A companion who shares their interests, in Aberdeenshire

Somewhere to go

The Deeside Way

Banchory

A 41 mile route from Aberdeen to Ballater that follows the old Royal Deeside Railway through woodland and farmland, easily joined for a short there-and-back stroll. A carer can drive to a car park at Banchory or Aboyne, pick a flat stretch of the old line and turn back at a bench or cafe.

Getting around: Long sections follow the level track bed of the former railway between Aberdeen and Banchory and from Aboyne to Ballater.

Source: visitabdn.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Aden Country Park

Mintlaw

A large country park near Mintlaw with a network of waymarked paths, a courtyard with a cafe and the Aberdeenshire farming museum. A carer can choose one of the surfaced routes, pace the walk around the benches and finish with tea in the courtyard.

Getting around: Many paths are suitable for wheelchair users, with tarmac and stone surfaces, and there is an accessible toilet in the main car park toilet block.

Source: adencountrypark.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

RSPB Loch of Strathbeg

Crimond

A large coastal loch reserve near Crimond with a free visitor centre and hides, good for geese, swans and wading birds through the seasons. A carer can settle someone in the hide or the viewing gallery with a camera and let the birds come to them.

Getting around: There is disabled access to one hide and a stairlift to the upstairs viewing gallery in the visitor centre.

Source: visitabdn.com. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Dunnottar Castle

Stonehaven

A ruined fortress on a sea rock just south of Stonehaven and one of the most photographed sites in the north-east. The descent and steps into the castle are steep, so a carer may be better parking above and helping find the clifftop viewpoints looking across to the ruin.

Source: dunnottarcastle.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Crathes Castle walled garden

Banchory

A historic walled garden of eight themed rooms beside a turreted castle on a large Deeside estate. A carer can stick to the perimeter garden paths and the route to Caroline's Garden, then use the ground floor cafe rather than the castle stairs.

Getting around: Most of the walled garden is wheelchair accessible, the path to Caroline's Garden is fully accessible and the courtyard cafe is fully accessible.

Source: nts.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Haddo House terrace garden and country park

Ellon

A terraced garden with herbaceous borders and geometric beds, with a lime tree avenue leading into Haddo Country Park. A carer can take the level terrace paths and the country park tracks, avoiding the stone steps between levels.

Getting around: The house is fully accessible with a lift to the first floor, and part of the garden, the country park, tearoom and toilets are wheelchair accessible.

Source: nts.org.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.

In the calendar

The Braemar Gathering

Princess Royal and Duke of Fife Memorial Park, Braemar

The best known Highland games in Scotland, held at Braemar each September with heavy events, pipe bands, running and dancing. A carer can book seated tickets in advance and use the parking arrangements so watching does not mean standing all day.

Getting around: There is a disabled area in the main car parks and no-step access to the games park.

Source: braemargathering.org. Check opening times and access before you go.

Somewhere to go

Stonehaven Heated Open Air Pool

Stonehaven Open Air Pool, Stonehaven

An art deco seawater lido opened in 1934, heated and open from late May to early September. A carer can go along for a gentle swim session or simply sit poolside, which suits someone who prefers warm water to a busy indoor leisure centre.

Source: stonehavenopenairpool.co.uk. Check opening times and access before you go.