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Drumtochty Castle and Forest
The neighbouring Drumtochty coniferous Forest is very popular with walkers and cyclists and has an amazing range of forest habitats, including mature 100 year old trees, dense young forest, and open wildlife ponds. Recreation facilities include long waymarked forest trails, shorter waymarked forest walks, and picnic areas.
In earlier times this forest was associated with Drumtochty Castle Tel. no: 01561 320 169. Set in an idyllic location and surrounded by the superb Scottish countryside, the 19th Century Drumtochty Castle has been the perfect place for many memorable events over the years. It is difficult to imagine a more magical setting for your wedding than a stunning 19th Century Scottish castle, hidden away in a wild woodland glen.
Drumtochty Castle and Loch Saugh (within Drumtochty Forest)
Aberdeenshire and it's lovely coastline
Just 16 miles away and within 20 minutes in your car...Scotlands East Coast boasts some of the finest beaches and seaside resorts in the uk. Spend time touring the coastline, with its picturesque fishing villages and heritage centres like Montrose, Inverbervie and Stonehaven, with a sea aquarium and historic harbour. The North East coast is a Haven for wildlife you can often see dolphins, seals, otters, whales and falcons throughout the year. Roughly one half of its border consists of amazing coastline ranging from the awesomely rugged to the most wonderfully beautiful. The land border runs through tremendous countryside, craggy mountains and desolate moors all indicating the feast of wonder and enjoyment held within an area of outstanding natural beauty. Aberdeenshire is awash with history and historic buildings, Neolithic stone age circles, iron age pictish carved standing stones, vitrified forts and medieval castles and keeps.
Ariel views of Stonehaven, The Harbour and Main street
The lovely local resort of Stonehaven
The local town of Stonehaven on the North East coast is a town with around fourteen thousand inhabitants. It is the county town of the historic county of Kincardineshire and the present day county of Aberdeenshire and boasts some of the finest beaches on the North coast of scotland. It grew around an Iron Age fishing village, now the "Auld Toon" ("old town"), and expanded inland from the Seaside. As late as the 16th century, old maps indicate the town was called Stonehyve or Stonehive. Historically the chief commerce of Stonehaven lay in herring fishing peaking at about 15 million fish per annum and an employment in the fishing industry of 1280 people. Due to overfishing to serve the expanding regional population, the fishing industry declined with diminishing catches, such that by 1939 only a remnant of the earlier fishing fleet continued to exist and the catch mostly supported the local population from that point onward.
At present day the town's primary industries are marine services and tourism, with Dunnottar Castle, a local landmark, bringing in a large volume of tourists every year. It was used in the 1990 movie Hamlet (directed by Franco Zeffirelli, and starring Mel Gibson and Glenn Close). Dunnottar Castle is a prominent landmark and is visible on many leaflets (flyers) advertising Scotland.
The town has its own long sandy beach, with large cliffs at either end sheltering small rock pools and inlets. It is also famous for its Olympic-sized outdoor swimming pool, which is heated and filled with a mixture of tap water and filtered seawater. Another attraction is the local harbour, which features the Tolbooth, the town's tiny museum of local heritage.
The Cairngorms an easy day trip from Drumtochty
Fantastic Day Trips from Drumtochty Castle
Beautiful Perthshire & it's Glorious gardens
To the West you can explore beautiful Perthshire another popular holiday destination, choose from Golf, Cycling, Hillwalking, Angling to many more activities. The Key towns include Perth, Crieff, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry..and fantastic castles such as Balmoral and Braemar to stately homes such as Scone Palace.
Perthshire also offers some wonderfull gardens and parks, from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park - with Woodland walks and views across Perth to the Tay and beyond. Quarrymill Woodland Park - Outdoor activities north of Perth. Norie Miller Riverside Walk - Walk along the banks of the Tay through landscaped gardens. Perth Museum and Art Gallery - Gallery includes Scottish colourists. Rodney Gardens - Pleasant formal garden in the grounds of the Rodney Pavilion and close to the Norie Miller Riverside Walk. Bell's Heather Garden - Garden devoted to Scotland's ubiquitous shrub. Branklyn Garden - Wonderful two acres of arden owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The Fair Maid's House - Home of the Catharine Glover, the Fair Maid of Perth.
Pitlochry in Perthshire and it's productive Lochs and Rivers
The Cairngorms and the Moray Whisky Trail
To the North West and an easy day trip you can reach the Cairngorm National Park with an excellent selection of Skiing walking and cycling trails including hill, forest and river walks.
Dufftown and Glenlivet are at the very heart of the Malt Whisky Trail. Whisky nosing and tasting sessions can be arranged all year at the Dufftown Whisky Shop. A chance to sample 6 different whiskies and to learn what makes them so different.
