We are staying in Edinburgh 2 night then driving through St. Andrews Golf up through the middle to Grantown-On-Spey for 2 nights then to Pitlochry for 2 nights prior to flying home from Edinburgh; what Castles should we see in these areas; really interested in ones that are lived in as we've seen a lot of ruins.
Thanks,
Jean
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
Blair Castle is not far from Pitlochry and is one of my favorites. It looks just like a castle should look with beautiful grounds and gorgeous furnishings. When we visited Blair there were bagpipers outside. Glamis is also a wonderful castle to visit ( not far from Dundee) and you could see it if you plan to drop the car at Edinburgh Airport. We have tried to see as many as possible in three trips to Scotland---you have to check on opening/closures. We did not get to St Andrews but in that area are Fyvie, Drum, and Crathies--still on my list to see.
Posted by
New York City, NY, USA
5678 posts
Aberdeenshire is full of interesting castles. The problem will be picking which ones to see! When you drop in St. Andrew's and Grantown-on-Spey in Viamichelin you several options for driving. I like the middle one. It takes you right up through the Cairngorms. You'll go right past Glamis (pronounced glams) Castle which is where the Queen Mum grew up. It's very impressive.
You then keep driving north and you'll pass by Balmoral. I've never been to it as I'm usually in Scotland in September when the Queen is often in residence. But, you can get interesting look, if you turn left just past Balmoral and follow the sign to the gallery up the dirt road (It was dirt why I was there). You will find a beautiful garden, a lovely gallery and nice a view of the castle.
And now you are in the land of castles! Corgarff Castle is a tower house and quite different from others. The setting is spectacular. Here's a list of many of the castles in Aberdeenshire.
Pam
Posted by
America's Vancouver and the First
111 posts
I echo Blair Castle. Around Grantown-on-Spey, we focused on distilleries. No time for castles.
Posted by
San Antonio TX, United States
2393 posts
Stirling Castle - an icon in Scottish history. Here is a great compilation of Scottish castles. So many castles...so little time.
Posted by
America's Vancouver and the First
111 posts
Near Inverness and GOS, we really enjoyed Cawdor Castle. Beautiful gardens and the castle is still a home. Lovely spot.
Posted by
263 posts
We loved Blair Castle near Pitlochry Stirling. Blair is a residence/castle and Stirling a defensive (military) castle - very different but simply wonderful!
Posted by
72 posts
About an hour and 10 minutes from Inverness is Dunrobin Castle. It is stunning with an amazing falconry show. I highly recommend it. http://www.dunrobincastle.co.uk/