Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Heritage Site in Kincardineshire

Scotland

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate

Mill Wheel at Milton This is one of two water wheels that drove mill machinery at Milton of Crathes. It is an undershot wheel. — Mill Wheel at Milton Credit: Anne Burgess

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate is a historic site located in Kincardineshire, Scotland. The castle, built in the 16th century, is a prime example of Scottish tower house architecture and is known for its intricate turrets, stunning painted ceilings, and ancient yew hedges. The castle has been meticulously preserved and offers visitors a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

The surrounding garden and estate are equally impressive, covering an expansive 595-acre area. The garden is renowned for its beautifully manicured lawns, colorful flower beds, and peaceful woodland walks. Visitors can wander through the charming walled garden, which features a wide variety of plants and flowers, including rare and exotic species.

Nature enthusiasts will delight in exploring the estate's extensive woodland, which is home to a diverse range of wildlife and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. The estate also boasts several walking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate offers a range of visitor facilities, including a gift shop, café, and ample parking. Guided tours of the castle are available, providing visitors with a detailed insight into its history and architecture. Additionally, the site hosts various events and activities throughout the year, such as garden festivals and outdoor concerts.

Overall, Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate is a must-visit heritage site for history enthusiasts, garden lovers, and nature seekers, providing a unique and immersive experience in the heart of Scotland.

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Crathes Castle, Garden & Estate Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.061/-2.438 or Grid Reference NO7396. 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

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

Crathes village hall

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Ralph Greig

Midnight Frolics

Art Trail Hare, there and everywhere! Clan Cancer Support, the north-east’s leading cancer support charity, has partnered with Wild in Art once again to bring an exciting new art trail to the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. The Big Hop Trail will take the public on another cultural tour of the north-east and the islands from July to September 2023, with hare sculptures designed and created by some of the country’s most talented artists. The trail coincides with Clan’s 40th anniversary, with the 40 hares being the focal point to celebrate the charity’s commitment to supporting people affected by cancer. We chose the hare sculpture as they are an indigenous animal found in all parts of Clan’s geography. Much like our clients during their cancer journey, hares have to navigate rough and difficult terrain in order to survive. They are also adaptable, like our services team who deliver support to anyone affected by cancer. Most importantly, hares have incredible hearing. What better way to depict our lifeline listening and support service and the importance of being heard?

Ralph Greig