This North East corner of ABERDEENSHIRE offers a tremendous variety of scenery and walks to match every ones ability. One of Scotland's newest long distance walking paths was unveiled last March. The Aberdeenshire Coastal Path ran all along Banffshire coast, from Pennan to Cullen. The path is part of the North Sea Trail - a walking route round the whole North Sea, both in Britain and Northern Europe. The Banffshire section includes narrow, steep cliff paths and main roads. From long distance footpaths and cross country routes, to sand dunes and cliff top trails and moderate level circular walks, where panoramic scenery reward you for very little effort, BANFF is a base for many a pleasurable day out. A very good leaflet is produced giving full details of walks around Banff and its neighbour MACDUFF. This is available from tourist information or ourselves.
DUFF HOUSE - designed by WILLIAM ADAM, built between 1735-40 was the seat of the Earls of Fife. It is now the focus of arts, craft and culture in the area. It is an outstation of the National Galleries of Scotland and it houses masterpieces by artists such as El Greco and furniture by Chippendale. In addition to the static collection, there is also the touring exhibitions on at regular intervals during the year. The tearoom is popular with its home baking and the gift shop provides a wide range of quality gifts and books. There are extensive grounds and woodland walks by the River Deveron.
The CASTLE TRAIL links together restored family castles and stately homes. There are more castles in Aberdeenshire than any other county in Scotland.Deep in history they are often set in magnificent grounds with beautiful trees and velvety lawns, in fact, having a fairy tale air about them. On the other hand, the castle which are now in ruins are also romantic and seeped in history. Many of the castle listed in "SCOTLAND's CASTLE TRAIL' book are easily got to from BANFF.
And, when we are thinking of places to visit whilst staying in BANFF, lets not forget the WHISKY trail. A warm welcome awaits you at the distilleries where you can see the procedure for making whisky and then enjoy a wee dram before leaving - on to the next one!
As you can see, there is a lot to see and do in the area, and I have not mentioned yet the PUFFIN CRUISES to see the wildlife and bird colonies, dolphins too if you are lucky, and The MACDUFF AQUARIUM where you can see the marine life of the MORAY FIRTH.
BANFF is an ideal base for exploring this region of ABERDEENSHIRE, and we will be delighted to see you at The Trinity Manse Guest House where we will help to make your holiday as enjoyable and memorable as possible.