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Home , Banchory, Braemar Castle, Corgarff, Corgarff Castle, Craigievar Castle, Crathes Castle

Use the 17 numbered entries below and the adjacent map to navigate your way ’s around Scotland’s Trail.

The location of each site is highlighted with a castle symbol on the map and a map grid reference in the top right corner of each entry to allow you to plan your journey around the trail. Look out for other featured locations along or near the trail highlighted by alphabetic purple place markers. Some key information for each site is shown in the entries below, CastleTrail and you can also find out more at www.visitscotland.com/castletrail

01 oooo Castle F7 02 , Garden & Estate oooo Visitor Attraction E6 03 , Garden and Estate oooo Castle F6 Opening times: Opening times: Opening times: 1 Apr-30 Sep 9.00am-6.00pm Castle, tearoom and shop 1 Apr to 31 Oct Daily 29 Mar-30 Jun Thur-Mon 11.00am-4.00pm* Oct-Mar 10.00am-5.00pm (or 10.30am-5.00pm sunset, whichever comes soonest) 1 Jul-31 Aug Daily 11.00am-4.00pm* 1 Nov-31 Dec Sat/Sun only 1-28 Sep Thur-Mon 11.00am-4.00pm* 11.00am-4.00pm Last entry into the Castle will be 30 Garden of Historic Roses minutes before closing - depending 3 Jan-31 Mar Sat/Sun only 29 Mar-31 Oct Daily 11.00am-4.15pm* on weather, please call fi rst. 11.00am-4.00pm Grounds open all year, daily Last admission 45 mins before closing *last entry

One of the most magnifi cent and most haunting ruins in Scotland. Follow in the steps of This 16th century castle will provide a memorable experience with its intriguing round This fascinating castle was home to 21 generations of the Irvine family who lived here for over Mary Queen of Scots, The Marquis of Montrose and William Wallace. towers and overhanging . The gardens feature great yew hedges and a colourful 650 years. The oldest part dates back to the 13th century and it contains a superb collection double herbaceous border. The wider estate offers six separate trails to enjoy and a of furniture and paintings. Outside, enjoy the Garden of Historic Roses and woodland trails. children’s adventure playground. Getting here: , AB39 2TL Getting here: On A93, 3 miles east of AB31 5QJ Getting here: Off A93, 10 miles west of AB31 5EY Entry charge: Adult £6 | Child £2 | Season Pass £15 Entry charge: Adult £12.50 | Family £29.50 | 1 Parent family £23 | Concession £9 Entry charge: Adult £6.50 | Family £16.50 | 1 Parent family £11.50 | Concession £5 Family Ticket £14 (2 adults, 2 children) Free to National Trust for Scotland members (membership can be set up on arrival) Free to National Trust for Scotland members (membership can be set up on arrival) VisitScotland Information Centre Telephone: 01569 762173 *ops} ©Gold Telephone: 0844 493 2166 £pGop{]VspkX %ßSilver Telephone: 0844 493 2161 £pGop]Vsp k &ßSilver - Open All Year [email protected] www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk National Trust for Scotland www.nts.org.uk National Trust for Scotland www.nts.org.uk - Seasonal

