3 days in Aberdeenshire itinerary

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Located just a mile west of Oldmeldrum, head to Lochter Activity Centre. Try out a range of exciting activities, including archery, zorbing, segways, and raft building. Or if you'd rather go at a slower pace, you can try your hand at a spot of trout fishing from the onsite lochs. There are three fly-fishing lochs at the centre that are stocked with rainbow trout and brown trout. Also at the centre, you can tuck into delicious, high quality food at the restaurant, serving up only the best locally-sourced Aberdeenshire produce.

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Why not take time to relax and delve into Scotland's world of whisky? Our national drink is a popular tipple around the world, and with so many distilleries in Aberdeenshire alone, why not? Head to Glen Garioch (pronounced Glen Geerie), Scotland's most easterly whisky distillery, and embark on whisky tastings and experiences. Explore the history and character of Glen Garioch and go behind the scenes to learn all about their whiskies, the distillery and more.

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Described as one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, Tolquhon Castle is an impressive ruin located just outside of Oldmeldrum, near Pitmedden. Admire the intricate carvings and fine detailing across the castle, explore inside the ruined walls, and see if you can find the secret compartment above the laird's quarters, where he hid his valuables. As you wander around the extensive castle grounds, look for the initials TL (Thomas Leiper) on the exterior of the main house - it was rare for a medieval architect to sign his work like this in these times.

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If you're looking to wander through picturesque gardens, look no further. Marvel at the serenity as you explore the 17th century Pitmedden Garden, boasting a unique charm and plenty to admire. Featuring almost 6 miles of clipped box hedging, colourful parterres, over 200 fruit trees, and the lovely sweet smell of honeysuckle and jasmine, these gardens are a delight.

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Take a trip back in time, discovering some incredible historic and ancient sites. The second highest in Scotland, Tap o' Noth Hill Fort is a very well preserved Iron Age fort and boasts impressive remains, alongside outstanding panoramic views over the Aberdeenshire countryside.

Nearby, Rhynie Pictish Stones feature a display of one Class I and two Class II carved stones. The first is made of pink granite, with carvings of a beast, comb and part of an arch symbol. The two Class II stones were found under the old church. One is whinstone, bearing a beast's head, double-disc, Z-rod, a mirror, and a comb. The other is red granite, with carvings of a double-disc, crescent, V-rod and mirror symbols.

Elsewhere, head to Huntly Castle, a magnificent ruin dating back to the 12th century and is famed for its architectural details and heraldic enrichments. Located just north of the town, the castle boasts a majestic location, and the palace interiors are a real sight to see with heraldic fireplaces and more.

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This unique concept uses the town of Huntly as a venue for a range of art projects that aim to join together artists, communities and places. There are a variety of projects you can see across the town, including The Square Deal which looks to rejuvenate and protect the towns' architecture, White Wood a living monument to peace, the Weeping Willow Tree which marks a historic day, and Flax which explores the past through new growth.

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Britain's only dedicated Nordic facility, this unique outdoor centre specialises in cross country skiing and roller skiing, as well as offering mountain bike hire and tubing on the ski slope. Head over to the centre and learn to cross country ski all year round, or try out roller skiing in the summer months. Take part in courses and private tuition on the all-weather terrain and roller ski track, and when the snow comes, hire ski equipment and venture up to the trails in the Clashindarroch forest.

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Outside the town, pay a visit to one of Scotland's oldest working distilleries, GlenDronach, and learn all about the traditions and history of Scotland's single malt whisky. Using handcrafted techniques that have been traditional for some 200 years, the distillery matures their whiskies in superior sherry casks giving complex tastes and undertones to their malts. Enjoy a range of distillery tours and tasting experiences and make sure you head to the gift shop to explore a wide range of the GlenDronach Highland single malts and official merchandise too. Why not bottle your own distillery-exclusive malt as a special souvenir?

Make sure you stop by Dean's Shortbread which started up in Huntly and, since 1975, has been making their famous 'melt in the mouth' shortbread to a recipe that everyone loves. Visit the gift shop or stop in at the bistro and coffee stop.

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Duff House is one of Scotland's architectural masterpieces. This Adam-designed historic house is a treasure house and cultural arts centre operated by a unique partnership between Historic Environment Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council. It also boasts extensive grounds and woodland walks by the River Deveron.

Marvel at the lavish interiors, take a walk in the sprawling grounds and let the kids blow off steam in the play park.

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Nearby, head to Inverboyndie Beach, just west of Banff. A popular place for walkers, swimmers, surfers and windsurfers, it's great for a family-friendly day out. It's also a calm and quiet area, so it's a good place to spot local wildlife too.

After your visit, head just a 10 minute drive into Portsoy and pick up a tasty ice cream from Portsoy Ice Cream. This award-winning, family-run business offers up a refreshing range of top-quality homemade artisan ice creams and sorbets.

If you're looking for somewhere to stay, Banff Links Caravan Park is nearby the beach. Or enjoy a self-catering break at the Sail Loft Bunkhouse in Portsoy. Accredited a 4-star hostel status, you'll have everything you need at this budget-friendly option, including luxurious beds and bunks, a communal kitchen, dining area and lounge, laundrette, drying room, secure cycle storage and more.

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If you head 20 minutes east from Banff, you'll find the RSPB Troup Head Nature Reserve, which is home to dramatic high clifftops. That makes it a nesting ground for a variety of birdlife, including a whole gannet colony - the largest on mainland Scotland with kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills and more. If you look out to sea, you may be lucky enough to spot resident bottlenose dolphins, minke whales and porpoises playing in the waves.