Fishy dolphin
Welcome hostelers! Just arrived at Aberdeen Youth Hostel? Want to stretch your legs and look around your new environment?
Aberdeen is famous for its dolphins and dolphin watching so take a bus to Torry. From Torry Battery you get great views of the beach, the harbour and, of course, the dolphins. Click for more info.
Don't have time this trip? Take a short walk along Queens Road and you can spot at least 3 dolphins.
Leave the hostel and turn right. Look for a dolphin very close to the hostel which has a close relationship to fish
Now cross Queens Road and walk up towards Albyn School. Can you see a small dolphin?
Albyn School Dolphin
Cross the main road at the roundabout and head up to the fancy hotels on your left. Have you found the ARCHIE dolphin?
Two years ago Aberdeen had 52 dolphin statues all around the city, culminating in a large auction which raised lots of money for good causes including Aberdeen's Children's Hospital (ARCHIE). Thankfully many statues like these 3 can still be seen around the city
ARCHIE dolphin
On your way back cross Queens Road again and look out for a sleek statue of an otter and a regal representation of a stag.
Otter
Stag
On your walk you will also have experienced the magnificent granite buildings created about 150 years ago by the city merchants. Some are still lived in but many are offices, hotels and youth hostels. This enables them to have a use in the 21st-century.
Look up and see the fine details: the tiles, the slates, the wrought iron work, the pink granite detail and the very fine carving. Much of the granite came from Rubislaw quarry which is a short walk from the hostel. It is the biggest man-made hole in Europe but there's nothing to see at present. Next time you come hopefully the heritage centre and viewing platform will be open.
Enjoy the long light summer evenings in Aberdeen. I hope you spot the dolphins on Queens Road or in Aberdeen bay.
