took up residence in the waters suite’ – this is the local term for bikini or just outside the Collieston. The surprise speedos. Given the water temperature appearance of these magnificent marine at Collieston, the local ‘veit suites’ are mammals proved to be a distraction for normally made of neoprene and cover the village residents lucky enough to be the whole body, vital to helping the local self-employed or work from home and people swim in the harbour during most productivity in Collieston fell sharply until months of the year. the whales departed from the local waters! There are good walks to the north and In 2013 the village was in luck again as south of Collieston, but please park in the 14 orca killer whales were spotted just large car park just north of the village and outside Collieston and spent the day follow the signs to the beach, as there is slowly heading north. little parking in the village itself.

EIDER DUCK

HUMPBACK WHALE

7 COLLIESTON BEACH 8 FORVIE NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE

FORVIE NNR IS A FANTASTIC PLACE TO SPEND A DAY AND IS LARGE AND DIVERSE ENOUGH FOR A LIFETIME OF EXPLORATIONS. THE RESERVE CAN BEST BE DIVIDED INTO THE DUNES AND THE YTHAN .

YTHAN ESTUARY AND SOUTH TO ABERDEEN CITY

THE DUNES YOUNG SEAL AT DAWN SEALS BASKING ON THE BEACH The best place to start is the NNR Visitor Centre which is about a mile out of Collieston. The centre contains a wealth of information about the nature reserve and the wildlife which call it home, and there you will find the excellent staff who manage the reserve.

One of the way-marked trails, the Heath Trail, runs from the centre past the sand loch and to the coast. From there it runs south along the coast until a path cuts across the heath and returns to the starting point of the visitor centre. Between the centre and the sand loch, Leaving the visitor centre, you meet the the track is an all-ability route which can main A975 road at a crossroad, and if be accessed by a sturdy buggy (with a you travel straight ahead for a couple of bit of care and effort it is possible to get miles you can follow a small track to the as far as the coast). Beyond the sand loch Waulkmill Hide which gives great views the path is not accessible with a buggy. over the .

This walk can be enjoyed at any time of Return to Newburgh by backtracking to the year, but May and June is the best the crossroad, before turning south onto time for a visit if you want to see the the A975 and travelling down a long hill glorious wildflowers which grow all over with stunning views spanning across the Dunes. In winter the trail is a great Aberdeenshire to the distinctive shape place to try and spot short-eared owls of ’s peak. A couple of laybys which travel from Scandinavia for our by the river are well worth a stop as this mild winters. is a good place to look for ospreys in the summer or otters at anytime of the year. From April until August the southern peninsula of Forvie NNR is closed to the Just before the bridge over the River public to make sure nesting birds are not Ythan is the main Walkermilll car disturbed. This is particularly important park. From here, the new shelter and for four rare species of . If you keep information point gives information on to the waymarked paths, avoiding this the Walk and the tern viewing 9 area will not be an issue. point during the spring and summer. 10 NEWBURGH AND THE YTHAN

VIEW UP THE

SUMMER TURNSTONE THE YTHAN ESTUARY TASTER WALK NEWBURGH IS A QUIET AND GRASSHOPPER WARBLER PLEASANT VILLAGE WHICH If you have a couple of hours to spare, Close to the burn mouth, the path From here you should be able to spot this walk is a highlight of the area and turns to the east with a wooden shelter the hundreds of seals which take MADE ITS FORTUNE FROM comes highly recommended. The walk is visible in the distance. Walk on the sand residence on this beach. At times over THE CLIPPER SHIPS THAT good all year round but is best when the or on the grass and head towards the 400 seals haul out onto the north bank is low. shelter which is a great place to spend just over the river. Eider ducks are USED TO SAIL THE WORLD a few minutes watching the wildlife and common on the river and roost close FROM ITS NOW SILTED UP Either park on the main road or travel taking in the stunning views. During to the seals. Walking past the seals it is by bus using the the summer, the sight and sound of possible to reach the river mouth to take HARBOUR. number 63 Buchan Rider service. From the ternary just over the river will be in the view spanning all the way to the the town’s main village store, walk north impressive. Four species of breed city of Aberdeen, with the ships awaiting until you reach Errol Place then follow here, including the rare little tern which their turn to enter the harbour. this short road and cross the bridge over are likely to be fishing close by. the Burn. Already the wildlife will From here, walk back to the boathouse be on display with small yellowhammer From the shelter follow the coast past where a path cuts inland. Follow this path birds singing from the gorse. the fishing huts and the boathouse, to the car park and you can take a spur along to the upturned shipwreck. At low up into the dunes with a well-made path After the bridge turn left, following the tide the wreck is around 30 metres from including sections of boardwalk. When path towards the mouth of the burn; the river and at high tide it is almost leaving the car park, follow the road back you are walking in the area between covered with wading birds roosting towards Newburgh, cutting off at the the water and the golf course which is whilst their feeding is underwater. North Sea Trail path which goes through marked with a series of white marker the golf course and over a smaller bridge posts. Please stay on the seaward side of over the Foveran Burn, back onto the the markers. main road close to the shop.

