Huntly

Population c 4,500                   Family links: Gordon   Situated on the A96 Aberdeen – Inverness Trunk Route, Huntly lies approx 40 miles/64km north west of Aberdeen (35 miles/56km from airport), in the heart of the Aberdeenshire countryside between the mountains and the coast. A small town which is a vital shopping and commercial centre for the surrounding countryside, Huntly is also on the main Aberdeen – Inverness railway line, and has excellent connections by bus from/to Aberdeen Airport. Town Trails (leaflets available) around historic buildings including the spectacular ruins of Huntly (Strathbogie) Castle, once the seat of the influential Gordon Family and introducing the world of the inspirational Victorian novelist George MacDonald. Tourist Information Centre (seasonal). A wide range of shops, cafes, restaurants, pubs and excellent takeaways right in the town centre ensures visiting groups have plenty of choice. Range of small hotels and restaurants in town centre and outskirts for large, pre-booked groups for lunches etc; largest also has 17 double/twin rooms for smaller group accommodation. Practical info: Sharp bend and low rail bridge (13’9”/4.2m) on road from Battlehill junction with A96; roundabout provides best coach access. Coach drop off/pick up at Market Muir, just off town centre, in Square or at Gordon Schools (for Castle/golf club). Coach parking at Market Muir. Free toilets Market Muir and Castle Street. RADAR key required for disabled toilets. Allow 2 mins from A96 and 1½ hrs for shopping/coffee; longer if lunch stop and/or Castle visit included. Some shops still close for lunch 13.00-14.00 (1-2pm), but only a few have a half day (Thursdays).   What’s unique? Huntly (Strathbogie) Castle – spectacular ruin (Historic Scotland) Home of the Gordon clan Year-round Nordic ski and outdoor centre Novels by George MacDonald set in/around the town   What’s fun? Exploring the ruined castle, or Leith Hall (at Kennethmont nearby) Watching authentic cattle sales – real farmers buying real animals at Huntly Mart Following the George MacDonald Town Trail, or the town architectural trail Tasting local food and drink – Deans shortbread (factory shop and viewing gallery) Rizza’s ice cream (in shop; group visits to factory viewing area), Duncan Taylor whisky shop & Glendronach distillery (at Forgue nearby) Wildlife watching – 2006 Scottish Thistle award winning Peregrine watch on A96 just north of Huntly nearby (April – Sept inclusive) Falconry – centre nearby What else to do? Shop in town centre – range of independent local shops Visit Deveron Arts Town Artists’ studio and enjoy the year-round arts & music programme Tap o’ Noth vitrified Hill Fort nearby, near Rhynie Golf at Huntly Golf Club Fish in the Deveron or at Artloch Trout Farm Riverside walks (Deveron & Bogie) and forest walks (Battlehill Wood, The Bin & Clashindarroch) Events: Entertainment in the Square (1st Sat in June); Halloween Festival (31 Oct) Huntly Triathlon (October): take part – or just watch! Farmers Market (1st Saturday of every month)     Where to eat A wide selection of pubs, small hotels, restaurants and quality takeaways cater for individuals and groups of all sizes, including:   Town Centre ·         Huntly Hotel (01466) 792703: max seating 150 ·         Gordon Arms Hotel (01466) 792288: max seating 160 ·         The Merry Kettle, Duke Street: max seating 40 ·         The Castle Café, Castle Street (01466) 79: max seating approx 30 ·         The Coffee House, The Square (01466) 799466: max seating 53 (café on first floor) ·         The Larder, Gordon Street (delicatessen with take-away sandwiches) ·         The Auld Pit (recently refurbished) max seating approx 40 ·         Café India, Gordon Street (01466) 792667: max seating 63   Outskirts Castle Hotel (01466) 792696: max seating 50   Nearby The Bognie Arms, Forgue (01466) 730204: max seating 148 The Forbes Arms, Rothiemay (01466) 711248: max seating 20   Where to stay The Castle Hotel, on the outskirts of town and near the Castle, is the largest hotel, with 17 double/twin rooms. There are also a range of small hotels, Guest Houses, town and farmhouse B&B and self catering in and around the town, and a 5-star caravan and camping park.   Practicalities – loos & parking   Coach drop off/pick up For Castle/Golf Club/Nordic Ski Centre: nearest at Gordon Schools archway (c. 500m walk to castle) Town Centre: The Square   Coach parking Market Muir on edge of town (free)   Car parking The Square (pay & display), Nelson Street (pay & display), Market Muir (free) and street parking (free)   Toilets Market Muir, close to coach parking. Attendant, free. Castle Street, free. Both open 08.00-20.00 April – Sept; 08.00-17.00 Oct-March Both have disabled entry with RADAR key (from environmental health offices nationwide)   For more information visit website www.huntly.net   Other Useful Websites Deans:  http://www.deans.co.uk Rizzas: http://www.rizza.co.uk Castle Hotel : http://www.castlehotel.uk.com Gordon Arms Hotel  http://www.gordonarms.demon.co.uk Deveron Arts  http://www.deveron-arts.com Huntly Golf Club http://www.huntlygc.com Bognie Arms: http://www.newbogniearms.co.uk/