Scotland’s Castle Trail
Many castles are within striking distance. Corgaff castle built in the 16th century with its distinctive star shaped curtain wall is 16 miles west ( nr the Lecht ), while Kildrummy castle & gardens is a couple of miles along the Huntly road, - it was used by the Jacobites to draw up plans for the rebellion of 1715, & this culminated in its near destruction.Glenbuchat castle lies a few miles west: no longer inhabited it provides a wonderful view down the Donside valley. National Trust properties ; Craigievar castle, & Leith Hall are nearby also.
Whisky Trail
A circular tour starts at Glenkindie !
From Glenkindie to Tomintoul ( 25 miles via A97, A944, & A939 ) , & finally 10 miles north through Glen Livet takes you to Glenlivet Whisky Distillery. Continue north to Glenfarclas Distillery, & then onto Craigellachie. The Speyside Cooperage is here.
Just a few miles south east is Dufftown. It is the capital of Scotland’s malt whisky distilling enterprise. It is home to the Balvenie & Glenfiddich Distilleries. Travel back to Glenkindie via A941, & A97 ( 28 miles ).
Spirit of Speyside Whisky festival runs from 30th April to 3rd May 2004. There are events throughout Moray, & Speyside (www.spiritofspeyside.com ).
Stone Circle Trail
Glenkindie Stone Circle, Lulach Standing Stone, Rhynie man, Honeybarrel are evidence of early mans presence in this area.
A good starting point is Archaeolink Prehistoric park, Oyne for the Stone Circle Trail in Aberdeenshire.
Food & Culture
Excellent food is served at the Glenkindie Arms hotel ( across the road from Glenkindie Steading ), & for a really plush night out try Kildrummy castle Hotel.
Scottish Sculpture Workshop is located in Lumsden, 7 miles along the Huntly road. Sculpture walk here also.
The Lost gallery, Strathdon, & Syllavethy gallery, Montgarrie, Alford are a must for art lovers.
An Aladdin's Cave of an antique shop is to be found at Mossat, 5 miles away.
Grampian Transport Museum, Alford provides an enjoyable day out for all the family, also try out the Alford Valley narrow-gauge railway.
Outdoor pursuits
In season the Lecht is the nearest ski centre ( 18 miles west ).
There is a dry ski slope at Alford ( 12 miles ) & at Huntly.
Ponytrekking centre at Corrylair Farm on the Huntly road.
Ben Newe forest walks and picnic sites are located nearby, also Clashindarroch Forest Walks near Rhynie
On the border of The Cairngorm National Park makes this mountain country (north eastern Grampian range ) . Routes aplenty for the mountaineer.
Spirit of Speyside walking festival runs in mid October 2004 - explore the Ladder Hills around Glenlivet!
(www.walkingfestival.net )
"Big Foot" outdoor centre is to be found a few miles away. There is also a pony- trekking centre in the area.
New to Alford is a skate park, proving to be a popular attraction with young people.