It’s the Easter Holidays, how about a walk? After all the indulgence – you just know you’ll need something to burn off those chocolate eggs. So, here are some of the best spots in our modern market town for soaking up the fresh, crisp, spring air…
“From magnificent National Trust and Historic Scotland properties to our unspoilt beaches, dunes and harbours, visitors quickly discover that, in Ellon, the water is clear, the air is fresh, and the pace of life is your own. With countryside trails, rolling hills, fields, woodland, esturay views and inland lochs, Ellon really is the ultimate place to escape the hustle and bustle.“
Old tales from castle garden walls
“Set in the grounds of the ruined 16th century Ellon Castle, Ellon Castle Gardens are considered some of the finest in Scotland. Over the past few years, they’ve been restored so you can now enjoy the spectacular spaces and the story of how they were brought back to life.
Boasting an impressive collection of ancient English yews and beautiful terraces, this serene spot really is the jewel in the crown of our vibrant town centre. And did you know it’s maintained by volunteers? If you’d like to join them and create the next chapter of Ellon Castle Gardens, just get in touch.“
Follow bygone footsteps
“If you like to see a bit of wildlife as you wonder, head for the Riverside Walk. From the disused railway viaduct below the Station Hotel, you’ll follow the Ythan downstream and pass under the Auld Brig, which once carried the turnpike over the Ythan. Now a Grade A listed building, you’ll find it’s open only to pedestrians. Meandering below the cafes, hairdressers and shops of Market Street you’ll pass the Moot Hill, where the original castle stood, then travel towards the Meadows and Boatie Tam’s Brig.
Don’t forget to stop off at the dog-friendly Coffee Lab while you’re by the river!“
Riverside walk, Ellon
Need a break?
“On that note, if you need an excuse to pop in somewhere special for coffee and cake, try the Ellon Circular and Heritage Walks, which lead you around and past the town centre. The Chocolate Bar, The Coffee Apothecary, Symposium, Delicious and the Riverside Café are just a few of our faves.“
Exploring on two wheels
“Keen cyclists will find route maps dotted around our modern market town but if you’re looking for something more challenging, follow the Banff-Buchan Way as far as the Moray coast or Aberdeen.”
Prefer a round of golf?
“ If your idea of walking includes bag of clubs and a few hole-in-ones, The McDonald Golf Club is right here in town – and there are five more courses within a 10-mile radius of Ellon.
The scenic eighteen-hole McDonald course is named after its benefactor, Sir James McDonald, who gifted the old woodlands to the people of Ellon in 1926. Offering a memorable experience for all levels of golfer (and features on almost every hole), you’ll find twists and turns that take you through a magnificent forest with stately trees and beautiful rodhedendron bushes.”
Did you know…?
- “The town probably got its name from ‘eilean’, which is Gaelic for ‘island’, and the river ‘Ythan’ may have its origins in the Gaelic for ‘ford’.
- There’s evidence of a settlement at Ellon way back in the 3rd century BC…
- And, on the Hill of Logie (about a mile downstream from Ellon) remenants of round, stone-built huts from the Iron Age are visible.
- Ellon has six ruined castles and two stone circles.
- For more than 400 years, Ellon was the administrative and judicial centre of Buchan.
- One of Ellon’s Pictish symbol stones is set into the north wall of Ellon Parish Church.
- Ellon’s railway station and the Ythan Railway Bridge opened in 1861 as part of a line linking Aberdeen to Peterhead and Fraserburgh.
- Mary, Queen of Scots stayed at Ellon’s Esslemont Castle in 1564.
- The WWII defences down at the estuary are still visible, slowly disappearing into the dunes.”
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