Springtime Family Adventures in Banffshire
It’s the time of the year when the days are stretching and everyone is desperate to get out of the house after the dark skies of Winter, and we are so lucky here at Mayen to be surrounded by so many things to do to appeal to absolutely everyone!
Meet our Ancestors!
Okay, so we didn’t all descend from majestic Castle’s, but sitting right in the heart of Scotland’s castle country, it’s truly fascinating to step back in time and imagine how life would be like back in Medieval Scotland! Fyvie Castle sits guarded by dense forestry and medieval gates just 20 miles away from Mayen. Once you enter the gates of the grounds, you will discover beautiful ponds and stunning gardens (including a Walled Garden!).
Tours are available of the castle during Spring to Autumn which we highly recommend because of the forts’ reputation as one of the most haunted castles in the UK with a very rich and fascinating history!
The “Fishwives Route” from Buckie to Keith
Famed for it’s rich maritime heritage, Banffshire’s coastal harbours were once the busiest fishing ports in the whole of Scotland, with many of the historic harbours still standing. Before modern day inventions came to play, 19 Century Fishwives would carry 40lb baskets of Herring on the back along this beautiful 14 mile route from Buckie to Keith!
Starting at the Buckie Maritime Heritage Centre, the route consists of paved and country tracks through the stunning Moray Countryside, with ample places to stop for a picnic or to simply admire the fresh air surroundings. Along the way, keep an eye out for the Strathisla Distillery, Leaping Salmon in the River Isla and wildlife galore!
Speyside Falconry
Birds of Prey such as Owls, Falcons, Buzzards and Osprey are native to Aberdeenshire and can be spotted at various times of the year. The Speyside Falconry in Keith however is home to majestic hawks and eagles and they offer brilliant experiences (ages 10 and above) where you can meet the birds and learn some fascinating facts, all throughout the year! Sessions last for approximately one hour but the stories your kids will share with their friends will last for a lifetime and we highly recommend!
Landward to Landmark!
If you fancy the ultimate family day out with a scenic road trip through the pine forests of Moray, we highly recommend a trip up to Landmark Activity Centre, around one and a half hours from Mayen Estate. Spanning several acres across the Cairngorm National Park, the treetop activity centre features observation decks, sky trails, water slides, rollercoasters and everything you need for a brilliant family day out!
Banff Links Beach
Near to Mayen, we are lucky to have so many beautiful beaches nearby, but we personally think that Banff Links is one of the best places to spend time. With gentle walks, golden sand dunes and a fantastic play park, Banff Links is a brilliant way to spend the afternoon (for adults and children alike!). Nearby Banff is full of independe shops, ice cream parlours, confectioneries and beachcombing shops to pick up on the way to the beach for a fabulous day out.
Coastal Walks
The coastline around Banff and Macduff is ideal for walkers and there are cliff-top paths with spectacular views, quiet beaches, and the chance to spot seabirds and dolphins. A favourite route is the walk from Banff to Whitehills, a relatively straightforward but breathtakingly scenic walk passing picturesque fishing villages along the way with some small cafes and of course traditional fish and chip shops along the way!
Walking through the grounds of Duff House is another of our favourite strolls, taking you along the River Deveron and eventually towards the breath taking Alvah Bridge. The Banff and Macduff circular walk which takes you above the hills of Macduff with panoramic views across the Deveron Bay, and slightly further along the coast will take you to Gamrie which forms the coastal villages of Crovie and Gardenstown.
Farm (or Harbour) to Plate Dining for Everyone
Banff and Macduff have plenty of cosy spots to eat and drink, from quirky cafés to fine dining with sea views. In Banff, the Cherry Tree Café is loved for coffee and homemade cakes, while Gilly’s @ Bairds serves hearty soups and scones in a welcoming setting. For something more refined, the Fife Lodge Hotel offers locally sourced Scottish dishes in elegant surroundings. Across the bridge in Macduff, you’ll find Annie’s Cakery at The Platform, perfect for light lunches and sweet treats with bay views, and the Seafront Café overlooking the harbour, known for friendly service and fresh-cooked meals. The Corner Bistro adds a homely touch with generous portions, and for a memorable evening, the Knowes Hotel combines fresh seafood, fine wines, and stunning coastal views.
And when in Rome, or Banff as I should say, why not sample one of our finest fish and chip shop takeaways, a staple tradition in Scotland for many many years!
Findlater Castle
From Banffshire Dynasty to Hollywood Royalty, Findlater Castle sits perched on the very edge of the cliffside between Sandend and Portsoy overlooking the dramatic Moray Firth, and has even survived a Viking siege!
You can find the castle after a beautiful walk along the coastline, and there are some brilliant spots to bring a picnic or a fly cup. From the castle, if you are brave enough to venture inside, you can marvel at beautiful stone work and breezy views across the Moray Firth (spotting dolphins and whales across the horizon!), while thousands of seabird call the Castle cliff’s their home, and it’s brilliant to watch them living their day to day lives.
Banff Castle
Perched subtly in heart town, the site of Banff Castle hints at Scotland’s medieval past and stands out with it’s beautiful yellow walls. Originally built in the 12th century, the castle was once a stronghold of the powerful de Banff family and played a role in local feudal and military history. Today, only fragments remain and instead a gorgeous Georgian Mansion stands, but the site offers visitors sweeping views over the town, the River Deveron, and the Moray Firth, and regularly plays host to brilliant family activity days. Walking around the area, you can imagine the castle’s former prominence and enjoy a peaceful glimpse into Banff’s long and storied past.