Castle Fraser, Garden & Estate oooo Castle E5 oooo Castle F4 oooo Historic House F4 Information Point in Partnership 04 05 06 with VisitScotland Opening times: Opening times: Opening times: 2 Apr-30Jun 4th Apr-30 Jun Fri-Mon Castle Trail Destination All year 1 Wed-Sun 12.00noon-5.00pm 1 Jul-31 Aug Daily 1 Jul-31 Aug Open summer only Featured location 1 Sep-26 Oct Fri-Mon A Daily 11.00am-5.00pm (1 Apr-30 Sep) 1 Sep-31 Oct, Open for guided tours only at 11.30am, The Castle Trail Wed-Sun12.00noon-5.00pm 1.30pm and 3.30pm Last entry to Castle and last orders in Please call to book in advance to avoid Primary Road Tearoom at 4.15pm any disappointment A Road N.B Closed for private event 12- 20 May Grounds open all year, daily Grounds open all year, daily B Road One of the grandest of Mar, this magnifi cent building contains an evocative Great Sitting within spacious grounds, Tolquhon has been described as one of the most Home of the family for over 400 years, Haddo House retains a homely feel. Discover Hall, fi ne furniture and paintings. Enjoy the beautiful secluded walled garden, extensive beautiful castles in Scotland. Sir William Forbes, who commissioned it in 1584, intended the family’s fascinating story over the centuries throughout the house and grounds, admire i Airport woodland walks with fi ne views of the castle and children’s adventure playground. it to be an impressive residence, though he incorporated plenty of gunloops to deter any the amazing interiors and then explore the garden and adjacent Country Park. The National Trust for Scotland hostile visitors. Getting here: Off A944, 16 miles west of Aberdeen AB51 7LD Getting here: Off B999, 19 miles north of Aberdeen AB41 7EQ Property Entry charge: Adult £10 | Family £23.50 | 1 Parent family £17.50 | Concession £7 Getting here: 15 miles north of Aberdeen on the A920 AB41 7LP Entry charge: Adult £10 | Family £23.50 | 1 Parent family £17.50 | Concession £7 Historic Scotland Property Free to National Trust for Scotland members (membership can be set up on arrival) Entry charge: Adult £4.50 | Child £2.70 | Concession £3.60 Free to National Trust for Scotland members (membership can be set up on arrival) V Telephone: 0844 493 2164 £pGop{]Vspk ∫Bronze Telephone: 01651 851286 Go Vsp &ßSilver Telephone: 0844 493 2179 £pGop sk &∫Bronze Privately Run Property National Trust for Scotland www.nts.org.uk Historic Scotland www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places National Trust for Scotland www.nts.org.uk

07 Castle oooo Castle E3 08 oooo Castle E3 09 Duff House oooo Historic House E2 10 Castle oooo Castle D3 Aberdeenshire's abundance of attractions, activities and eateries provides the perfect excuse to Opening times: Opening times: Opening times: Opening times: return and discover more, time and time again. As well as numerous castles and other themed 29 Mar-30 Jun 8 Jan-20 Dec 1 Apr-30 Sep All year trails, including the Victorian Heritage and Coastal Trails, you’ll find a fine selection of things to Sat-Wed 12.00noon-5.00pm Daily 10.00am-5.00pm Mon-Sun 11.00am - 5.00pm Oct-Mar closed Thu and Fri 1 Jul-31 Aug (winter closing 4.00pm) 1 Oct-31 Mar see and do and places to stay here. See the entries below for some ideas and if you need more Daily 11.00am-5.00pm Thur-Sun 11.00 am - 4.00pm information, go to www.visitscotland.com/aberdeencity-shire 1 Sep-31 Oct Sat-Wed 12.00noon-5.00pm Last admission to castle 4.15pm A The GlenDronach Distillery, by Huntly oooo Visitor Attraction D3 Gardens and grounds open all year, daily Visit one of Scotland’s oldest working distilleries. Guided tours, visitor centre and gift shop. Free dram with every tour! Fyvie’s history stretches back over 800 years. Enjoy the superb collections of furniture, Best Visitor Experience award-winner. Dating from 1030, the castle is steeped in Scottish One of Scotland’s fi nest architectural masterpieces designed by William Adam and built in is majestically sited where the rivers Bogie and Deveron join. Remarkable arms, armour and paintings then stroll round the walled garden, then the picturesque history yet still has the atmosphere of a lived in home. It has some of the fi nest painted the 18th century as a seat for the Earls . The house now contains works on loan from for its splendid architecture, Huntly Castle served as a baronial residence for fi ve centuries. Entry charge: The GlenDronach Discovery Tour £5 | The Connoisseur’s Experience £30 loch, and see the restored 1903 racquets court and bowling alley. ceilings in Scotland. Award-winning restaurant/coffee shop. The National Galleries of Scotland. Many impressive features include fi ne heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes. The earliest stronghold on the site sheltered in the 14th century. Getting here: 8 miles south east of . Off A947, 25 miles north west of Aberdeen AB53 8JS Getting here: Banff, Aberdeenshire AB45 3SX The GlenDronach Distillery, , by Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 6DB T: 01466 730202 Getting here: Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 5TD Getting here: In Huntly, off the A96 AB54 4SH Entry charge: Adult £12 | Family £28.50 | 1 Parent family £22 | Concession £8.50 E: [email protected] W: www.glendronachdistillery.co.uk Entry charge: Adult £8 | Concession £5 | Children £5 | Family ticket £20 Entry charge: Adult £7.10 | Child £4.30 | Concession £5.70 Free to National Trust for Scotland members (membership can be set up on arrival) Entry charge: Adult £5.50 | Child £3.30 | Concession £4.40 p o V Opening times: May - Sep Mon-Sun 10.00am-4.30pm | Oct - Apr Mon-Fri 10.00am-4.30pm, closed Sat & Sun. Telephone: 0844 493 2182 £pGop{Vsp &∫Bronze Telephone: 01888 563479 £ G p{ spkX Telephone: 01261 818181 popVpkX% Telephone: 01466 793191 £pGop]Vspk &ßSilver National Trust for Scotland www.nts.org.uk [email protected] www.delgatiecastle.com Historic Scotland www.duffhouse.org.uk Historic Scotland www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places B Grampian Transport Museum, Alford oooo Museum D5

