Things to do

Abeerdeenshire is famed for its stunning scenery and diverse landscapes with a 165 mile coastline, secluded forests and towering mountains. Situated in the heart of this beautiful region, Barefolds Steading is conveniently located to enjoy its many local attractions as well as those further afield including Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms National Park. Here are just some things to do to help you start planning your holiday in Scotland.

Walking, cycling & horse riding

Aberdeenshire boasts a range of outdoor pursuits and adventure activities by virtue of its diverse and stunning landscape.

Within a short drive of Barefolds Steading is The Bin. The unspolit landscape is fantastic for walking, hiking, cycling and horse riding, so there is lots of choice here. You can hire E-bikes locally.

Skiing & winter sports

Huntly Nordic and Outdoor Ski Centre is very close (and offers both mountain bike hire and ski hire). Just a 20 minute drive away you can also experience Nordic skiing, popular with adults and children alike, in the Clashindarroch Forest. A little further away there’s more skiing available at The Lecht 2090 and Glenshee in the Grampian Mountains. There’s also the Cairngorm Mountain Resort near Aviemore. 

Golfing

Huntly Golf Club is the closest to Barefolds Steading, but there are over 50 golf courses throughout Aberdeenshire to choose from. Not only for the excellent golf, but for the spectacular views too.

Water sports

The extensive coastline, lochs and rivers provide endless opportunities for water sport enthusiasts and anglers. Plus you can also fish the Deveron River which is on the doorstep.

Family days out

There is a traditional playpark in nearby Huntly, Cooper Park, as well as Huntly Swimming Pool to keep little ones entertained. Other suggestions include:

Huntly Falconry Centre, which supplied trained birds for the Harry Potter film series.

Findhorn on the Moray coast is a little further away, but worth a visit. Located on a beautiful estuary, it’s close to the beach which is lined with colourful beach huts. There’s plenty of activities to enjoy such as spotting marine wildlife with North 58º Sea Adventures. This picturesque village is a popular place for sailing folk to moor their boats and yachts. The Kimberley Inn serves great food and has stunning views across the River Findhorn.

Hobbies & interests

With so much to see and do throughout the year, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Wildlife watching
Wild food foraging
Forest bathing
The Speyside Malt Whisky Trail
Speyside Cooperage Visitors Centre
Keith and Dufftown Railway, known as the  Whisky Line. It’s Britain’s most northerly heritage railway.

History & culture

The rich heritage and culture of North East Scotland means it has an array of places to visit whilst you’re here. The Castle Trail is within easy reach of Barefolds Steading. Here are a few more suggestions:

Huntly Castle
Balmoral Castle
Braemar Castle
Slains Castle
Leith Hall, Garden & Estate (National Trust Scotland)
Belmont Filmhouse
The Gordon Highlanders Museum
Aberdeen Science Centre

Food & drink

Huntly is known for its fantastic local produce which includes:

Huntly Farmers’ Market is held in The Square between 9.00am and 1.00pm on the first Saturday of every month (except January).

Whiskies of Scotland offers a wide selection of whiskies for sampling. These include the finest single Scottish malts from The Glendronach Distillery. It’s one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries, just 6.5 miles from Huntly.

Places to eat out

There are a number of quality cafés and restaurants nearby. Here are some that we’re happy to recommend:

In Huntly (approx 7 miles east)

Café India
Dean’s Café & Bistro – home to Dean’s of Huntly Shortbread

In Dufftown (approx 7 miles west)

Seven Stills French Restaurant and Malt Whisky Bar Lounge
Dufftown Glassworks for coffee, cakes and crafts
Sidings Café, located in two quirky railway carriages at Dufftown Railway Station
Glenfiddich Bar & Café, located within the Glenfiddich Distillery – part of the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail
Speyside Cooperage Coffee Shop at the Speyside Cooperage Visitor Centre