The annual Whisky Festivals are: the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival from the end of April and Autumn Speyside Whisky Festival at the end of September. From May to September each year, there are whisky nosings on Tuesday evenings and Ceilidhs on Thursday evenings. The Glenfiddich distillery is open to the public (free) while close by is the picturesque ruined Balvenie Castle with it’s renaissance facade maintained by Historic Scotland. Other local distilleries to visit and whiskies to taste include Macallan, Glen Grant, Glenfarclas, the Glenlivet (free tours), Aberlour and Cardhu.
The Lecht ski resort
Within and easy 60 minute drive from Drumtochty Castle Stables you can reach the Lecht ski resort www.lecht.co.uk Tel (01975) 651440. This fantastic activity centre is best suited to beginners and intermediates, featuring an exellent Dry Ski slope. The longest natural run being 900m, there is also a network of short lifts on both sides of the A939 Cockbridge–Tomintoul road. Straddling the A939 on the famous Cockbridge to Tomintoul road, the Lecht 2090 sits feet above sea level amid the beauty of the Eastern Cairngorms. This natural playground offers exciting outdoor activities throughout the year from Deval Karts / ride (incl. Uplift), Quad Bikes / session, Fun Karts / session, Kiddie Karts / session, Chairlift / return ride, Summer Ski or Board.
Resort altitude: Top: 793m - bottom: 643m. Lifts in area 14
Up to date snow reports also the www.lecht.co.uk/wap
Further Panoramic views of the Cairngorms within an easy day trip
Other famous scottish castles
You are spoilt for choice In this area are literally dozens of Castles to visit from Blair Castle near Aberlour a turreted baronial castle dating from 1269 and home to the Duke of Atholl and the Atholl Highlanders to Drum, Crathes, Craigevar and castle Fraser.
Further afield there is also Braemar castle with its 5 towers and 5 centuries of history, and also Balmoral, Crathes and castle Urquhart on Loch Ness. Cities such as Aberdeen, Elgin, Forres and Inverness are easily accessable. Loch Leven Castle - Castle ruins where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned in 1567. Also Balvaird Castle used in the filming of Macbeth.
Drummond Castle and Gardens are one of the finest formal gardens in Europe. Created in the early 17th century. Used in the filming of Rob Roy. Castle Menzies - Near Aberfeldy is another fine example of a 16th century fortified tower house.
Fyvie castle (left) and Dalgetty Castle (Right)
Scone Palace
To the North West Scone (pronounced skoon) is a place that breathes history like nowhere else in Scotland. Scone palace (the original home of the Stone of Destiny...now housed in Edinburgh Castle)
towers above the River Tay overlooking the routes north to the Highlands and east through Strathmore to the coast is a Listed Historical Building from the 16th century, but more importantly, a place of coronation for Pictish and Scottish kings. The present palace was built in 1608 for the Earls of Mansfield by William Atkinson is the original home of the Stone of Destiny and the site of the coronations of the Kings of Scot Located 1½ miles North of Perth and 2 miles West of New Scone, Scone Palace is the family home of the Earls of Mansfield. Despite its historic setting, the Palace we see today was only built in 1802 by English architect William Atkinson, who went on to create Abbotsford for Sir Walter Scott.
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Wildlife and Nature
The sandy coastlines of Angus and Aberdeenshire stretch from Stonehaven on the East coast to Fraserborough and beyond. Wildlife populations of Fulmars and Kittiwakes with a smaller number of Shags and Black Guillemots. The best rocky shores are between Burghead and Hopeman, at Lossiemouth and between Portgordon and Findochty.
The inlands to the Southern Cairngorms are home to Ptarmigan, Snow Bunting and Dotterel. The extensive lower moorlands hold a good variety of scarcer species such as Merlin, Twite, Ring Ouzel and Whinchat. Golden Plovers are locally numerous, joined by a few Dunlin in wetter bogs. The extensive woodlands are largely composed of conifer plantations and in many areas these are sufficiently mature to have been colonised by Crested Tits, Siskins and crossbills. Capercaillies survive in small numbers. The younger moorland plantations hold breeding Black Grouse and Short-eared Owl and the birchwoods of the upland glens ring with the song of Willow warblers, Tree Pipits, Redstarts and Spotted Flycatchers in spring
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The Drumtochty Highland Games
If it is the fourth Saturday in June it must be Auchenblae and the "Drumtochty Highland Games" this has been the tradition for the last 25 years. Known as the friendliest Highland Games in the area they are firmly established in the Scottish Highland Games calendar as one of the most outstanding events. This is not only because of the top competitors attending and records broken but also for the all-round entertainment offered and the sheer beauty of the venue. Held in the grounds of Drumtochty Castle in Drumtochty Glen just 2 miles outside Auchenblae any visitor will agree there is no better place to be on the fourth Saturday in June. Come and watch the athletes trying to break some more records. Lots of opportunities for young and not so young to join in on some open games. Make it a day out and enjoy the combination of exciting entertainment and nature at its best.