oooo B1 oooo C3 oooo C5 oooo B5 Museum of land travel and transport probing the past, present and future. Featuring in 2014: Great Train Robbery 11 Spynie Palace Historic Attraction 12 Balvenie Castle Castle 13 Castle Castle 14 Castle Castle exhibition from the British Postal Museum and Archive, ’s famous motortrike, Pop Icon exhibitions, an HGV Opening times: Opening times: Open summer only Opening times: Simulator and more. Outdoor events programme and of course the Junior Driving School, see www.gtm.org.uk for Junior Open summer only Open summer only 1 Apr-30 Sep Open summer only Driving School availability. 1 Apr - 30 Sep 1 Apr-30 Sep 9.30am to 5.30pm 1 Apr-30 Sep Entry charge: Adults £9.50 | Concession £7.50 | Student with valid student ID or NEC card £3 | 1 paying adult can be 9.30am to 5.30pm 9.30am to 5.30pm 9.30am to 5.30pm accompanied by 2 free children (under 16), additional children £3 each Alford, Aberdeenshire AB33 8AE T: 01975 562292 E: [email protected] W: www.gtm.org.uk Opening times: 30 Mar - 30 Sep 10.00am-5.00pm | 1 - 26 Oct 10.00am-4.00pm %

C Royal Distillery, Crathie ooooo Visitor Attraction B6

Spynie Palace was the residence of the Bishops of for fi ve centuries and its mighty Balvenie Castle is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland and has a striking curtain The great castle of Kildrummy was the stronghold of the Earls of Mar and it dominated In a striking moorland setting, Corgarff’s medieval , built in the mid-16th Close to the Royal Family’s Highland home of is Royal Lochnagar Distillery. It is a small distillery which tower house, David’s Tower, is one of the largest in Scotland. The beautiful surroundings wall. Originally the seat of the powerful Comyn Earls of , it later became the home the landscape around . Although ruined, it remains a good example of a 13th century, is surrounded by a distinctive 18th-century star shaped perimeter wall. See the is a whisky lover’s dream. Its production methods are very traditional which lends itself to a special and intimate tour. and wildlife make the palace a wonderful place to visit. of John Stewart, Earl of . The Stewarts changed the formidable medieval stronghold century castle with many fi ne features including its hall and chapel. reconstructed barrack rooms and feel the atmosphere of barrack life at the castle in Entry charge: Lochnagar Tour £7 | Reserve Tour £10 | Royal Tour £30 into a pleasing Renaissance residence. 1750, when redcoats from Pulteney’s 13th Foot were stationed here. Getting here: 2 miles north of Elgin off the A941 IV30 5QG Tour prices include £3 off the purchase of any 70cl bottle of single malt Getting here: 10 miles south west of Alford on the A97 AB33 8RA Crathie, , Aberdeenshire AB33 5TB T: 01339 742700 Entry charge: Adult £4.50 | Child £2.70 | Concession £3.60 | Joint ticket with Elgin Getting here: At Dufftown off the A941 AB55 4DH Getting here: 8 miles west of Strathdon on the A939 AB36 8YP Entry charge: Adult £4.50 | Child £2.70 | Concession £3.60 E: [email protected] W: www.discovering-distilleries.com/royallochnagar Cathedral available: Adult £7.20 | Child £4.40 | Concession £5.80 Entry charge: Adult £4.50 | Child £2.70 | Concession £3.60 Entry charge: Adult £5.50 | Child £3.30 | Concession £4.40 Opening times: Apr - Oct Mon-Sat 10.00am-5.00pm, Sun 12.00noon-5.00pm, Tours on the hour until 4.00pm Telephone: 01343 546358 