Renting a car in Scotland and touring the wild and dramatic surroundings is the highlight of most vacations in Scotland.Scotland car rental is effortless and available in all major cities. Here is a suggestion for a three day castle exploration.
Day 1
From Glasgow or Edinburgh, connect with the A93 at Perth and stick to it throughout Glenshee, to Braemar, the eastern gateway to the Cairngorm Mountains. Visit Braemar Highland Heritage Centre and 17th century Braemar Castle, which is at this time run by the local community.
Stay on the A93 to Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria’s 'dear bliss where all over you look seems to breathe free will and stillness. Further east, the old royal station at Ballater consists of a royal carriage and royal waiting room built for Queen Victoria.
You can come across 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 stunted detour will bring you to the ruined 16th century Glenbuchat Castle, now protected by Historic Scotland, who also take care of fantastic Corgarff Castle, a 16th century tower house set in untamed surroundings in Upper Strathdon on the A939 to Tomintoul.
Break off at the foot of the Lecht pass to visit the Lecht Mine – active during the 18th and 19th centuries.Continue to the intended 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 nearby the road is Fodderletter Lum – placed there by early road menders to provide warmth at night. Stay on Strathavon and turn left onto the B9136 to excellent 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 uncover the breathtaking Forbidden College of Scalan where Roman Catholic priests were trained in secret during the 18th century. End the day at Grantown and benefit from an evening of local hospitality.
Day 3
From Grantown, head south and maybe visit remarkable 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 glorious Highland Folk Museum where a 1700s township has been recreated.
Finally head south past Dun da Lamh Pictish Hillfort at Laggan Bridge before taking the A9 south to Blair Atholl and splendid Blair Castle, home of the Atholl Highlanders - the only remaining private army in the UK.
