Following yesterdays walk up Green Hill, the second walk of our Aberdeenshire weekend would take us around the estate of Castle Fraser. Yesterday, it had rained morning, so we walked in the afternoon. Today, however, since it promised rain in the afternoon, we walked in the morning. Castle Fraser is just a few miles north of Midmar. It is one of Scotland’s largest tower houses. After leaving the visitor car park, we decided to follow Miss Bristow’s trail. This short…
Sarah and I were heading up to Midmar, to visit Sarah’s cousins for a few days. Due to coronavirus, it has been a few years since last visited. On our way up, we popped into National Trust for Scotland‘s House of Dun. The house lies just outside Montrose. It was a bit of a wet afternoon when we drove up the drive to the entrance. Entering the courtyard, you are met with a Georgian country house built by William Adam…
After arriving in Aberdeen the previous day and finishing our Coast and Castles North tour, and then enjoying a celebration meal in the evening, the following morning finally meant it was time to go our separate ways. First, however we wandered up the road to the nearest Wetherspoon for breakfast. Then we returned to the hotel, collected our belongings, said our goodbyes, and set off on our respective journeys. For Sarah and I, that meant a cycle ride to Midmar…
Our second day at Ordiefork opened with wintry conditions outside. Not ideal conditions for a walk in the hills (though some may disagree). We decided to visit a nearby National Trust for Scotland property – Crathes Castle and Estate. The Estate was once part of the Royal Forest of Drum. In 1323, following Robert the Bruce’s successful campaign against the English as part of his rewarding families that fought with him, he granted the lands of Leys to Alexander Burnard….