opVsp %©Gold Telephone: 01340 820121 oVsp&© Telephone: 01975 571331 £pGop]Vspk &ßSilver oV Gold Telephone: 01975 651460 p ß Silver Nov - Mar Mon-Sat 10.00am-4.00pm, Tours 11.00am, 12.30pm, 2.00pm, 3.00pm Historic Scotland www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Historic Scotland www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Historic Scotland www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places Historic Scotland www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/places D The Ship Inn, Stonehaven ooo Inn F7 15 Castle B6 16 Balmoral Castle ooooo Visitor Attraction B6 17 ooo Castle D5 Opening times: Opening times: Opening times: The Ship Inn (est 1771), situated on the edge of Stonehaven’s picturesque and historic harbour, is an ideal base to explore the Grampian region and Royal . Aberdeen – the Oil Capital of Europe – is only a 20 minute drive away. Weekend Easter to end October. 1 Apr-31 July 7 days a week 29 Mar-30 Jun Find out more about see website for other opening times Last admission 4.30pm Fri-Tue 11.00am-4.45pm National Trust for Scotland 1 Jul-31 Aug 5 Shorehead, Stonehaven AB39 2JY T: 01569 762617 Daily 11.00am-4.45pm Historic Scotland E: [email protected] W: www.shipinnstonehaven.com 1-29 Sep Fri-Tue 11.00am-4.45pm & Become a member Opening times: All year | Bed and Breakfast from £75 per person per night | Meals served 12noon-2.15pm and 5.30pm- Guided tours only 9.30pm weekdays | 12noon-9.30pm weekends Grounds open all year, daily Receive special offers and passes Join in some great events for all the family Whether you've been before Fairytale castle in the heart of the National Park. Built by the in Balmoral Castle is the renowned Scottish home of the Royal Family and nestles elegantly This fairytale castle, a fi ne example of Scottish baronial architecture, seems to have grown Share your castle 1628. 18th century garrison, home to the Chiefs of . Jacobites, ghosts, in stunning Royal Deeside. Enjoy gardens, the castle ballroom, coffee and gift shop naturally out of the rolling hills. The great tower stands just as it did when completed in or plan to visit, don't forget photos with us soldiers’ graffi ti. 12 furnished rooms. Guided tours. together with special exhibitions and audio handset tour. 1626. Visitors can also enjoy the grounds and waymarked trails. Helping to preserve and protect Scotland’s JOIN US Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Facebook “f” Logo CMYK / .eps Getting here: On the A93, east of Braemar AB35 5XR Getting here: Balmoral Estate, Ballater AB35 5TB Getting here: On A980, 6 miles south of Alford, AB33 8JF historic places and natural environment to share your Aberdeenshire Entry charge: Adult £8 | Concession £7 | Child £4 | Family ticket £18 Entry charge: Adult £11 | Child (5-16 years) £5 | Seniors/Students £10 Entry charge: Adult £12 | Family £28.50 | 1 Parent family £22 | Concession £8.50 Free to #brilliantmoments Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) £28.50 National Trust for Scotland members (membership can be set up on arrival) ON SOCIAL p sp Telephone: 013397 41219 £ { Telephone: 013397 42534 £*kp{}$© Gold Telephone: 0844 493 2174 £pGop]{Vsp ∫ Bronze Search for VisitScotland [email protected] www.braemarcastle.co.uk [email protected] www.balmoralcastle.com National Trust for Scotland www.nts.org.uk Scotland. A land of brilliant moments.