11 12 BALMEDIE

ENERGETICA HAS GLORIOUS LONG SANDY BEACHES THAT STRETCH AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE, BACKED BY MILE AFTER MILE OF SAND DUNES LIT BY THE SUN SHINING BRIGHT OVER THE SHIPS OUT AT SEA.

KITESURFING

STAR AMONGST THESE IS BALMEDIE COUNTRY PARK, JUST To get to the beach either take the FIVE MILES NORTH OF THE CITY. THIS A GREAT PLACE Stagecoach Bluebird bus number 62 from Aberdeen and walk the last mile FOR A DAY WITH THE CHILDREN AND THERE ARE PICNIC following the signs, or drive though TABLES AND CHILDREN’S PLAY EQUIPMENT TO TAKE the commuter village of Balmedie and ADVANTAGE OF AND BARBECUE FACILITIES AVAILABLE follow the signs. Just out of the village, FOR HIRE. the road becomes narrow with passing places. Once you arrive at the car park, a nominal parking charge applies from April to September.

Starting at the disused ranger base, the GEESE AND BALMEDIE excellent and child-friendly park lies to the right. The best path to the beach runs past the park and through the gorse, joining the access road for the park keepers. From here, you can see the boardwalk that leads across a small stream and on to the award-winning beach.

The dunes behind the beach can be explored or you can simply walk north or south as far as you like. If walking south, turn back if you see red flags flying as there is a shooting range. 13 SAND DUNES AND SUPPLY VESSELS 14 DYCE

DYCE BUZZES WITH LIFE, HOME TO THE WORLD’S BUSIEST COMMERCIAL HELIPORT AT ABERDEEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND MANY OF THE BUSINESSES WHICH SERVE THE NORTH SEA OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY.

BUT DYCE HAS ANOTHER SIDE AND TO MANY OF THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE HERE, IT IS THE FLIGHTS OF THE MARCH BROWN AND OLIVE UPRIGHT MAYFLIES THAT CATCH THE ATTENTION. AN EARLY SPRING DAY SEES ERUPTIONS OF FLYING INSECTS FROM THE PRISTINE RIVER DON WHICH LOOPS AROUND THE EAST OF THE VILLAGE.

These ‘rises’ of life attract both fish and ruptured oil pipeline. Dyce has a long often be seen along with dipper and OTHER WALKS IN DYCE anglers. Both the quality of the River and proud gardening tradition, having red-breasted merganser birds. A quiet Don, and a band of limestone high in won the Urban Community trophy of morning or evening visit also offers The nearby Kirkhill Forest, Tyrebagger the catchment, make this possibly the the Beautiful Scotland awards on many a chance to see otters or in summer Hill and Craibstone Estate offers a range best river in Europe for wild brown trout occasions, including 2013. ospreys. In late winter (normally from of woodland walks, sculpture trails, which share the waters impressive runs mid-February) a heronry in the pine trees archeology and bike rides for all the of salmon and sea trout. Continue to the large roundabout and on the opposite side of the river offers a family. Kirkhill can be reached from a turn left onto Riverside Drive. Soon spectacle of herons flying into their nests footpath behind Kirkhill Industrial Estate. The easiest way to get to know the the road turns and the river and a to feed hungry youngsters. Dyce Station also marks the start of the Don is to follow the River Path. Starting way-marked path descends a slope on and Buchan Way, one of at head south your right. Follow this well-made path After around a mile, the path returns Scotland’s Great Trails. An impressive (back towards the city) on Victoria down to the river. Once you reach the to the Riverside Drive and soon you and safe pathway, suitable for all abilities Street – this is the main street through river, turn left (or right if you want to will reach the junction with Victoria of walkers, cyclists and horse riders, Dyce with a good selection of shops, explore further or walk to Persley Bridge Road, turn left and follow the road the Formartine and Buchan Way links FORTMARTINE AND BUCHAN WAY restaurants and cafes. Soon you will 3 miles downstream). The path is very back to the station. Dyce with Peterhead and , come to a small community garden well made and is suitable for prams or giving a multi-day walk or a very long 15 with a large sculpture of a flower/ bicycles. On the river, rising trout can day’s cycle. 16 THE ABERDEEN BUSINESS WALK

