Explore the surroundings of Huntly, passing the ancient castle, and walking along the riverbank before returning to the attractive town centre.
Summary
Roads with pavements, narrow riverside path which can be muddy.
Terrain
Users'
rating
1. Start from the Square in the centre of Huntly where there is pay and display parking (there is a free car park near the Castle where the walk can be joined and for alternative parking if there is a market in the Square). Follow Castle Street out of the north end of The Square, passing the Huntly Hotel and then the public toilets on the left. Go straight across at the next junction and follow The Avenue past the war memorial.
2. Pass through the impressive gatehouse and follow the avenue of trees ahead, passing the Golf Course on the right and then playing fields with children's play area and parking. Huntly Castle can be seen ahead with the car park on the left under the trees.
3. Built as the seat of the Huntly Clan for five centuries, the castle is renowned for its impressive heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes. The first castle to be built on the site gave refuge to Robert the Bruce in the 14th century. After 1800 the castle fell into ruin and was heavily plundered for stone by local builders. It is now owned by Historic Scotland and is well worth a visit. Follow the road round the left side of the castle and then double back to cross the stone bridge, following the sign for the Nordic Outdoor Centre.
4. Walk to the far end of the car park and take the path through the riverside park and after crossing a road, continue along the side of the River Deveron. Pass the Nordic Ski Centre where artificial tracks allow people to practise Nordic or cross-country skiing all year round. Keep following the riverbank, ignoring any paths or tracks leading away, always staying closest to the water.
5. The Deveron is one of the top five salmon fishing rivers in Scotland. It is sixty miles long and starts life in the Ladder Hills before joining the River Bogie just below Huntly Castle and eventually flowing into the Moray Firth between the twin towns of Banff and Macduff. Follow the riverside until a road bridge is reached. Climb up the steps to the left and turn left to follow the pavement back towards Huntly.
6. At a junction turn left into Deveron Road which eventually leads all the way back to The Square. If you prefer to keep off the road, take the small path to the left which later emerges in a park where you can rejoin Deveron Road.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
