Discover Huntly: Culture and the Outdoors

When choosing accommodation for a stay in Huntly, you can start by considering the purpose of your trip. Art and local history, cross-country skiing or roller skiing, birds of prey, local produce and an annual harvest festival offer different points of focus. Consider whether you want to plan a seasonal display, centre your visit on a particular activity, or explore architectural history and local art. This will help you decide which themes should shape your stay.

Outdoor activities and birds of prey

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 want to combine your trip with either activity, Huntly offers a clear focus for your visit. Check the latest operating details before travelling.

The Huntly Falconry Centre holds seasonal flying displays featuring birds of prey, including owls, hawks, falcons and eagles. The Centre also offers falconry lessons to interested groups and individuals. Displays take place seasonally; confirm dates and lesson availability before your trip.

Art and architectural history in Huntly

Huntly’s Town Collection is a living archive of artworks and other artefacts. They are displayed at various locations in Huntly and its surrounding area: in local shops and businesses, public buildings, hidden paths and local landmarks. Marked art trails run along roads and paths around Huntly. As the collection is reviewed, the locations of individual artworks may change.

Castle Bridge, also known as Elgin’s Bridge, offers another tangible connection to local history. The bridge crosses the River Deveron between Huntly Castle and Huntly Lodge. It is a single-span rubble-stone bridge with a semicircular arch and probably dates from the 17th century. This dating is possible, but not certain. Huntly Castle is a short walk from Huntly Square; conditions along the route may change.

Circular walk and green space

A family-friendly 2-mile circular walk starts at Huntly Square and follows mostly shared paths past Huntly Castle, the Nordic Outdoor and Ski Centre, and the River Deveron. The route links several named places and can be included in your itinerary as a short outing in its own right. Check current route conditions before setting out.

The White Wood is a living peace memorial in Huntly. It is home to 49 oak trees and 1,700 native trees, shrubs and wildflowers. The site is being developed as a place for activity, inspiration and reflection. Its role as a peace memorial and its specific planting give this green space a different character from the art trails or historic bridge.

Local produce and seasonal events

Whiskies of Scotland offers a wide selection of whiskies to taste and buy in the town centre. If you want to include a visit in your plans, check visitor information and availability in advance. Dean’s of Huntly is just off the A96 and includes a gift shop and bistro. Dean’s is also a local producer of shortbread; the products on offer may change.

Huntly Farmers’ Market offers artisan meat and baked goods, fresh seasonal vegetables, artisan cheeses and fresh seafood. The selection may vary from stall to stall. This makes a visit to the market different from Whiskies of Scotland, where whisky tasting and purchases are the main focus.

Huntly Hairst is an annual harvest festival. Founded in 2002, it takes place on the first weekend in September. If the festival is the reason for your trip, check the programme in advance. The Falconry Centre’s seasonal flying displays and the annual harvest festival offer different date-specific highlights; bear these in mind when choosing your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: New Deer, St Cyrus, Bridge Of Don, Portlethen, Inchmarlo, Inverallochy, Milltimber, Inverbervie

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