Bridleways and hacking near Aberdeen
Hacking out is one of the joys of riding. Here is where you are allowed to ride around Aberdeen, Aberdeen City, who looks after the routes, and how to stay safe.
We do not list any bridleways and hacking for Aberdeen on this page yet. This is a guide to help you choose, written for riders anywhere in Scotland.
Where you can ride around Aberdeen
In Scotland, the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 gives everyone a right of responsible access to most land and inland water, and that includes horse riders. Responsible riding means following the Scottish Outdoor Access Code: avoid damaging wet or soft ground, keep clear of crops and of fields with young animals, take care around walkers and cyclists, and leave gates as you find them.
Read the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The local council for Aberdeen can tell you more. Find your local council on GOV.UK.
Riding on the road
The Highway Code asks drivers to pass horses wide and slow: at no more than 10 mph and leaving at least 2 metres of space. Riders should wear hi-vis on horse and rider, ride in single file on narrow or busy roads, and thank drivers who slow down. Read the Highway Code on GOV.UK.
Before you set off
- Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Carry a charged phone, and wear hi-vis even on off-road routes.
- Check the weather and the ground: some routes become deep or slippery after rain.
- Know where you can safely turn round on narrow routes.
Record and share your rides with TrottOn
TrottOn records your rides on a map, so you can look back at where you went and build a picture of the routes near Aberdeen. You can also report hazards you meet on a route so other riders know, and use Watch Me to share a live link with someone at home while you ride.
Do you run hacks or treks near Aberdeen? List your business free on TrottOn.
TrottOn is new, and we are building the list for Aberdeen now. Add your business so riders looking near Aberdeen can find you on TrottOn.
Riding near Aberdeen?
TrottOn records your rides, keeps your horse's details in one place, and lets you share a live Watch Me link with someone at home while you ride.