Trailblazing

Hot on the Castle Trail in Aberdeenshire

Scotland is home to more castles than you can shake a haggis at, but if you want to follow the country’s only “Castle Trail”, head to Aberdeen. Every stop along the150-mile long route is stunning, and all 13 castles have a tale to tell. We visit some of the spookiest!

BY GILLY PICKUP

English Redcoats based in CORGARFF CASTLE had the unpopular task of combating illicit whisky distilling (boo!). They were also in charge of disposing of any Highlanders foolish enough to wear kilts – an illegal act after 1746! Tel: +44 (0)1651 851286

In 1306, KILDRUMMY CASTLE was set alight by a castle blacksmith called Osbourne. His reward? Gold galore… poured molten down his throat! Tel: +44(0)1651 851286

LEITH HALL is home to a ghost who wears a grubby bandage round his head. Whispers are he was Laird John Leith, shot through the head on Christmas Day 1763 at Archie Campbell’s Tavern in Aberdeen after a drunken quarrel! Tel: +44
(0)844 493 2100

Dramatic HUNTLY CASTLE – also called Strathbogie Castle – has a violent history. Hangings and beheadings galore took place in the creepy cellars and dungeons lurking below the great chamber. Spooky. Tel: +44 (0)1651 851286

In 1563, Mary Queen of Scots stayed at DELGATIE CASTLE (is there anywhere she didn’t stay?!). Weird half-human animals depicted on the ceilings are thought to represent the castle’s inhabitants of that time. Nice. Tel: +44 (0)1888 563479

Baroque DUFF HOUSE must house some pretty nasty vibes. One despondent Countess tried to bump her hubby off here. After that, the place was turned into a sanatorium, then a prisoner of war camp. Tel: +44 (0)1651 851286

Phantoms and secret chambers are expected of old castles, and FYVIE CASTLE has both, including a ghostly drummer. It’s the haunted secret room that’s really chilling though… double dare you to enter! Tel: +44 (0)844 493 2100

Sir Alexander Forbes owned isolated TOLQUHON CASTLE (pronounced “toll-hoon”). This brave chappie saved King Charles II’s life at the Battle of Worcester. Tolquhon once had loads of rooms, acres of stairs and a bed chamber with a trap door leading to a pit…

CASTLE FRASER, with its balustrades and gables, is most impressive. Inside is a “Laird’s Lug” – a tiny room where the Laird’s servants listened in on evil plots against their master. Recently, it was used for filming scenes in The Queen, starring Helen Mirren. Tel: +44 (0)844 493 2100

The folks at CRATHES CASTLE didn’t mess around with invaders – anyone daft enough to try got boiling oil or molten metal poured over their heads! If, miraculously, they survived, negotiating the staircase would finish them off – the 11th step was booby trapped! Tel: +44 (0)844 493 2100

TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Whether you’re eager to check out every castle on the trail, or only have time to experience a select few, plot your route at www.aberdeen-grampian.com/scottish-castles.htm

GETTING THERE

bmibaby flies direct to Aberdeen from Birmingham – log on to www.bmibaby.com and get ready for your Highland Fling!