THIS WALK BEGINS AT THE ABERDEEN EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE CENTRE AND PROVIDES THE PERFECT OPPORTUNITY TO STRETCH YOUR LEGS AND SEE SOME MORE OF THE CITY AFTER A DAY SPENT DOING BUSINESS.

THE DAY IS COMING TO AN END, YOU HAVE NETWORKED WITH DELEGATES, TALKED TO SUPPLIERS AND CLIENTS AND NEED TO REFRESH YOUR BRAIN. THIS WALK CAN BE DONE IN UNDER AN HOUR, OR LONGER IF YOU TAKE TIME ABERDEEN BEACH TO ENJOY THE VIEW, AND BRINGS YOU INTO THE HEART OF THE CITY.

From the main exit of the AECC walk Back on track, cross the bridge over the As you walk along the beach, take At the other side of the river is Torry and straight ahead to the main road and turn River Don and follow the large path that time to look out to sea as you have the Girdleness and if you have time the left, walk along the dual carriageway runs alongside the river towards the sea a good chance of seeing dolphins Torry Battery is well worth a visit and and pass the old army barracks before (on your right is a large golf course while or even a minke whale. Your chance the coastal path can be followed all the reaching the bridge over the River Don. the Donmouth Local Nature Reserve on of a sighting increases the closer you way to Cove. Along the way look out for The Don has changed greatly over the your left is a haven for wildlife). get to the harbour. Dolphins use the locals catching mackerel in the summer last few decades from a heavily polluted harbour entrance to hunt fish that will and rock climbers scaling the sheer cliffs. river with little life to one of the best The path soon reaches the sea and pass though the port on the way up the fishing rivers in Scotland. turns south. At this point you have three River Dee. Follow the road into the city, remaining choices: keep on the high path next to as close to the harbour as possible, and If you have time for a short detour off the road; follow the lower path closer to Soon you will reach the Hamlet of soon you will reach the main road which DOLPHINS OFF ABERDEEN BEACH the beaten path, cross the road before the sea, or – tide permitting – walk on , an old fishing village that can be crossed near the harbour offices. the bridge and follow the path marked the beach. has been consumed by Aberdeen and Pass the Ibis Hotel and climb Shiprow, Brig o Balgownie along the side of the dwarfed on all sides by industry. Follow past the Aberdeen Maritime Museum river until you reach the Brig before As you walk south along the beach, the the narrow streets and it feels like you before you emerge onto Union Street, returning on the south bank. The island harbour and headland of Girdleness will are a hundred miles from the city. Once the centre of Aberdeen. From here you in the river is often the resting place for be visible in front of you whilst the oil you reach the harbour, stop and have a will find a wide range of restaurants, a group of seals. This will add an extra supply vessels await entry to the port. look around; the sheer scale of the port bars and hotels to enjoy and easy access 30 minutes to your walk, and you may On a windy day this is a popular beach is fascinating and it is not unusual to see to the train and bus stations to take you need to be prepared to get a little mud for surfing and when it’s hot and sunny dolphins this far into the harbour. where you want to go. on your shoes. the beach is enjoyed by thousands of local people and visitors.

17 DONMOUTH LOCAL NATURE RESERVE 18 AROUND ENERGETICA DUNNOTTAR CASTLE &

Twenty-five miles south of Aberdeen WHILE THE ENERGETICA CORRIDOR is the picturesque coastal town of PRESENTS MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR Stonehaven. The popular seaside town is home to a small and historic harbour, an WALKS AND DAYS OUT, THERE ARE Olympic-sized, heated, outdoor pool and A HOST OF HISTORIC AND UNIQUE some great walks, including the coastal trail which takes you past the dramatic SPOTS ACROSS THE REST OF THE clifftop fortress Dunnottar Castle and NORTH-EAST OF SCOTLAND WHICH the pleasant woodland walk through ARE WELL WORTH A VISIT. HERE ARE Dunnottar Woods. JUST A FEW SUGGESTIONS.