£ Historic furniture p Art collection G Garden o Walks around the property p Events {Guided tours ] Ranger service V Shop/plant sales s Picnic area p Parking k Tearoom X Restaurant Facilities for families. To assist visitors with physical disabilities to decide whether the property is suitable: $Unassisted wheelchair access %Assisted wheelchair access &Access for visitors with mobility difficulties Green Tourism Business Scheme: businesses that try to work in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way are graded: ∫ Bronze, ß Silver or © Gold Explore Find all you want to do in Aberdeenshire Coastal Trail Victorian HeritageTrail Aberdeen City and Shire, in one place. Aberdeenshire is a region rich in beauty and heritage, from the inland Explore the magnificent north east coastline on the Aberdeenshire Coastal Aberdeenshire and Victorian heritage became inextricably linked when For ideas and inspiration on how to make the most of your time in Aberdeenshire, call into a summits of the and Royal Deeside, to the stunning VisitScotland Information Centre and pick up a copy of the Aberdeen City and Shire What to See beaches, clifftops and coves of the Banffshire, Mearns and East Grampian Trail. Cover all or part of the 165 continuous miles of clifftops, coves and and Prince Albert first visited Deeside (later Royal Deeside), & Do guide. Our friendly information experts can also offer advice on all things local as well as coasts. beaches. Visit quaint, picturesque cliff-hugging villages and sentinel in 1842. The Victorian Heritage Trail is a spectacular journey into the Don sharing their wider knowledge of Scotland. So if you’re looking to get the most from your visit, lighthouses, and make your brilliant moments along the way! and Dee valleys exploring regal and historic highlights along the way. call in and see us - we’ll point you in the right direction In 2014, Scotland welcomes the world for the Year of Homecoming Scotland and where better to join the celebrations than Aberdeenshire. Explore our stunning region, be king of the castle and create your own brilliant n At the most southerly point of the Trail at , a National Nature Reserve with a vast beach and dunes n At the start of the , you’ll find a number of award-winning parks and gardens in Aberdeen such Aberdeen 23 Union Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5BP 01224 269180 moments! which are full of life in the summer, head along the rugged coastline until you reach Dunnottar Castle, which as Hazlehead Park, Duthie Park and Seaton Park. Alford Grampian Transport Museum, Alford, AB33 8AE 01975 562650 Ballater Old Royal Station, Ballater, AB35 5RB 01339 755306 is spectacularly situated on a rocky outcrop above the North Sea. n Walk or cycle sections of the Deeside Way from Duthie Park in Aberdeen through to historic Ballater. Watch bottlenose dolphins breaching off the Banffshire coast, 'Scotland’s Dolphin Coast', or take a squawk on the Banchory Bridge Street, Banchory, AB31 5SX 01330 822000 n A couple of miles north is the charming harbour town of Stonehaven. The lovely inns by the delightful Banff Collie Lodge, Banff, AB45 1AU 01261 812419 wild side and head for the high cliffs of RSPB Troup Head near - a spectacular setting for Scotland’s only n The Royal near Crathes Castle, was used by generations of the Royal Family to get from Braemar The Mews, Mar Road, Braemar, AB35 5YP 01339 741600 mainland gannet colony. On the East Grampian coast, take in special National Nature Reserves at Forvie, with its harbour serve up delicious fresh local produce. Aberdeen to Balmoral before the line closed in 1966. Experience the past on a return train trip which runs The Museum of Scottish Lighthouses, Fraserburgh, AB43 9DU 01346 518315 seabirds, shifting sands and half-buried 12th century church, and at St Cyrus with its broad beach and colourful n is a couple of miles north of Aberdeen, with epic sand dunes and a brilliant stretch of beach. You’ll regularly along a restored one-mile stretch of the line. www.deeside-railway.co.uk Huntly 9A The Square, Huntly, AB54 8BR 01466 792255 summer grasslands. 