The NTS Castle Trail

Craigievar CastleThe National Trust for Scotland Castle Trail

Welcome to National Trust for Scotland’s Castle Trail  in Aberdeenshire- the ONLY castle trail in Scotland!  The trail consists of 14 of the world’s most unique castles,from the rugged splendour of Kildrummy Castle and the romantic ruins of Huntly Castle to restored family castles such as Crathes and Fyvie.

The region shows distinctive brown styles with the recognisable blue castle logo which will lead you around the castles throughout Aberdeenshire, however, if you are pre-planning your trip then this website helps you find out more abut the individual astles on the trail, with directions, details about facilities and photographs. You can of course also find out more at www.nts.org.uk.

Take yourself on a journey of secret passages, haunted rooms and dungeons and discover the stuff of ghost stories! There is much to learn and discover.

The Castles on the trail working in an almost circular route from the North West of Aberdeenshire (with nearest town in brackets) are:

Spynie Palace (Elgin)
Huntly Castle (Huntly)
Duff House (Banff)
Delgatie Castle (Turiff)
Fyvie Castle (Fyvie)
Haddo House (north of Aberdeen)
Tolquhon Castle (North of Aberdeen)
Castle Fraser (Inverurie)
Drum Castle (West of Aberdeen)
Crathes Castle (Banchory)
Craigievar Castle (Alford)
Kildrummy Castle (Alford)
Corgarff Castle (Strathdon)
Balvenie Castle (Dufftown)

Click onto each of the links to view each Castle or Estate’s page on this website

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Haddo House

Haddo HouseBeneath a crisp Georgian exterior is an elegant mansion house noted for its fine furniture and paintings and extravagant lateRead more » READ MORE

Address:Methlick Ellon Aberdeen & Grampian AB41 7EQ
Tel:0844 493 2179
Web: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Haddo-House
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Crathes Castle

Crathes Castle, Garden and EstateThe CastleThe castle is open all year round. In summer months, the sun shines through the originalRead more » READ MORE

Address:Banchory Aberdeen & Grampian AB31 5QJ
Tel:0844 493 2166
Web: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Crathes-Castle-Garden-Estate/About/
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Leith Hall

Leith HallA typical Scottish laird's abode brimming with all sorts of family treasures, built over three centuries, starting in 1650.  Leith HallRead more » READ MORE

Address:Huntly Aberdeen & Grampian AB54 4NQ
Tel:0844 439 2164
Web: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Leith-Hall-Garden-Estate
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Pitmedden Garden

Pitmedden GardenThe heart of the property is the formal walled garden originally laid out in 1675 by Sir Alexander Seton.Read more » READ MORE

Address:Ellon Aberdeen & Grampian AB41 7PD
Tel:0844 493 2177
Web: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Pitmedden-Garden
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Castle Fraser

Castle FraserIs a beautiful baronial castle dating back to the 15th century and was home to the Fraser family.  The main castleRead more » READ MORE

Address:Inverurie Aberdeen & Grampian AB51 7LD
Tel:0844 493 2164
Web: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Castle-Fraser-Garden-Estate
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Drum Castle

Drum CastleA unique Scottish castle combines a 13-century square medieval tower with a Jacobean mansion house and has a greatRead more » READ MORE

Address:Drumoak By Banchory Aberdeen & Grampian AB31 5EY
Tel:0844 493 2161
Web: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Drum-Castle-Garden-Estate
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Fyvie Castle

Fyvie CastleThe castle is proud to house one of the largest private collections of Raeburns in the world.  Any art loverRead more » READ MORE

Address:Fyvie Castle, Turriff, Ellon AB53 8JS
Tel:0844 493 2166
Web: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Crathes-Castle-Garden-Estate
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Craigievar Castle

Craigievar CastleThis picturesque castle with its iconic tower is an amazing example of Scottish Baronial architecture, seems to have grown naturallyRead more » READ MORE

Address:Alford Aberdeen & Grampian AB33 8JF
Tel:0844 493 2174
Web: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Craigievar-Castle/About/
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Mar Lodge Estate

Mar Lodge EstateMar Lodge Estate is a traditional Highland estate and is also recognised as one of the most importantRead more » READ MORE

Address:Mar Lodge Braemar Aberdeen & Grampian AB35 5YJ
Tel:0844 493 2172
Web: http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/Mar-Lodge-Estate