Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
wards on a pleasant path over a pass into Glen Dee, then follow the River Dee back down-
stream to the linn. Take OS 1:50,000 map sheet number 43.
A good short walk (3 miles, 1½ hours) begins at the
Linn of Quoich
- a waterfall that
thunders through a narrow slot in the rocks. Head uphill on a footpath on the east bank of
the stream, past the impressive rock scenery of the
Punch Bowl
(a giant pothole), to a
modern bridge that spans the narrow gorge, and return via an unsurfaced road on the far
bank.
Strathdon Valley
The valley of the River Don, home to many of Aberdeenshire's finest castles, stretches
westward from Kintore, 13 miles northwest of Aberdeen, taking in the villages of Kem-
nay, Monymusk, Alford (
ah
-ford) and tiny Strathdon. The A944 parallels the lower val-
ley; west of Alford, the A944, A97 and A939 follow the river's upper reaches.
Stagecoach bus 220 runs from Aberdeen to Alford (1½ hours, seven a day Monday to
Saturday, four on Sunday); bus 219 continues from Alford to Strathdon village (50
minutes, two daily Tuesday and Thursday, one on Saturday) via Kildrummy.
Craigievar Castle
(NTS; adult/child £11.50/8.50; 11am-5.30pm daily Jul & Aug, Fri-Tue only Apr-Jun &
Sep)
A superb example of the original Scottish Baronial style, Craigievar has managed to
survive pretty much unchanged since its completion in the 17th century. The lower half is
a plain tower house, the upper half sprouts corbelled turrets, cupolas and battlements - an
extravagant statement of its builder's wealth and status. It's 6 miles south of Alford.
CASTLE
Kildrummy Castle
(HS; 01975-571331; adult/child £4/2.40; 9.30am-5.30pm Apr-Sep)
Nine miles west
of Alford lie the extensive remains of this 13th-century castle, former seat of the Earl of
Mar and once one of Scotland's most impressive fortresses. After the 1715 Jacobite rebel-
lion the earl was exiled to France and his castle fell into ruin.
CASTLE
Corgarff Castle
(HS; 01975-651460; adult/child £5/3; 9.30am-5.30pm daily Apr-Sep,
9.30am-4.30pm Sat & Sun Oct-Mar)
In the wild upper reaches of Strathdon, near the
A939 from Corgarff to Tomintoul, is the impressive fortress of Corgarff Castle. The tower
CASTLE
