Dog Walks & Days Out
Alongside the Castle Trail and Whisky Distilleries, there are lots of local visitor attractions. We love a good dog walk followed by a spot of lunch - here are a few of our favourite places.
Further suggestions for local walks and local eateries can be found in the Information Folder in the Bothy, and if you find any hidden gems we would love to hear all about them!
Balmedie Beach
Just under an hour from the Bothy, Balmedie Beach is a beautiful spot to let your dogs run!
After enjoying the sea air, we highly recommend lunch at The Cock & Bull where dogs are welcome in the lounge area, and they even have their own menu!
Winner of Scottish Gastropub of The Year three times including the Catering in Scotland Excellence Award, The Cock & Bull is described as “a quintessential gastro pub, a bustling hostelry, popular with locals and whose fame has spread. Offering great service, natural ambience and a lovely genuine warmth with superb food and a menu brimming with local produce.” by the Award Judges.
(Balmedie Beach photo credit: "Balmedie Beach" by juicyverve is licensed under CC BY 2.0)
(Balmedie Beach photo credit: "Balmedie Beach" by juicyverve is licensed under CC BY 2.0)
(Craigellachie Bridge photo credit: "PB041131.JPG" by ejbluefolds is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)
(Craigellachie Bridge photo credit: "PB041131.JPG" by ejbluefolds is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)
Speyside Way & The Copper Dog
The Speyside Way covers a distance of approximately 65 miles from Buckie on the Moray Firth coast down to Aviemore on the edge of the Cairngorm Mountains.
Around 40 minutes from the Bothy combine a stroll along the picturesque River Spey at Craigellachie with lunch at The Copper Dog, a busy dog friendly pub at the Craigellachie Hotel.
Popular with both locals and tourists, the Copper Dog serves fresh, honest, local Speyside produce. It has a large sun terrace for summer outdoor dining, and a cosy wood fire for cold winter days.
The Moray Coast
The Moray coastline combines dramatic cliffs, numerous fishing villages and sandy beaches. Head up to Cullen and enjoy a stroll along the beach, perhaps a bowl of Cullen Skink and treat yourself to ice cream at The Ice Cream Shop. Follow the coastal road through Portknockie, visit the harbour at Findochty, continue on through Portessie to Buckie where the Buckie & District Fishing & Heritage Museum is well worth a visit. Continue along to Portgordon where you may see the seals basking on the rocks, and loop back down to Keith via the Women's Land Army War Memorial at Clochan.
(Cullen photo credit: "Cullen" by Mike McBey is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)
(Cullen photo credit: "Cullen" by Mike McBey is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)