Castlegates Gully

Valley in Banffshire

Scotland

Castlegates Gully

Cairn on the north summit of Ben Macdui Credit: Steven Brown

Castlegates Gully, located in Banffshire, Scotland, is a picturesque valley renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and historical significance. Nestled amidst the majestic Cairngorms National Park, it encompasses an area of approximately 10 square miles.

The valley is characterized by its steep-sided cliffs, formed by ancient glacial activity, which create a dramatic and imposing landscape. These cliffs, composed of granite and schist, are adorned with lush vegetation, including heather, moss, and various fern species, adding to the valley's charm.

Castlegates Gully is intersected by a meandering river, which originates from nearby mountain ranges and cascades down the valley, forming a series of stunning waterfalls and pools. The crystal-clear water is home to a diverse array of wildlife, such as otters, brown trout, and various bird species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

The valley's historical significance lies in its association with the ancient Picts, who inhabited the area thousands of years ago. Archaeological sites, such as standing stones and burial mounds, can still be found within the valley, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Outdoor activities abound in Castlegates Gully, attracting adventurers from all over the world. Hiking and mountain biking trails crisscross the valley, providing opportunities to explore the stunning scenery and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Additionally, rock climbing enthusiasts are drawn to the challenging cliffs, while anglers can indulge in fishing in the river's abundant waters.

Overall, Castlegates Gully in Banffshire is a unique and captivating destination, where visitors can immerse themselves in the splendor of nature and uncover the fascinating history of the area.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Castlegates Gully Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.091523/-3.6485446 or Grid Reference NJ0001. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cairn on the north summit of Ben Macdui

Steven Brown

Path in Coire Raibeirt

Allt Coire Raibeirt

Beach on Loch Avon

Head of Loch Avon

Path towards Loch Etchachan

Steven Brown

Path near Loch Etchachan

Steven Brown

Barn on Beinn Mheadhoin

Barns in the Cairngorms are what are known as tors elsewhere.

Steven Brown

Summit area of Beinn Mheadhoin

Steven Brown

Cairngorm Mountains

Thanks to GPS, I can be sure exactly where this was taken from, but I am less certain about what it shows. The loch is Loch Avon, so Cairn Gorm mustr be hidden in the cloud. The river is the River Avon, and the conical mountain on the left will be Beinn a' Chaorainn. Taken from a motor glider.

Anne Burgess

View towards Loch Etchachan

The ground in front of the camera is very typical of the Cairngorm Plateau. Beyond Loch Etchachan which is mostly in NO 0000, and to the left of the loch is Càrn Etchacan. On the skyline is Cairngorm .

jeff collins

Path north of Ben Macdui

Steven Brown

Path towards Ben Macdui

Steven Brown

Ski touring on Cairn Lochan, 1980

A short ski tour from Cairn Gorm to Cairn Lochan, returning by Lurchers Gully on good snow. The distinctive top of Cairn Toul is ahead.

Jim Barton

Buttress above Coire an t-Sneachda

Looking towards Cairn Gorm, the summit of which is in cloud. If I had known then what I learned later about father's navigational skills in thick cloud, I might have been getting concerned at this point!

David Purchase