DUNNOTTAR CASTLE

HADDO HOUSE & COUNTRY PARK SWANS AT HADDO HOUSE LOCH OF STRATHBEG There are more castles in Aberdeen City The Loch of Strathbeg is the RSPB’s and , per acre, than anywhere else premier reserve in the north-east of in the UK, and the area has its fair share Scotland. It is the best place in the area of stately homes too. The castles of for bad-weather birdwatching which can , Crathes and Balmoral are all worth be done from the comfy chairs of the a visit, however for walking and wildlife warm visitor centre, complete with tea Haddo House near Ellon stands above and coffee machine. the rest. During the autumn, the Loch of Strathbeg A new visitor centre at Haddo House plays host to one of the greatest was opened in 2014 and the new wildlife spectacles in Britain, as up to squirrel hide is one of the best places to 80,000 geese use the site as a stop off photograph our native red squirrels. A point on their migration south. RSPB staff visit to the loch early or late in the day hold regular early morning goose-spotting may give you a good chance of seeing events in October and November. otters. The house is run by the National Trust for Scotland and the grounds by Whilst visiting the reserve, a trip to the Aberdeenshire Council. Lighthouse for a walk on the beach is well worthwhile, especially in late summer when basking sharks can sometimes be seen patrolling the waters.

19 20 LIVE WILD VISIT WORK CALENDAR INVEST

WHERE AND WHEN TO SPOT WILDLIFE IN AND AROUND ENERGETICA.

SPECIES Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec WHERE CHANCE OF

Bottlenose Dolphin Girdleness, Aberdeen A SIGHTING IN 1 HOUR IN White-Beaked Dolphin Aberdeen to REASONABLE Risso’s Dolphin Bullars - various CONDITIONS: Harbour Porpoise Coastal Headlands

Minke Whales Coastal Headlands 90% Basking Shark Rattray Head

Seals Ythan 50% Guillemot/ Bullars,

Puffins Bullars, Fowlsheugh 20% Terns Ythan

Great/Arctic Skua Coastal Headlands

Iceland Gull Peterhead/Fraserburgh

Waders - Wintering Strathbeg, Ythan

Geese Strathbeg

Migrating Birds Coastal Headlands LOCH OF 20 STRATHBEG Osprey Ythan 10MILES Waxwing Aberdeen

Butterflies Various PETERHEAD

ENERGETICA, AN ABERDEEN CITY AND ENERGETICA WALKING & WILDLIFE 1 PETERHEAD SHIRE ECONOMIC FUTURE (ACSEF) GUIDE ILLUSTRATED MAP HARBOUR FLAGSHIP PROJECT, IS A 25 YEAR PROGRAMME TO CREATE SCOTLAND’S A90 3 BULLERS OF ENERGY CORRIDOR - THRIVING IN A BUCHAN

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT. TO READ 5 CRUDEN BAY MORE ABOUT THE AIMS AND WORK OF ELLON ENERGETICA AND FOR FULL DETAILS 19 HADDO HOUSE & COUNTRY PARK NATURAL AREA 9.5MILES ON ALL PARTNER ORGANISATIONS, VISIT 7 COLLIESTON ENERGETICA.UK.COM. KEY 9 FORVIE NATIONAL Airport FORMARTINE 20 NATURE RESERVE Existing pedestrian paths & BUCHAN WAY LIABILITY & FITNESS 11 NEWBURGH Proposed pedestrian links AND THE YTHAN Existing road Dual Carriageway Upgrade

Buchan & Formartine Way Participants on any of the walks in this guide must take part A90 NATURAL AREA Upgraded pathway at their own risk and should consider their own abilities and Proposed 3rd Don Crossing 13 BALMEDIE medical requirements before undertaking any of the activities. Cruden Bay Ladies Bridge Dual Carriageway

SPECIAL THANKS Footpath

Existing settlements DYCE Words and Photos of Walks and Wildlife by Ian Hay of EGCP 15 Energetica boundary BRIDGE Natural park DISCOVEREASTGRAMPIANCOAST.COM OF DON (P) 20 (P) Planned or Proposed CREATIVEWILDLIFE.CO.UK KIRKHILL FOREST & TYREBAGGER HILL 17 ABERDEEN 6MILES BUSINESS WALK ABERDEEN

20 DUNNOTTAR CASTLE SUPPORTED BY & STONEHAVEN 18MILES