Discover Huntly this spring
2 May 2025
Tucked away in the heart of Aberdeenshire, the charming town of Huntly offers a delightful blend of history, nature and warm hospitality, perfect for families seeking outdoor fun or solo travellers yearning for a quiet escape steeped in Scottish culture. Surrounding villages like Rhynie and Dufftown, a key stop on the Malt Whisky Trail, make great day trips, offering distillery tours and even more walking routes through heather-clad hills.
History buffs
Start your journey with a visit to Huntly Castle, an impressive ruin with a rich past. Once home to the powerful Gordon family, the castle's atmospheric grounds and intricate stonework make it a must-see for history admirers of all ages.
Leith Hall, Garden & Estate is a short drive from Rhynie, offering beautifully maintained gardens and walking trails suitable for the entire family. The estate provides a glimpse into Scotland's heritage and is perfect for a family day out exploring.
Image: Leith Hall
Adventure seekers
Just a short stroll from Huntly castle, the Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre offers gear hire and information on local trails for walkers, cyclists and cross-country skiers, depending on the season.
Nature lovers can enjoy peaceful riverside walks like the River Deveron Trail, an ideal place for spotting wildlife or a quiet picnic. For something more demanding, head to Tap o' Noth, an ancient hill fort with panoramic views and a satisfying climb for adventurous visitors.
Those seeking a longer route can try the Old Rhynie Road Trail, a 16.5km path that takes around five hours to complete, popular with hikers, runners, and anyone craving an immersive escape into nature.
Greenmyres is another great option, offering 63 acres of woodland to explore, complete with a pump track for cycling and space to camp. It's a hit with families, solo travellers and dogs alike.
Discover more of Huntly's walking and cycling routes before your visit.
Foodie fanatics
When it’s time to refuel, Huntly offers a handful of cosy eateries. The Bank Cafe and Restaurant serves hearty Scottish fare with vegetarian options, whilst Dean's of Huntly is perfect for a light bite and of course, you can’t leave without trying their famous shortbread! For a sweet treat, why not head to Rizza's Of Huntly, a cherished family-run ice cream parlour who have been serving up award winning ice cream for over 100 years!
As your on the go, what better place to stop than The Larder in the heart of Huntly? This takeaway only spot serves up all the tasty goodies, including delicious traybakes and hearty classics such as pies, sausage rolls and hot dishes.
Image Credit: Vivien Rae
Whisky Capital
Nestled in the hills near Huntly, The Glendronach Distillery is one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, producing richly sherried single malts since 1826. Guided tours offer a glimpse into traditional whisky-making, from original washbacks and stills to tastings in the cosy sampling room
In Dufftown, known as the "Whisky Capital of the World," you'll find the 3.2km Distilleries Walk leads you past world-famous names like Glenfiddich and Balvenie. It's a gentle, family-friendly route with opportunities to learn about the craft and sample a dram or two.
For a relaxed experience, join a specialist whisky tour, local guides will handle the driving and can tailor your itinerary to suit your tastes. Find trusted tour providers on our Travel Trade site.
Day trips
One of Huntly’s biggest advantages is its central location, offering easy access to both the stunning coastline and the Cairngorms National Park. Just a 40-minute drive north takes you to the charming seaside towns of Portsoy, Cullen and Banff, perfect for coastal walks, sandy beaches and fresh seafood.
Venture south, and within an hour you'll find yourself in the heart of the Cairngorms, one of the UK’s most spectacular national parks, ideal for hillwalking, wildlife spotting or adventure sports.
Huntly also makes it easy to explore at a slower pace, with the town's electric bike hire scheme, you can ditch the car and enjoy the surrounding countryside, whether you're pedalling to local shops with a storage-equipped bike or tackling nearby trails on a mountain bike.
Prefer to stay close? A visit to Number 30 is a must, set in the historic town square, this vibrant venue houses a café, retail space, gallery and cinema.
Rest your head
Whether you’re planning a luxurious countryside retreat, a cosy self-catering escape, or a budget-friendly base for exploring Aberdeenshire, Huntly has a place to suit your style, and many options welcome dogs too!
A great choice is the Gordon Arms Hotel, right in the heart of Huntly. This family-friendly hotel combines traditional Scottish hospitality with comfortable rooms and hearty food.
Boutique Farm Bothies, is the perfect dog-friendly stay for those seeking relaxation in nature. Their bothies are all individually designed and built with love and passion by a family of local farmers from Aberdeenshire.
If you're looking for self-catering options, Drumdelgie House offer peaceful countryside stays, similarly, Deveron Valley Cottages and Marnoch Lodge in nearby Inverkeithny are nestled in nature. For more ideas on where to stay have a look on our 'where to stay' section.
Image Credit: Richard Brown
Whether you're exploring solo, with a friend or the whole family, Huntly and its surrounding areas delivers charm, adventure and a true taste of Scottish life. Check out more of Huntly today and discover why it is an ideal destination to visit this season.
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