Things to Do and See
The information below gives a flavour of the range of activities available locally. For more information there is an Information Centre in the Square in Huntly or we can direct you to other sites.
Events
Traditional Highland Games take place in various towns across the region in the summer months. See tossing the caber, highland dancing and listen to massed pipe bands. There are also agricultural shows in Keith and Turriff, and a traditional boat festival at Portsoy. Dufftown hosts the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival at the beginning of May each year.
Walking
There are many tracks and walks in the immediate area, with way-marked trails in the surrounding forests and riverside walks along the Deveron. There are also miles of forest track accessible directly from the cottages. Further afield there is the Speyside Trail which runs from Aviemore to the mouth of the Spey, and coastal paths along the beaches and cliff-tops of the Moray Firth.
Skiing
Nordic cross-country skiing is available at the Nordic Ski Centre based in Huntly and the Clashindarroch Forest. Well signed routes are provided in the forest. Other ski facilities are available at the Lecht Ski Centre about an hour's drive away.
Mountain biking
Mountain bikes can be ridden on the forest tracks in Clashindarroch and in several other forests in the area. Details are available from Forest Enterprise at their local office or website. Purpose built tracks are now accessible in Kirkhill Forest, near Aberdeen, and Whiteash, Ordiequish and Ben Aigan near Fochabers.
Fishing
The River Deveron provides some of Scotland's finest salmon fishing and licences can be arranged. Fishing is also available on lochs at Artloch (2 miles away) and Mossat Fisheries.
Riding
The Corrylair Riding Centre nearby offers trekking for all ages and standards.
Golf
Enjoy Scottish golf at its best at one of the region's numerous top quality golf courses. We can book tee times at several local courses for you.
Malt Whisky Trail
The Malt Whisky Trail visits many distilleries along the Spey from Grantown to the coast.
Castle Trail
The Castle Trail visits many historic castles in Aberdeenshire including Huntly Castle, Corgarff and Kildrummy, and gardens such as Leith Hall and Crathes Castle.
Wildlife
The North East Falconry Centre just along the road from Drumdelgie offers daily flying displays. Also the Forestry Commission maintain a hide at Huntly Peregrine Wildwatch two miles away on the A96. Bottlenose dolphins, seals and minke whales are often to be seen at Spey Bay, and deer and red squirrels are to be seen in local forests.
Archaeology
The Archaeolink museum near Insch has exhibits showing how life was lived in the Iron Age and Roman periods. Frequent displays demonstrate many aspects of early occupation of the area. There are also a number of standing stone circles in Aberdeenshire, included in a tourist board signed trail.