Stonehaven also holds it's own Highland Games every July. All those competing in the heavy events (which include the Hammer, the Heavy Stone and Tossing the Caber must wear full Highland dress. Other events include the Stonehaven Folk Festival regularly attended by famous Glaswegian comedian Billy Connolly. On the first Saturday in June the Feein' Market recreates a 19th Century agricultural hiring fair. The RW Thomson Classic Car Rally is an annual celebration of the inventor of the pneumatic tryre and attracts an impressive range of vintage and classic cars. There are two harbour festivals each summer. A farmers market is now held once a month in the market square where local food suppliers and producers can sell fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry and other types of meat.
Activities on your doorstep
Here is a summary of attractions within this local area. The neareset major town is Stonehaven (16 miles) with all facilities ranging from supermarkets, gift shops, restaurants and a leisure centre with an outdoor swimming pool. The local village of Auchenblae (4 miles) just off the A90. Has its own park called The Den - in it there is play equipment for the children, a putting green, tennis courts, bowling green and walks along the water side. This is a sheltered valley and there is no traffic, so it is safe for children and to have picnics at the tables and seats and to sit and watch the world go by. It also has a post office / local store, hotels, gift shops, cafe and 9 hole golf course half a mile from the village.
During Hogmanay festivities, the High Street comes alive with crowds watching the annual fireballs ceremony, in which volunteers walking down the High Street swing huge balls of fire around and around at the ends of chains. The fireballs are finally thrown into the harbour. The town's Haven Fish Bar was the likely origin of the Deep-fried Mars Bar, a snack now culturally associated with Scotland - and its health record - as a whole. The premises are now the award-winning Carron fish and chip shop. Stonehaven's long established Pipe Band plays at events throughout the year, including the folks festival and fireball ceremony. The band has competeted at various levels throughout its illustrious history including several years at the prestigious Grade 1.
Your Accommodation
Drumtochty Castle Stables
Drumtochty Castle stable Appartments are part of a modern conversion within the old stable block nearby to the world renowned Drumtochty Castle. This well appointed accommodation fully electrically heated throughout sleeping up to 4 guests.
Living space relax and settle into a good book in the living room comfortably furnished with comfortable sofas, this room is warm and well lit. In it you will find a TV, Radio, VCR, Hi Fi. There is also a dining area within the living area with a dining table a 4 chairs.
The bathroom has a toilet, wash hand basin with both bath and electric shower.
The kitchen area is brand new and fully equipped with all the necessary modern equipment including a cooker; oven; microwave; fridge freezer; toaster; kettle; dishwasher; washing machine; tumble dryer; iron and ironing board. Other essentials such as glasses, crockery, cutlery and a corkscrew are also provided for your convenience.
Master double Bedroom opening out onto the garden, after an active day in the fresh air, stretch out on the master bedroom king size double bed. This bedroom has ample hanging and drawer space and has a hair dryer.
Double bedroom A further double bedroom king size double bed with ample hanging and drawer space and has a hair dryer.
The total package...no hidden extras
All Electricity, Heating, Lighting, Towels and bedding are included in the hire charge of this holiday home - 'no hidden extras'.
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The total package..
All Cottages are of STB 4 Star standard and include all heating, electricity, towels and bedding with the cost of hire.
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4 Star you bet!! North East of Scotland the best kept secret in the UK.
Colin & Kay Anderson - Doncaster
Absolutely fabulous, spot on - we are re-booked.
Jim & Liz Miller - Lancashire
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The Castle Appartments and the gardens
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Availability
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Scale of (7 day)
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Hire charges include all heating, electricity, towels and bedding.
Castle Appartment (Sleeps 4) |
Low / Mid Season £475 |
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"Pet Friendly"
No extra charges are made for a well-behaved dog although you will be responsible for any damages and cleaning. You are welcome to walk your dog around the garden and amongst the trees but are required as a responsible dog owner to properly dispose of any little messages
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Availability & Further Information Advice / Help
Lines open 08:30 to 22:30 GMT
7 days a week
|
|
PLEASE CALL US
01729 851181 |
| Mobile |
Phone / Texting 07885 211787 |
Email enquiries to:
|
Due to ever increasing Spam levels we cannot guarrantee to respond to emails. Please call us on either phone number above to be certain. If you do wish to email us please state in your email exactly which cottage and dates your require further information.
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Travel Options
"It sounds wonderful, but it's a long way to drive from the south of England" How can I avoid the long journey?
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