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Published: January 31st 2007
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Craigievar Castle
The view when approaching the castle from the parking lot. It's really not leaning, I am. Tuesday was another castle adventure for us. First up was Craigievar Castle that was built in the 1620's and also had turrets. It had lovely furnishings inside and we had a guided tour. It is surrounded by trees and we were able to walk the grounds. Our second stop was Crathes Castle, a self guided tour. What I like about here was the "Horn of Leys" on display that were given by King Robert the Bruce. There was also a "trip step", used to trick attackers climbing the staircase. It is also supposed to be haunted by a "Green Lady" ghost. We had a wonderful view from the 2nd floor of the castle where we could view the garden. We didn't get to walk through the garden because we left to try to get in for the last tour at Castle Fraser, which didn't work out. As we arrived at Fraser, the guide had taken the last group in a couple minutes before us and the lady working the counter refused us. So, we walked around the outside taking pictures and the looks of it were very interesting. It was a dark grayish color and the way the round windows at
the top were placed, made it look like a face with 2 eyes. I was hoping to tour it later on in our trip.
We moved on to Inverurie to the Swallow Thainstane Hotel for the night. Since we arrived early, we went into the pool and tried out the hot tub, which had to be turned on for us since we couldn't figure it out! We had dinner here and met a man & his father who happened to be from Maryland. Suzi & I drank some White Diamond Cider. I love the taste of cider!
We went to Pitmedden Gardens Wednesday morning only to find out they were closed; another place we would have to hit on the way back. It was a beautiful, clear day, thank goodness. So, we headed to Ellon to explore the remains of Tolquhon Castle. This ended up being another favorite of mine with lots of rooms and steps to see. The entrance looked to be a grand one from its hey-day. It had a courtyard in the middle surrounded by a brewhouse, cellars, private chambers, gallery and the great hall. One of the bed chambers had a trap door that
led to a pit. I was doing some videotaping off & on, then I discovered I had taped my feet for about 5 minutes of walking and going up steps. I have done that a few times.
Next castle on the list was Fyvie, a huge castle that had additions built with each of the 5 families that lived here. It has a pink-like cast to the outside. The guide gave us and a couple a thorough 2 hour tour and I can honestly say she was one of the best guides we had. The castle had decorations, picture gallery and armour on display. My favorite room was the dining room with the ceiling decorated with the coat of arms. The main reason I wanted to come here was I had seen it featured on the travel channel as being haunted. An ex wife was starved to death so the husband could have his new bride. On the morning after the wedding, they found the ex wife's name on the windowsill. Our guide showed us her name & it was definitely an eerie feeling.
On to Newburgh to the Udny Arms Hotel for our next destination to Forvie
Garden at Crathes Castle
This was the view from the top floor of the castle National Nature Reserve Walk. There were 3-4 different colored marked trails. I think we did the longest one first as it seemed like we walked for hours. First the scenery was a hill to our left and the River Ythan with ducks and birds to the right. It then changed to tall brown grass with some sand, and finally to all sand dunes, which I might add, was difficult to walk in. It was worth the walk, for the scenery was just breathtaking as this walk ended on a pretty beach. We were the only humans and we may have passed 4 people at the beginning of the trail. We looked to see where the trail picked up again, but we couldn't find it. So, we took the same path back again. I had a good dinner back at the hotel which included duck. We stayed in for the night & read books.
The next morning we walked the green path on Forvie which wasn't as dramatic as the route we took the night before, but it was shorter. In one area we looked over a cliff and saw a small beach. The weather was windy and cool but
Castle Fraser
I think the round windows look like eyes. no rain.
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