Discover distilleries, castles and more
There's so much to do in and around Insch during your stay at The Station Hotel.
Local Distilleries
The Station Hotel Insch is ideally situated to explore Speyside’s single malt distilleries of Benromach, Cardhu, Dallas Dhu, Glen Grant, Glen Moray, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Speyside Cooperage and Strathisla, all of which are open to the public to visit.
Speyside is often called 'Malt Whisky Country' as it is home to more than half of Scotland's malt whisky distilleries.
If you are planning to take to Scotland's whisky trail, The Station Hotel in Insch offers the perfect place to stay during your visit.
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Ardmore Distillery, Kennethmont
Ardmore is known for its peated, "Speyside-style" whisky that serves as the backbone of Teacher's Highland Cream blended Scotch.
Owned by Beam Suntory, it is one of the largest distilleries in the region with a capacity of 5.5 million litres, using locally sourced Aberdeenshire peat and producing mainly for blends, with some single malt releases.
A small amount of unpeated spirit, the Ardlair, has been produced for blending. While it long operated in the background for blends, Ardmore has gained a following as a single malt since 2007.
Water from the natural springs on nearby Knockandy Hill is used in the production of The Ardmore. Unfortunately, this distillery is not generally open for public tours, although occasional private tours can be organised by contacting the distillery directly.
Local Castles
The Station Hotel Insch is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a relaxing short break to explore some of Scotland's most stunning castles including the world-famous Balmoral Castle which is situated in the nearby Cairngorms National Park.
Castles open to the public near Insch include Craigievar, Tolquhon, Castle Fraser, Fyvie and Huntly.
All offer a glimpse into Scottish history and architecture. Craigievar is a fairytale-like tower house, Tolquhon is known for its ornate gatehouse and Castle Fraser features secret staircases and a Great Hall, providing unique experiences for visitors.
RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS & ROOM BOOKINGS: CALL 07919 255557.
Hiking and Cycling
Discover some of the best walking and hiking near Insch, Aberdeenshire, with scenic trails, historic landmarks and wide countryside views. One of the area’s most popular routes is the Hill of Dunnideer Circular. (You may also see Dunnideer spelt locally as “Dunnydeer”.)
The Dunnideer Hill walk rewards visitors with panoramic views across the Aberdeenshire countryside and the remains of a hill fort at the summit. Walkers can choose an easier route that avoids steep ascents or take the shorter option, which begins with a steeper climb.
Although the Hill of Dunnideer is relatively modest in height, it is a distinctive local landmark, crowned by the ruins of Dunnideer Castle.
The route also offers a short detour to the impressive Dunnideer Stone Circle. Partly hidden among the trees on the hillside, this atmospheric Bronze Age site adds extra historical interest to a walk near Insch.
More walking routes near Insch include the Bennachie, Oxen Craig and Watch Craig Circular; the Hill of Corskie Circular; the Hill of Tillymorgan; the Old Aberdeen Turnpike; the Hill of Foudland; the Insch hills of Christ’s Kirk and Flinder; and Brindy Hill.
Insch is also an excellent base for cycling in Aberdeenshire. Three waymarked circular cycle routes offer leisurely rides through the rolling countryside between Insch and the Hill of Foudland, with sweeping views across the Garioch towards Bennachie. For a more challenging off-road ride, cyclists can follow the white-waymarked Gartly Moor Link from Insch to the forest cycle trails at Gartly Moor.
After a day of walking or cycling near Insch, unwind at The Station Hotel, just a stone’s throw from Insch railway station on the Aberdeen to Inverness line. Cycle reservations on ScotRail trains are free and the hotel has some secure bike storage available as well as drying facilities — please ask for details. Start planning your active break in Aberdeenshire now.
RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS & ROOM BOOKINGS: CALL
07919 255557
Railway Breaks in Insch, Aberdeenshire for Train Enthusiasts
If you’re a railway enthusiast planning a break in Aberdeenshire, The Station Hotel Insch offers an ideal base. The main Aberdeen to Inverness railway line, Insch railway station and the nearby level crossing are directly across the road, making the hotel a convenient choice for trainspotting and rail travel in north-east Scotland.
For one of the best railway views, ask about the hotel’s Signal Box Room or Flying Scotsman Room when booking your stay.
From Insch, enjoy an easy rail trip to nearby Inverurie or Huntly, or travel farther north to explore Keith, Elgin, Forres and Inverness. With the Aberdeen–Inverness route close at hand, you can create your own scenic Scottish railway itinerary.
Visit the Grampian Transport Museum near Insch
Less than 11 miles, or around a 20-minute drive, from The Station Hotel Insch, the Grampian Transport Museum is located in the attractive village of Alford, south-west of Insch.
After a short drive through the Aberdeenshire countryside — especially colourful in autumn — you can discover a varied collection of transport exhibits, including cars, buses, steam wagons, snowploughs and historic chariots.
At least one-third of the vehicles on display change each season, giving visitors a fresh reason to return to the Grampian Transport Museum during a stay in Insch.
The museum is a seasonal attraction, generally opening from late March until late October and rounding off the season with spooky Hallowe’en fun.
Discover the Grampian Railway in Alford
The Grampian Railway in Alford was originally built to serve the granite quarries at Kemnay and Tillyfourie and to carry agricultural produce. Some of the exceptionally hard granite along the route required a special cutting to be constructed.
Today, the railway is being restored by Alford Valley Community Railway Ltd., a registered charity, and opens in early April each year. Six trains run every Saturday and Sunday, with space for 35 passengers. Operated by volunteers, the heritage railway also hosts special events, including Hallowe’en trains and the Santa Express.
For railway breaks in Aberdeenshire, trainspotting near the Aberdeen to Inverness line and easy access to transport attractions around Alford, make The Station Hotel Insch your welcoming base.
READY TO PLAN YOUR RAILWAY BREAK? FOR RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS AND ROOM BOOKINGS, CALL
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Other activities
Insch and the surrounding area provides plenty to discover as well as golfing, fishing, walking and cycling opportunities (click the link to visit Aberdeenshire Council's relevant page).
The 18-hole course at Insch promises golfers a pleasant day's golfing at the foot of the Dunnideer Hills (advance booking required), whilst Loch Insch Fishery offers a great day's trout fishing across three main lochs.
A visit to the Dunnideer Hillfort overlooking the village offers spectacular views across the Aberdeenshire countryside, whilst The Insch Connection Museum situated within Insch's working railway station features photographs, archive material, a scale model of the station and a searchable computer database charting the history of Insch.
Other local attractions include the Picardy Symbol Stone, a Class I Pictish symbol stone standing on its original site on a low cairn that once covered a burial site.
Read more on our Local Sights page.
RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS & ROOM BOOKINGS: CALL 07919 255557