Renting a car in Scotland and touring the natural and breathtaking surroundings is the highlight of most vacations in Scotland. Cheap Scotland car rental is uncomplicated and available in all major cities.

Here is a suggestion for a three day castle exploration.

 

Day 1

Stating from Glasgow or Edinburgh, link up with the A93 at Perth and keep to it through Glenshee, to Braemar, the eastern entrance to the Cairngorm Mountains. Pay a visit to Braemar Highland Heritage Centre and 17th century Braemar Castle, which is nowadays run by the local community. Carry on the A93 to Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria’s ‘dear heaven where everywhere you look seems to breathe freedom and stillness.

Further east, the old royal station at Ballater includes a royal carriage and royal waiting room built for Queen Victoria. You can expose extra ancient history at the Kinord Stone, a 9th century Celtic symbol stone in Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve prior to leaving the A93 for the A97 up to Strathdon, where a petite detour will bring you to the ruined 16th century Glenbuchat Castle, now protected by Historic Scotland, who also take care of exciting Corgarff Castle, a 16th century tower house set in uncultivated landscape in Upper Strathdon on the A939 to Tomintoul.

Stop at the foot of the Lecht pass to visit the Lecht Mine – active during the 18th and 19th centuries.Carry on to the intended 18th century township of Tomintoul with its square, museum, Telford church and manse.

 

Day 2

Commence the day from Tomintoul and head north on the A939 and take the right hand turning after Bridge of Avon. Just near the road is Fodderletter Lum – sited there by early road menders to provide shelter at night. Continue down Strathavon and turn left onto the B9136 to wonderful 15th century Drumin Castle, sometime home of the Wolf of Badenoch. Continue to Bridgend of Glenlivet and turn right onto the B9008 to the ancient Livet pack horse bridge after quarter of a mile.

Continue to Auchnarrow and take a left turning signposted Chapeltown and Scalan. Park at the end of the road and walk a mile on level ground to locate the excellent Forbidden College of Scalan where Roman Catholic priests were trained in secret during the 18th century. End the day at Grantown and enjoy an evening of local hospitality.

 

Day 3

From Grantown, head south and maybe visit wonderful Castle Roy by Nethybridge on your way to the ruined 18th century Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie, which were built following the first Jacobite uprising. From here it’s on to Clan MacPherson Museum at Newtonmore, where you will also find part of the multi award winning outstanding Highland Folk Museum where a 1700s township has been recreated.

To finish head south past Dun da Lamh Pictish Hillfort at Laggan Bridge before taking the A9 south to Blair Atholl and glorious Blair Castle, home of the Atholl Highlanders - the only remaining private army in the UK.

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