Attractions and Places To See around Fintray - Top 20

The Fintray area is rich in history. You can visit the still-active Fintray Parish Church, notable for its 1830 morthouse designed to deter bodysnatchers. Other historical sites include the ruins of St. Medan's Church and its churchyard, the site of the former Cothal Mills, and the graveyard of St. Giles. Further afield, you can explore the impressive St Machar's Cathedral in Old Aberdeen, the ancient Bridge of Balgownie, and the Tolquhon Castle Ruins.

Yes, the area around Hatton of Fintray is known for a group of intervisible prehistoric monuments, forming a ritual landscape. These include Donald's Hillock, Motte Hill cairn, Braedale cairn, Slacks cairn, Gouk Stone, Cairntradlin, and the site of a stone circle at Kinellar parish church. A well-preserved example is the East Aquhorthies Stone Circle, a recumbent stone circle unique to north-east Scotland, located a short drive from Fintray.

Fintray's rolling agricultural landscape and nearby woodlands offer various paths. You can find easy hikes around the area, including routes that take you to the Lairshill Standing Stone or the Hallforest Castle Ruins. For more structured outdoor activities, explore the easy hikes around Fintray, cycling routes, or even mountain biking trails, particularly in areas like Kirkhill Forest which also features Tappie Tower.

Families visiting Fintray can enjoy several attractions. The St Machar's Cathedral and Bridge of Balgownie are both listed as family-friendly historical sites. For younger children, The Gonks of Gardenshillock Storybook Trail, located just 2 miles from Hatton of Fintray, offers an outdoor activity center designed for ages 0-12. Additionally, the East Aquhorthies Stone Circle is also considered family-friendly.

For panoramic views, head to Brimmond Hill Summit, which is the closest Marilyn to Aberdeen and offers rewarding views across the city to the seaside. Kirkhill Forest, a short distance from Fintray, also provides panoramic views from Tappie Tower.

Fintray is situated on the banks of the River Don, which is a prominent natural feature. The wider area is characterized by a rolling agricultural landscape, with extensive farmland interspersed with pockets of woodland. The geology of the parish includes granite, gneiss, and limestone, with granite boulders scattered across the surface, adding to the natural beauty.

Yes, Fintray hosts a couple of notable events. For motorsports enthusiasts, the Fintray Hillclimb is a speed motorsport event that forms part of the Scottish Hillclimb Championship. Additionally, the Sheltie Stakes is a family event typically held on the first Sunday of September, organized by the community to raise money for charity.

The best time to visit Fintray for outdoor activities generally aligns with the warmer, drier months, typically from late spring through early autumn (May to September). During this period, the weather is more favorable for walking, cycling, and exploring the historical sites and natural landscapes. However, the agricultural landscape and woodlands offer scenic walks year-round, with winter walks providing a different, often tranquil, experience.

While Fintray itself is a village, some attractions in the wider Aberdeenshire area are accessible by public transport. For example, Tolquhon Castle Ruins can be reached by taking the 291 Stagecoach bus to East Newseat of Tolquhon, followed by about a mile's walk. For other attractions, particularly those within Fintray parish, public transport options may be limited, and a car might be more convenient for exploration.

Many of the outdoor trails and natural areas around Fintray, including the paths through the agricultural landscape and woodlands, are generally dog-friendly. Kirkhill Forest, for instance, is a popular spot for walks with dogs. When visiting specific historical sites or attractions, it's always advisable to check their individual dog policies, though outdoor ruins and stone circles are often accessible to well-behaved dogs on a leash.

Beyond the main highlights, Fintray offers several 'hidden gems' that provide a deeper insight into its past. These include the rare morthouse at Fintray Parish Church, the ivy-covered gable of the earlier 1703 church, and the vault door. The various prehistoric monuments scattered around the area, such as Donald's Hillock and Gouk Stone, also offer unique historical exploration away from more crowded sites.

While Fintray itself is a small village, local amenities like cafes and pubs can be found in nearby towns and villages within a short driving distance. For example, if you're exploring attractions closer to Aberdeen, you'll find a wider selection of eateries and pubs. For specific routes, komoot's cycling guides around Fintray sometimes include stops at pubs or cafes, such as the 'Pub loop from Kintore' or routes passing by 'Cafe Twentyone'.