Two New Trails Uncover Stories Hidden in Plain Sight
Free guides offer a fresh way to explore the past on foot this summer.
With just over two months to go until the return of The Tall Ships Races, Aberdeen City Council has launched two new walking guides to help people rediscover the city. The pocket-sized Maritime Stories Mini Trail and Union Street Secrets Mini Trail are now available free from local shops, cafes, and pubs in the city centre.
Designed to be short and easy to follow, the mini trails are ideal for families, visitors, and curious locals alike. Each route covers a compact area and encourages exploration of some of the city’s most historically rich streets and stories.
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This summer, Aberdeen Arts Centre becomes a creative clubhouse for 5-11s to explore big ideas, get making, and try something new.
From 7-18 July, we’ll jump between sea monsters and skylines, imaginary cities and prepare for the Tall Ships' arrival through drama, craft, stories and play. Book for one day or the whole run – there’s plenty to discover. Discounts available.
A Smaller Format with Big Ambition
These are the first “mini trails” in the Council’s walking guide series, introduced with a lighter format to suit festival crowds and casual wanderers. The timing also supports local businesses during ongoing city centre construction, with print copies available around Union Street Central and The Green.
The Union Street Secrets Mini Trail reveals surprising facts about the Granite Mile, including its origins and the evolution of its architecture since the Georgian era. The Maritime Stories Mini Trail traces Aberdeen’s seafaring legacy from the 12th century to the new South Harbour, connecting shipbuilding, trade and cruise tourism.
Highlighting Aberdeen's Fascinating Quirks
Speaking about the guides, Lord Provost Dr David Cameron said it was great to have new trails that “show people what there is while highlighting many little interesting quirks and oddities.”
The mini trails join a wider collection of 29 downloadable guides from the Council, all available via the Aberdeen City Council website. Additional copies of the new trails will be distributed around the city in the lead-up to the Tall Ships Races, which run from 19 to 22 July.
In the meantime, they offer a reason to get out, look closer, and notice the details you might otherwise walk past.
Aberdeen’s cultural calendar is packed, and POST’s What’s On page gives you a snapshot of it all. From gigs and theatre to exhibitions and creative meet-ups, there’s loads to discover, whatever your taste.
Bold performances, thoughtful shows, unusual venues, and events that bring people together. It’s all going on, and we’re here to help you find what’s next.
