If you are planning to visit Castles and Cairngorms during your stay in Scotland then you have are in the right place. Located in Moray Speyside Blervie House is a brilliant place to base yourself for exploring the plethora of things to do in Scotland. In fact, because there is so much choice I am going through one letter of the alphabet at a time so let’s think about activities beginning with C.
C is for The Cairngorms National Park
Whatever you do during your visit to Scotland do not miss the Cairngorms National Park. Here you will experience some of Scotland’s most famous mountains and the best scenery. No wonder the British Royal Family spend every August in these mountains.
With some of the wildest country and highest Mountains in Scotland, stunning heather-covered moorlands and views for as far as the eye can see this road trip should be on everyone’s bucket list.
To make the most of your holiday time if you are driving north to stay with us from then I would suggest you plan your route using the Snow Roads. Or if it works better with your schedule use this route to drive south on your return trip. This road is some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland with mountains, moorland, Highland Villages and Castles. Take the time to stop and admire the viewpoints – take special notice of beautiful but harsh Glen Shee. Ballater and Braemar make wonderful lunch or coffee stops.
Alternatively, many of our guests plan a more leisurely day trip just to see the Queen’s Highland Residence Balmoral Castle, and at the same time enjoy Ballater Village, or take a walk around Loch Muick and visit Mar Lodge to further appreciate the vastness of the Cairngorms. Better still plan ahead and have afternoon tea at Balmoral Castle – very much recommended. With our long light Summer evenings, people often stay for dinner in Ballater and enjoy a well lit evening drive back to us.
C is for Castles
So, this is Scotland and of course, we have Castles. Please see my Castle Page for more information but very close to us we have a few of my favourites which include:
Auchindoun Castle – stunning ruins way off the beaten track but definitely worth a visit
Ballindalloch Castle – a very local stunning family home
Balmoral Castle – the Queen’s very own Highland Residence, the walks around the grounds are unique
Brodie Castle – has the most superb art collection
Cawdor Castle – a fairy tale castle with unique gardens linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Duffus Castle – the stunning medieval stronghold of the Moray family and a great coffee spot
C for Clava Cairns
These unique Bronze Age circular tombs and stones are said to be the original inspiration for The Outlander series. Most of our guests visit Culloden, these Cairns are next door and well worth the visit. Really quite a special place.
C is also for Culloden Battlefield
Talking of Outlander don’t miss Culloden Battlefield. The visitor centre really draws you into the last battle of the Jacobite Rising in 1745 and is very much a part of Scottish history today. For many of our guests, it is their reason for visiting as the Battlefield is such a big part of Highland History and Clearances.
C for Cycling
Road, off-road – take your pick the scenery and the cycling are superb. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code and the range of public routes mean that you can experience amazing scenery right on our doorstep. We can also help you with bike hire recommendations and routes.
All in all, if you are looking to explore both Castles and the Cairngorms during your visit to Scotland hopefully the above will help you plan some of the best sights and utilise your valuable leisure time to make the most of Scotland. Enjoy!