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The mercat cross in Banff before a white-harled Georgian house.
Aberdeenshire

Banff and Macduff Heritage Trail

A self-guided trail through Banff and Macduff, with information panels at the sights and the towns' stories told by local people on the izi.TRAVEL app.

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Welcome

Banff and Macduff face each other across the mouth of the River Deveron, two old towns with two very different stories: Banff the ancient royal burgh and county town, Macduff the busy fishing port that grew up across the bay.

The heritage trail ties them together, a walk through both with stops at their finest sights.

Along the way, information panels stand at places such as Banff Bridge, Banff Castle, the marina, Macduff harbour and its lighthouse. The stories come from the people who know them best: members of the local historical societies, telling them in their own voices on the izi.TRAVEL app. They are arranged by theme, from faith and the military to the sea, wildlife, town life and the famous people who knew the towns.

It was made by Aberdeenshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland with the towns' own heritage groups, and it can be walked, cycled or driven, all or in part, at any pace.

A short drive awayThe Platform and Annie's CakeryMacduff's old railway station of 1872, now shops and a patisserie looking over the Moray Firth.2 min by roadSee itAn old ship's anchor set above Macduff harbour and the sea.
Before you go

Free, at any time.

Download the izi.TRAVEL app to hear the stories, or follow the information panels on foot or by bike; you can drive between the stops.

Where
Banff and Macduff, on either side of the Deveron.
Themes
Faith, military, maritime, famous people, wildlife and town life.
Where it is

Around the two towns of Banff and Macduff, on either side of the mouth of the Deveron.

Close byThe Banffshire coast.
  1. Duff HouseDuff HouseWilliam Adam's Georgian palace in the Deveron valley.Under a mile2 min by road
  2. PETAL the store, MorayshirePETAL the storeA small lifestyle and gift shop on Banff's High Street, with books on wellbeing, nature and magic, candles, cushions and natural skincare.Under a mile1 min by road
  3. Banff Bay from the hill, the sandy shore curving round to the town.BanffAn old royal burgh at the mouth of the Deveron.Under a mile1 min by road
  4. Fishing boats moored in the basin of Macduff harbour under a clear sky.Macduff HarbourA working harbour and boatyard begun in the 1770s, looking across the bay to Banff.1 mile3 min by road
  5. Visitors walking towards a glass-fronted blue building beneath a rocky overhangMacduff Marine AquariumThe creatures of the Moray Firth.2 miles4 min by road
Directions
An old ship's anchor set above Macduff harbour and the sea.CafeThe Platform and Annie's Cakery1.0 miles
Coils of green net and a yellow float by the lobster creels on Whitehills harbour.AttractionsWhitehills Harbour3.4 miles
Curved sign reading "Portsoy Ice Cream" on a stone corner buildingCafePortsoy Ice Cream8.4 miles
The white front of the Shore Inn on Portsoy's old harbour, flags over the door.BarsThe Shore Inn8.5 miles
A volunteer shaping a timber boat in the Boatshed at Portsoy.ActivityThe Boatshed8.8 miles
Fishing boats moored in Gardenstown harbour beneath white houses on the hillsideAttractionsGardenstown9.3 miles
The grey timber front of Bumble and Brae in Gardenstown, green trim and hanging baskets by the door.CafeBumble and Brae9.4 miles
Row of white cottages beneath a grassy cliff along a pebble shorelineAttractionsCrovie10 miles
Rows of casks on their racks in a Glenglassaugh warehouse.AttractionsGlenglassaugh Distillery10 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the trail, and when each is next free.

A single-storey lodge with a slated roof sits behind a stone wall and clipped hedge, mature trees shading the curving drive.Gate Lodge
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Rothiemay
  • 12 miles from the heritage trail
Check datesA triangular timber cabin stands behind a wooden gate and post-and-rail fence, bare trees framing the entrance.Midpark
  • Sleeps 2
  • In Rothiemay
  • 12 miles from the heritage trail
Free 27–29 OctA stone cottage with a slated roof and a blue front door, climbing roses in pink and white flanking the porch.Butlers Cottage
  • Sleeps 4
  • In Aberdeenshire
  • 12 miles from the heritage trail
Free 17–19 OctA grey stone cottage with dormer windows and a black front door, climbing roses either side, set behind a lawn.Bailies Cottage
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Rothiemay
  • 12 miles from the heritage trail
Free 26–28 OctPlaces to stayEvery stay in AberdeenshireAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
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