Enjoy a wonderful walk along Deeside
15/05/08
The opportunity to explore the varied, fascinating, intriguing and sometimes dramatic history, archaeology and natural history of the River Dee is being offered by Aberdeen City Council on Saturday, 17 May.
Join Countryside Ranger Rob Rowe, Keeper (Archaeology) Judith Stones, Assistant Keeper (Research) Chris Croly and Archaeology Unit volunteer Frank Donnelly on the walk, which starts off at 2pm from the Duthie Park and finishes at the Bridge of Dee.
Topics to be discussed on the walk are the history of Duthie Park, which this year celebrates its 125th birthday and some of the features within the park. The walk will then visit Allenvale Cemetery, where a number of important people are buried including James Scott Skinner, the famous fiddler.
From there the walk will move along the side of the River Dee taking in aspects of local pre-history, salmon fishing, the Ruthrieston Pack Bridge and the Bridge of Dee, including a look at the battle fought there between Aberdonians and the Marquis of Montrose in 1639.
As well as the great wealth of history, the River Dee is home to many birds such as oystercatcher and grey heron, which can often be seen on the gravel islands in the river. The willow trees on these islands attract large numbers of insects and hence smaller birds such as wrens and willow warblers. Swifts and swallows are often to be seen chasing flying insects while grey wagtails can often be seen bobbing from stone to stone along the banks.
Assistant Keeper (Research) Chris Croly said: “There is something for everyone on this walk. Whether it is to learn more about local history, flora, creatures, or simply to enjoy a relaxing walk it will be an interesting and fun day out.”
If time allows the walk may include the riverbank upstream of the Bridge of Dee which is a riot of colour from a rich visual feast of wild flowers which can be enjoyed from now until September.
For further information and to book a place telephone 01224 897400. Places are free, but limited so booking is essential.
The walk should last approximately two to two-and-half-hours.
If you have any queries regarding this, or any other news story, please contact Aberdeen City Council on: 01224 522000.
