Tour the Wild and Spectacular Scenery in Scotland

May 30th, 2009 | admin | Travel, Vacation

Renting a car in Scotland and touring the uncultivated and wonderful surroundings is the highlight of most vacations in Scotland. Cheap Scotland car rental is straightforward and available in all major cities.

Here is a suggestion for a three day castle exploration.

Day 1

From Glasgow or Edinburgh, join the A93 at Perth and stay on it throughout Glenshee, to Braemar, the eastern gateway to the Cairngorm Mountains. Drop in on Braemar Highland Heritage Centre and 17th century Braemar Castle, which is at the moment administered by the local community. Keep on the A93 to Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria’s ‘dear paradise where all over you look seems to breathe sovereignty and tranquility.

Further east, the old royal station at Ballater includes a royal carriage and royal waiting room built for Queen Victoria. buy Hip & Joint Support Dogs online You can find out extra ancient history at the Kinord Stone, a 9th century Celtic symbol stone in Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve before leaving the A93 for the A97 up to Strathdon, where a tiny deviation will bring you to the ruined 16th century Glenbuchat Castle, now protected by Historic Scotland, who also preserve amazing Corgarff Castle, a 16th century tower house set in uncultivated landscape in Upper Strathdon on the A939 to Tomintoul.

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

Day 2

Begin the day from Tomintoul and traveldrive north on the A939 and take the right hand turning after Bridge of Avon. Just by the road is Fodderletter Lum – sited there by early road menders to provide refuge at night. Continue down Strathavon and turn left onto the B9136 to brilliant 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 discover the wonderful Forbidden College of Scalan where Roman Catholic priests were trained in secret during the 18th century. End the day at Grantown and take pleasure in an evening of local hospitality.

Day 3

From Grantown, head south and maybe visit amazing 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 cialis best price cialis plus multi award winning outstanding Highland Folk Museum where a 1700s township has been recreated.

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