Crathes

Settlement in Kincardineshire

Scotland

Crathes

Crathes is a small village located in the county of Kincardineshire, Scotland. Situated on the banks of the River Dee, it is approximately 15 miles west of Aberdeen. The village is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and close proximity to the stunning Crathes Castle.

Crathes is a charming rural community with a population of around 1,500 residents. The village is surrounded by lush green fields, rolling hills, and dense forests, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The River Dee adds to the beauty of the area, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and scenic walks along its banks.

The main attraction in Crathes is undoubtedly Crathes Castle, a magnificent 16th-century tower house. This grand castle is surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and boasts a rich history that dates back to the Burnett family, who owned the estate for over 350 years. Visitors can explore the castle's opulent interiors, including its impressive oak-panelled Great Hall and the intricately painted ceilings of the Queen's Bedroom.

In addition to Crathes Castle, the village offers a range of amenities for both residents and visitors. These include a primary school, a village hall, a post office, and a few local shops and cafes. The village also hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Crathes Vintage Car and Motorcycle Rally, which attracts enthusiasts from all over Scotland.

Overall, Crathes is a delightful village where history, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community converge. Its idyllic location, combined with the charm of Crathes Castle, make it a must-visit destination in Kincardineshire.

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Crathes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.05926/-2.415831 or Grid Reference NO7496. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mill Wheel at Milton

This is one of two water wheels that drove mill machinery at Milton of Crathes. It is an undershot wheel.

Anne Burgess

Ford on the Coy Burn

Until the bridge was built a little distance upstream, this was the only way across the Coy Burn.

Anne Burgess

Steps at Milton of Crathes

The steps lead up to a field where customers can try out fishing rods and casting techniques.

Anne Burgess

Bridges over the Coy Burn

The lower bridge is an old packhorse bridge built to allow travellers to avoid having to use the ford. The higher one was built to carry the railway line over the burn. I'm standing on a third one, which is a tatty-looking concrete effort, and behind me are the pillars and arches of the modern A93 road bridge. It was, sadly, impossible to photograph the arch of the old bridge without getting the railway bridge, or the tatty concrete bridge, or the ugly blue-and-white portable building on the nearby sports field, in the picture. Maybe another time I will go wading and see if it is possible.

Anne Burgess

Pack Horse Bridge

The slightly humped bridge was built in the 18th century. It retains the old cobbled surface. It is part of a trio of bridges that are Category B Listed because of how they illustrate the history of crossings of the Coy Burn. A fourth bridge is mentioned briefly as being of insufficient merit to list.

Anne Burgess

Grounds of Crathes Castle

Looking pretty dreary on a dreich day, these fields are east of the castle itself.

Anne Burgess

Stubble Field

This field next to Crathes Castle has already been harvested and the straw baled and removed.

Anne Burgess

Burn of Coy

Looking downstream from the point where the 'blue' waymarked walk from the car park reaches the bank of the burn.

Anne Burgess

Fungus

This is a fairly common fungus with a dark red cap, but I don't know what sort it is.

Anne Burgess

Boardwalk

The boardwalk is evidently necessary so that visitors can follow the path alongside the Burn of Coy without plowtering through mud. Today, however, it was dry enough to climb down and look more closely at the plants if one wished to do so.

Anne Burgess

Fungus

Recently emerged and still undamaged by whatewver it is that eats holes in the caps of fungi.

Anne Burgess

Coy Burn

A pool formed in a bend of the burn, looking downstream.

Anne Burgess

Crathes Castle

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Field near Mills of Drum

Looking south-west from the Deeside Way over a field near Mills of Drum on the north side of the River Dee.

Scott Cormie

Nether Mills of Crathes

A distant view of the Nether Mills of Crathes from the Deeside Way to the north-east.

Scott Cormie

River Dee from Durris Bridge

Looking upstream of the River Dee from the A957 Durris Bridge.

Scott Cormie

Grass cutting near Durris

A field being shorn of grass near Funach Wood at Durris.

Scott Cormie

Crathes village hall

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Ralph Greig

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Crathes is located at Grid Ref: NO7496 (Lat: 57.05926, Lng: -2.415831)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East