Heather's Guidebook for Smithy Cottage
Sightseeing
Lovely seaside town with great walks, shops, cafes, restaurants and scenery
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Cullen
Lovely seaside town with great walks, shops, cafes, restaurants and scenery
Crovie
Quirky and unique fishing village
Gardenstown
Fantastic fishing village where you will also find the iconic phone box from the film Local Hero.
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Pennan
Fantastic fishing village where you will also find the iconic phone box from the film Local Hero.
Sandend
Art Deco outdoor pool that was once popular with families in the summer but it sadly fell out of favour and is no longer in use. Funding is being sought to allow this once thriving location to be brought back to life.
Tarlair Swimming Pool
Art Deco outdoor pool that was once popular with families in the summer but it sadly fell out of favour and is no longer in use. Funding is being sought to allow this once thriving location to be brought back to life.
Great experience to ride the Keith to Dufftown line. Food available in the cafe at Dufftown station.
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The Keith & Dufftown Railway
Great experience to ride the Keith to Dufftown line. Food available in the cafe at Dufftown station.
Picturesque 17th century harbour which is the setting for the annual Boats Festival and recently the choice of location for film crews for the filming of Peaky Blinders and Whisky Galore.
Portsoy harbour
Picturesque 17th century harbour which is the setting for the annual Boats Festival and recently the choice of location for film crews for the filming of Peaky Blinders and Whisky Galore.
Gordon Castle Walled Garden
A96Pitmedden Garden & Museum of Farming Life
A chance to see the unique skills of the coopers in their daily working environment producing whisky barrels. A chance to see the current world record holder at work.
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Besucherzentrum der Speyside Cooperage
Duff TownA chance to see the unique skills of the coopers in their daily working environment producing whisky barrels. A chance to see the current world record holder at work.
Kids and adults will delight in seeing marine life from the local area in this purpose built facility.
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Macduff Meeresaquarium
11 High ShoreKids and adults will delight in seeing marine life from the local area in this purpose built facility.
North East 250
Sightseeing route that takes in the best of the North-East of Scotland.
One of the best local beaches, frequented by locals in the summer and a magnet for surfers. Please take note of any warning notices on site regarding currents.
Sandend Beach Car Park
Seaview RoadOne of the best local beaches, frequented by locals in the summer and a magnet for surfers. Please take note of any warning notices on site regarding currents.
Aden Country Park
Station RoadWalks, farming museum, outdoor play area
Braemar
The Boyndie Trust - Boyndie Visitor Centre
Walks, gardens, restaurant, gift shop, plant sales
Crumbling ruins of Findlater Castle built into the sea cliffs.
https://canmore.org.uk/site/17948/findlater-castle
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Findlater Castle
Crumbling ruins of Findlater Castle built into the sea cliffs.
https://canmore.org.uk/site/17948/findlater-castle
Food Scene
Dean's of Huntly Gift Shop and Visitor Centre
Depot RoadLovely freshly baked scones and lunches
The Bijou by the Sea
Great Eastern RoadGreat food with beautiful views
Cosy local pub with wood burning stoves, real ales, whisky and reasonably priced home cooked food.
Outdoor space added along with excellent Covid safe measures.
The New Inn
79 Main StCosy local pub with wood burning stoves, real ales, whisky and reasonably priced home cooked food.
Outdoor space added along with excellent Covid safe measures.
If you love ice-cream you will love this place. Home made vanilla, huge variety of flavours, freshly baked waffles and hot sauces.
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Portsoy Ice Cream
24 Seafield StIf you love ice-cream you will love this place. Home made vanilla, huge variety of flavours, freshly baked waffles and hot sauces.
Huntly Chip Shop
12 Bogie StFantastic range of quick and tasty takeaway options. Phone orders taken.
The Rustic Grill
13 Balmellie StKELLOCKBANK
Inverurie Garden Centre
Oldmeldrum RoadThe Market Cafe
The Kastille
10 Castle StThe Ice Cream Shop
Seafield StreetMorgan McVeighs
Cafe India
109 Gordon StTasty Indian cuisine available to sit in or takeaway. Set price buffet night is Thursday.
Seafield Arms Hotel
5 Chapel StGreat cakes, coffees, lunches and wonderful views across the Moray Firth
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The Bijou by the Sea
Great Eastern RoadGreat cakes, coffees, lunches and wonderful views across the Moray Firth
Great location to enjoy a takeaway coffee, hot chocolate and cake
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Coffee At The Kings
Great location to enjoy a takeaway coffee, hot chocolate and cake
Portsoy Coffee Shop
South High StreetSmall venue but fantastic selection of delicious food.
Seafield Arms Hotel
5 Chapel St1st Saturday of every month in The Square Huntly. Variety of stalls selling fish, meat, game, bakery produce, cakes, coffees, vegetables, honey, and much more
Huntly Farmers Market
The Square1st Saturday of every month in The Square Huntly. Variety of stalls selling fish, meat, game, bakery produce, cakes, coffees, vegetables, honey, and much more
Morley's Coffee
Amazing coffee. If you like a good coffee then this is highly recommended.
Lovely choice of meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce. Great service.
Recommend you book in advance to enjoy your food looking out over the bay between Banff and Macduff. Sunsets are spectacular.
The Knowes Hotel and restaurant
43 Market StLovely choice of meals made with fresh, locally sourced produce. Great service.
Recommend you book in advance to enjoy your food looking out over the bay between Banff and Macduff. Sunsets are spectacular.
