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.

Local food

Butteries, or rowies

A flat, salty, flaky bread roll long associated with Aberdeen and the surrounding north-east, originally baked to keep for fishermen at sea. A carer can pick some up from a local baker for breakfast, or help with a home baking session using the traditional method of folding fat through the dough.

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

Somewhere to go

Dean's shortbread bakery, shop and bistro

Huntly

The Huntly home of Dean's shortbread, with a gift shop and bistro attached to the bakery. A carer can make it an easy outing for someone who likes baking, with a look at how shortbread is made and a pot of tea afterwards.

Getting around: The gift shop and bistro are on the ground floor of the main building, with double doors that open to create a wider entrance.

Source: deans.co.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

The Grassic Gibbon Centre

Arbuthnott

A visitor centre in Arbuthnott devoted to Lewis Grassic Gibbon, whose novel Sunset Song was shaped by this corner of the Mearns. A carer could pair a re-read of the book with a visit, which often prompts memories of farming life in the north-east.

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

Somewhere to join

Banchory Library events and reading groups

Banchory

One of the Live Life Aberdeenshire libraries, running regular drop-in groups and bookable events such as talks and author visits alongside normal borrowing. A carer can help choose large print or audio titles and stay for a session so the trip is social as well as practical.

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