18 High Street, Inverurie, AB51 3XQ 01467 625800 find the Trump International Links near here too. n Don't miss the majestic views towards Lochnagar, Morven and Mount Keen that stopped Queen Victoria in her Stonehaven 66 Allardice Street, Stonehaven, AB39 2AA 01569 762806 Or why not test your game with a round on some of the best links and parkland golf layouts to be found in n Further north up the coast is the pretty town of . Bram Stoker, author of Dracula, holidayed here tracks, at the Queen's View near . Scotland. With a choice of over 50 venues (and counting), you’ll easily be able to combine a round with a visit to a and the atmospheric ruin of Slains Castle is said to have inspired the iconic novel. n Travel deeper into Royal Deeside and stop by the Cambus O’ May suspension bridge, which spans the River Information Centres visitscotland.com/wheretofi ndus castle along the trail. Go to www.visitscotland.com/aberdeenshiregolf to find out more and view or download Dee and is an excellent picnic spot. the 2014 golf guide. And if you're here between the 10 and 13 July, catch the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish n A must-see is the , just north of Cruden Bay. A collapsed sea cave has resulted in a near n The Royal Family has holidayed in Royal Deeside ever since Prince Albert built Balmoral Castle for Queen Open taking place on Balgownie Links at Royal Aberdeen, the sixth oldest golf course in the world. circular chasm 30 m deep, allowing you to watch the sea rushing in through a natural archway. You'll also The Old Royal Station, Ballater spot mainland puffins, razorbills, kittiwakes and guillemots on this clifftop walk where care is required. Victoria in the mid 19th century. A journey along the Victorian Heritage Trail is not complete without a stop off 4-star visitor attraction But there's more than just golf here - try mountain biking in Pitfichie Forest or Estate, go skiing at at Balmoral Castle. n Glenshee or The Lecht, sea kayaking off the Banffshire Coast, fishing on the River Dee, or kite surfing on Fraserburgh Take a walk along the esplanade in the fishing town of Fraserburgh before exploring more of ‘Scotland’s n Enjoy a gentle stroll around the pretty town of Ballater, which for its size has more Royal Warrants than any beach. Dolphin Coast’, an area hemmed in between the cliffs and the sea, with some delightful fishing villages. other place in the world. Visit in August when Victoria Week takes place. www.ballatervictoriaweek.co.uk n The quaint conservation village of consists of a single row of houses by the water’s edge while Aberdeenshire is regarded as Scotland's natural larder and you can sample all its delights at some fantastic Pennan achieved fame as one of the locations of the classic film, Local Hero. n Discover more about Aberdeenshire's fascinating Victorian Heritage Trail at restaurants and cafes. Make sure you pop along to one of the farmers' markets in Banchory, Ellon, Inverurie or www.visitroyaldeeside.com Stonehaven, and sample everything from top quality lamb, venison and beef, to creamy cheeses and delectable fresh n Find out more about Aberdeenshire's fantastic Coastal Trail at fruit and vegetables. www.visitscotland.com/aberdeencity-shire, and start planning your brilliant moments! For more on what to see and do in Aberdeenshire go to www.visitscotland.com/aberdeencity-shire