Family run state of the art vending machine farm shop. Huge selection of vegetables, meat, pies and baked goods. Lovely coffee available to take away too.
Thorneybank Farm Shop
Family run state of the art vending machine farm shop. Huge selection of vegetables, meat, pies and baked goods. Lovely coffee available to take away too.
Great little family owned farm shop supplying fruit, veg, potatoes, homebakes, oatcakes and eggs.
Littlefield Farm Shop
LittlefieldGreat little family owned farm shop supplying fruit, veg, potatoes, homebakes, oatcakes and eggs.
I G Thomson
156 Mid StGreat butcher with locally sourced meat.
White Heather Hotel
14 High StBeautiful, freshly cooked food served by friendly welcoming staff.
SYMPOSIUM coffee house Portsoy
26 Seafield StreetA great place to relax and enjoy a nice coffee
Walks
A variety of walks for all abilities. Amazing views of Aberdeenshire.
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Bennachie Centre
A variety of walks for all abilities. Amazing views of Aberdeenshire.
The Bin Forest
Colour coded routes for all abilities.
Beach walks. Climb Castle Hill for great views across the Moray Firth.
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Cullen
Beach walks. Climb Castle Hill for great views across the Moray Firth.
Amazing coastal views. Clear route and well maintained footpaths to the top.
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Bin of Cullen
Amazing coastal views. Clear route and well maintained footpaths to the top.
Ben Rinnes
A quiet secluded beach that requires a walk to access it but once you arrive you will realise it was worth the trek.
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Sunnyside Beach
A quiet secluded beach that requires a walk to access it but once you arrive you will realise it was worth the trek.
Narrow fairly steep footpath, rocky and loose in places. Care needs to be taken on descent.
Knock Hill
Narrow fairly steep footpath, rocky and loose in places. Care needs to be taken on descent.
Speyside Way
Speyside WayBattlehill
Quiet, peaceful woodland walk at Huntly. Small car parking area available.
Approximately 3 mile walk with an elevation of just over 1800ft. Large hillfort. Impressive views from the top.
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Tap o' Noth Hillfort
Approximately 3 mile walk with an elevation of just over 1800ft. Large hillfort. Impressive views from the top.
Sporting Activities
Huntly Golf Club
Cooper ParkDuff House Royal Golf Club
Council run facility that is popular with locals and visitors. 4 lane 25m pool, 8m toddler pool, family changing facilities, fitness suite, sauna and steam room. To book visit: https://www.livelifeaberdeenshire.org.uk/sport-and-physical-activity/
Huntly Swimming Pool
Council run facility that is popular with locals and visitors. 4 lane 25m pool, 8m toddler pool, family changing facilities, fitness suite, sauna and steam room. To book visit: https://www.livelifeaberdeenshire.org.uk/sport-and-physical-activity/
Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Centre
Great fun for all ages
Moray Leisure Centre
Lochter Activity Centre
Outdoor and sporting activity centre
Lecht Ski School
Skyline Trampoline Park
Deveron Community Sports Centre
81 Bellevue RdCullen Links Golf Club
Wardhaugh Farm
Local riding school within 1 mile of the cottage.
River Deveron
https://deveron.org
River Bogie
River Spey
Oldmeldrum Golf Club
Kirk BraeRoyal Tarlair Golf Club
Buchan StreetFabulous sea school with opportunities to experience all that the Moray coast offers.
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Cullen Sea School
1 Port Long RdFabulous sea school with opportunities to experience all that the Moray coast offers.
Stonehaven Open Air Pool
The LinksEvents
Scottish Traditional Boat Festival
Links RoadThe Braemar Gathering
Fantastic weekend event. Farmers market, 5k, 10k and 1/2 marathon running event, craft and food stalls and much more. Something for everyone.
Huntly Hairst
Huntly SquareFantastic weekend event. Farmers market, 5k, 10k and 1/2 marathon running event, craft and food stalls and much more. Something for everyone.
Usually held in early August. Agricultural Show with something for everyone to enjoy.
Black Isle Show
ShowgroundUsually held in early August. Agricultural Show with something for everyone to enjoy.
There has been a remarkable boom in cycling over recent years and the North East of Scotland boasts some truly wonderful cycling experiences. RIDE the NORTH is not a race, but rather a challenge ride for cyclists of all abilities. https://www.ride-the-north.co.uk/
Ride The North
61 Abergeldie RoadThere has been a remarkable boom in cycling over recent years and the North East of Scotland boasts some truly wonderful cycling experiences. RIDE the NORTH is not a race, but rather a challenge ride for cyclists of all abilities. https://www.ride-the-north.co.uk/
Monthly Farmers Market held both indoors and outdoors. Great coffee, baked treats, fruit & vegetables, pies, gin, plants and crafts
The New Inn
79 Main StMonthly Farmers Market held both indoors and outdoors. Great coffee, baked treats, fruit & vegetables, pies, gin, plants and crafts
Turriff District Agricultural Association
Queen's RoadLargest 2 day Agricultural Show in Scotland.
Royal Highland Showground
Entertainment
His Majesty's Theatre (HMT)
Rosemount ViaductEden Court Inverness
Bishops RoadMonthly cinema showings on a Friday evening. 2 films per evening (Usually a kids film then a 12 rating). See their Facebook page for details.
Banff Cinema
Monthly cinema showings on a Friday evening. 2 films per evening (Usually a kids film then a 12 rating). See their Facebook page for details.
Landmark Forest Adventure Park
B9153Aden Country Park
Station RoadAberdeen Art Gallery
Schoolhill