The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Blaze a trail through castle country
Scotland’s Castle Trail is one of the nation’s jewels. Whether you like to pretend you’re in Game of Thrones, or just want to enjoy the historical architecture, there are some fantastic landmarks to be explored in north-east Scotland.
If you’ve already taken in the splendour of Glamis Castle in Angus, strolled the fabulous terraced gardens at Drummond Castle in Perthshire, or explored the fortified Aberdour Castle in Fife, why not consider a trip a little further north to the land known as “Scotland’s Castle Country”?
Here, you can follow Scotland’s Castle Trail around historic buildings ranging from small secluded ruins, such as Tolquhon Castle, to giant fortresses, such as Balvenie Castle, and huge country estates, including Fraser and Balmoral castles.
Get inspiration from our pick of Aberdeenshire’s best castles, which you can visit with friends or family this summer.
The dramatic location of Dunnottar Castle – a well-preserved medieval stronghold strategically perched on a cliff above the North Sea near Stonehaven – will simply take your breath away. Did you know the castle has been invaded by the Vikings, visited by Mary Queen of Scots, and saved the Scottish crown jewels from destruction? That’s quite a history all in one place.
The fairytale magical Craigievar Castle is in many ways the quintessential Scottish baronial tower house. There is something distinctly whimsical about the pinked hued landmark near Alford – its slender tower, its turrets, its cupolas, its crowstep gables and gargoyles – and it is said to have inspired Walt Disney. No wonder it’s one of Scotland’s most iconic and best-loved castles.
Crathes Castle is another classic fairytale venue standing in superb grounds with a range of woodland trails to explore. Its turrets, towers and gargoyles along with winding staircases, Jacobean painted oak ceilings and heraldic shields combine to make a visit to Crathes near Banchory a great day out for the whole family.
Although now in a ruinous state, Kildrummy Castle on Donside retains many fine features, including its hall and chapel. Feel yourself transported back in time as you wander its crumbling edifice and marvel at what must have been one of the crowning triumphs of medieval Scottish architecture.
Huntly Castle is a magnificent shell of a building which has undergone many reincarnations since its original construction in the 12th Century. Visitors can climb up to the viewing platform at the top of the reconstructed spiral staircase for expansive views of the Grampian countryside – a truly magnificent sight.
Duff House, designed by William Adam, is an exquisite Baroque mansion and one of Scotland’s architectural masterpieces. This ornate masonry structure at Banff had an active role during the Second World War and today it is a cultural arts centre and premier outstation of the National Galleries of Scotland which houses a collection of fine paintings and furniture.
Discover all 19 of the castles that make up Scotland’s Castle Trail at ebooks.visitscotland.com/scotlandscastle-trail/