Gannets at RSPB Troup Head Reserve near Pennan. Enjoy a family day out at Balmedie Beach, Balmedie Country Park. Drum Castle, beautiful medieval castle tower west of .

You’ll be surprised where our search for quality takes us. THE SIGN OF QUALITY Every year we visit and independently grade hundreds of different visitor attractions throughout Scotland, but only those that meet our quality standards are awarded our prestigious stars. VisitScotland Quality Assurance. Quality you can trust.

VisitScotland has published this guide in good faith. Information is submitted by the establishments listed who have paid for their entries to feature. Although VisitScotland has taken reasonable steps to confirm the information is correct, it cannot guarantee that the information published is and remains accurate. Accordingly, VisitScotland recommends that all information is checked with the establishments to ensure that details are correct. VisitScotland accepts no responsibility for any error or misrepresentation contained in the guide and excludes all liability for loss or damage caused by any reliance placed on the information contained in the guide. VisitScotland also cannot accept any liability for loss caused by the bankruptcy, or liquidation, or insolvency, or cessation of trade of any company, firm or individual contained in this guide.Quality Assurance awards are correct at time of printing - February 2014. Cover: , near Turriff © Iain Sarjeant/VisitScotland. Credits: Iain Sarjeant/VisitScotland, National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, Lorne Gill/SNH, Chris Robson, Balmoral Estates, , Delgatie Castle, Dunnottar Castle, Broombank Productions, Paul Tomkins/VisitScotland/Scottish Viewpoint. Map: ©Ashworth Maps and Interpretation Ltd 2014. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right 2014. ©Lorne Gill/SNH This publication is printed on recycled content paper. VisitScotland is committed to ensuring that our environment, upon which our tourism is so dependent, is safe guarded for future generations to enjoy. 2014-15 CastleScotland’s Trail

Visit Aberdeenshire in the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014 and explore more Scotland’s castles per acre than anywhere else in the UK. This spectacular region is home and to the UK's only Castle Trail consisting of 17 of the region’s most striking castles and stately homes. Find out more about the enthralling history of Aberdeenshire Discover the castles of the from romantic ruins and fantastical fairytales to ghostly goings-on! North East of Scotland Castle Trail Enjoy a fantastic family day out at Crathes Castle, near Banchory, with its expansive grounds, walking trails, adventure playground and Go Ape course. Visit the impressive remains of Balvenie Castle at Dufftown with its magnificent curtain wall or discover some superb furniture and fine paintings at Drum Dunnottar Castle Castle, Garden & Estate by Banchory. Or why not enjoy the works of El Greco, Gainsborough and François Service X7 Slains Castle Service 63 Rich Heritage Boucher at the stunning Duff House in Banff? You can even cast a line at the Fishery in the grounds of the delightful Delgatie Castle near Turriff! Did you know that iconic Dunnottar Castle near Stonehaven, was included in the top ten in the Terrific Trails global search for the 8th Wonder of the World in 2013? Stonehaven Fireball Festival, Hogmanay. Castle tours are great fun for all the family! Spend the day at near Inverurie Family Adventures where kids will have a great time in the Events & Festivals 2014 adventure playground and enjoy some brilliant moments in the castle! Enjoy a year-long programme of Homecoming events Balmoral Castle Crathes Castle Why not take a guided tour around the grounds, showcasing all that's great about Aberdeenshire! Service 201 Service 201/202/203 gardens and exhibitions of Balmoral Castle? This wonderful holiday home to the Royal Family is Coast Festival of the Arts, Banff 23-25 May well worth a visit. Pick up some great souvenirs Taste of Grampian, Inverurie 7 June from one of the gift shops or try delicious home Bon Accord Steam Fair 21-22 June cooked produce from the Pipers Hall. Views to spectacular Dunnottar Castle, Scottish Traditional Boat Festival, 27-29 June In 2014, the Year of Homecoming Scotland, 26th Annual Stonehaven Folk Festival 10-13 July Fyvie Castle experience your brilliant moments all year south of Stonehaven 2 August Service 35/35A round and discover some fantastic sites on Ballater Highland Games 14 August den M Scotland's Castle Trail. si a The Lonach Highland Gathering and Games 23 August in p With our extensive network of buses and coaches across the i Follow the distinctive white-on-brown roadside signs with the blue The Fyvie Homecoming Festival 29-31 August p n a castle logo, which will lead you through the heart of the region on a

North East, getting around the many castles of the area has s The Braemar Gathering 6 September

i M d historic journey complete with secret corridors, haunted rooms and

Stonehaven Fireball Ceremony 31 December

never been easier! e n

e atmospheric dungeons. n

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i More information about what’s on in Aberdeenshire can be s a n p i Guides and timetables from our Travel Shops or visit: found at www.visitscotland.com/aberdeenshire-events www.stagecoachbus.com

www.visitscotland.com/castletrail Cover: 14CT Scottish Traditional Boat Festival at Portsoy. Fyvie Castle, near Turriff, Aberdeenshire.