Huntly offers a range of reasons to stay: a purpose-built centre for cross-country skiing and roller skiing, seasonal bird of prey demonstrations, art trails and a bridge thought to date from the 17th century. A market and an annual harvest festival add to the cultural and scenic discoveries. You can choose what to explore in Huntly based on the themes you want to shape your trip.
Activity, birds of prey and trails around Huntly
The Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre is the UK’s only purpose-built all-weather facility for cross-country skiing and roller skiing. If you’re planning to try either sport, this is a dedicated place to do so. Check current operating details before you travel.
The Huntly Falconry Centre holds seasonal flying demonstrations featuring owls, hawks, falcons and eagles. As the demonstrations are seasonal, check dates before your trip. The centre also offers falconry lessons to interested groups and individuals. If you’re planning a lesson, confirm booking options in advance. The demonstrations and lessons are two different ways to explore falconry.
A family-friendly two-mile circuit starts at Huntly Square and follows mostly shared paths past Huntly Castle, the Nordic Outdoor and Ski Centre and the River Deveron. Huntly Castle is also a short walk from the Square. This gives you two different options for planning your day: a short walk to the castle and a circuit that also passes the Centre and the river. Trail and access conditions can change, so check them before your visit.
Art trails, bridge and peace memorial
Huntly’s Town Collection is a living archive of artworks and other artefacts. They are displayed in local shops and businesses, public buildings, hidden pathways and local landmarks in Huntly and its surrounding area. Marked art trails run along paths, trails and roads around Huntly. The collection’s display locations and trails connect it with the town and its surroundings. The collection is reviewed, so individual artwork locations may change; the trails’ content may also change.
Castle Bridge, also known as Elgin’s Bridge, crosses the River Deveron between Huntly Castle and Huntly Lodge. It is thought to be a 17th-century bridge, built as a single rubble-stone arch: the bridge has one arch, which is semicircular. Its name, location and construction offer different points of interest if you’re interested in Huntly’s heritage.
The White Wood is a living peace memorial in Huntly. It comprises 49 oak trees and 1,700 native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. The site is being developed as a place for activities, inspiration and reflection. This brings a landscape memorial and its planned use into focus alongside the historic buildings.
Market, harvest festival and local produce
Huntly Farmers’ Market takes place at Huntly Square on the first Saturday of every month except January, from 9 am to 1 pm; the postcode is AB54 8BR. Check the date before your trip. The market offers artisan meat and baked goods, fresh seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses and fresh seafood. The selection may vary by stall.
Huntly Hairst is an annual harvest festival, founded in 2002, held on the first weekend in September. If you’re travelling during this period, check the programme in advance. Its set time of year makes the festival a different planning option from the regular market.
Dean’s of Huntly is just off the A96 and includes a gift shop and bistro. As a local producer in Huntly, Dean’s makes shortbread; its product range may change. In the town centre, Whiskies of Scotland offers a wide selection of whiskies to taste and buy. Check current visitor offers and availability before your visit. These different offerings give you specific options if you’d like to include local produce and tastings in your trip plans.
Discover more destinations: Newmachar, Milltimber, Cruden Bay, Ellon, Johnshaven, Newburgh, Kirkton Of Skene, Port Elphinstone.
For the wider travel overview: Aberdeenshire.
