9k Run Aberdeenshire: Scenic Huntley Circuit Adventure

Route Overview & Local Insights

The Huntley Circuit is a rugged and rewarding 9.0km off-road loop that showcases the raw beauty of the Aberdeenshire highlands. Classified with a high hill rating and 203m of ascent, this route takes runners on a clockwise journey around Boddum Hill and Ord Hill, eventually winding through the atmospheric depths of The Bin Forest. Runners should expect a mix of technical forest trails and rolling moorland paths, offering a physical challenge for those looking to build their trail strength away from the tarmac. The elevation changes provide natural intervals, peaking with expansive views of the surrounding Glens before descending back toward Ordbrae Crofts.

Steeped in local history, the area around Huntly and the Bin Forest has long been a focal point of the Aberdeenshire landscape. The Bin Forest itself is one of the oldest planted forests in the region, once forming part of the vast estates owned by the Dukes of Gordon. As you navigate the trails near Ordiquhill and Clean Hill, you are running through a landscape that has shifted from ancient hunting grounds to a hub for timber production and modern outdoor recreation. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; it is not uncommon to spot roe deer or birds of prey soaring over the hillsides as you tackle this classic Scottish trail circuit.