THE LOCAL AREA AND ITS ATTRACTIONS

Craich Cottage is set in farmland typical of the area on the eastern edge of the Grampian Mountains in Aberdeenshire. Within an hour or two’s drive there is plenty to see and do to satisfy everyone’s taste.

To the east there are some beautiful sandy beaches at Balmedie and Newburgh while to the south-west and west there is plenty of walking in the Grampians and Cairngorms (with, in winter, skiing at Glenshee and the Lecht). For the less energetic there are some attractive walks amongst local forests (Pitfichie) and on nearby hills (Bennachie).   There is plenty of trout and salmon fishing within easy traveling – both on the river (The Don and the Dee are the closest) and on stillwaters (Loch Insch (11 miles) is perhaps the most famous but there are 6-8 smaller lakes, equally attractive in their own way, within an hour’s drive).

….And for the children: Alford has a reasonable sized swimming pool (but for the more adventuresome the larger pool on Aberdeen’s Beach Esplanade is an alternative), and the Grampian Transport Museum is really worth a visit. For those interested in wildlife then the falconry at Huntly is worth the trip, and for more hands-on activities then the Satrosphere in Aberdeen should be investigated. For the younger ones a visit to Storybook Glen (Maryculter) will allow them to experience some of their favourite nursery-rhymes

Below are a list of the many activities and attractions that are available locally - both indoors and outdoors. Some include links (simply click on them to follow) to websites where more specific information can be found. For more up-to-date information on the many things to do and see in the area visit www.castlesandwhisky.com