Discover the Natural and Incredible Scenery in Scotland

Renting a car in Scotland and touring the natural and fabulous surroundings is the highlight of most vacations in Scotland. Cheap Scotland car rental is trouble-free and available in all major cities.

Here is a suggestion for a three day castle exploration.

Day 1

From Glasgow or Edinburgh, link up with the A93 at Perth and keep to it throughout Glenshee, to Braemar, the eastern doorway to the Cairngorm Mountains. Pay a visit to Braemar Highland Heritage Centre and 17th century Braemar Castle, which is nowadays administered by the local community. Carry on the A93 to Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria’s ‘dear bliss where all over you look seems to breathe freedom and tranquility.

Further east, the old royal station at Ballater consists of a royal carriage and royal waiting room built for Queen Victoria. You can come across extra ancient history at the Kinord Stone, a 9th century Celtic symbol stone in Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve prior to leaving the A93 for the A97 up to Strathdon, where a petite detour will bring you to the ruined 16th century Glenbuchat Castle, now protected by Historic Scotland, who also keep spectacular Corgarff Castle, a 16th century tower house set in wild panorama in Upper Strathdon on the A939 to Tomintoul.

Take a breather at the bottom of the Lecht pass to visit the Lecht Mine – active during the 18th and 19th centuries.Carry on to the planned 18th century village of Tomintoul with its square, museum, Telford church and manse.

Day 2

Start off the day from Tomintoul and go north on the A939 and take the right hand turning after Bridge of Avon. Just nearby the road is Fodderletter Lum – sited there by early road menders to provide cover at night. Stay on Strathavon and turn left onto the B9136 to remarkable 15th century Drumin Castle, sometime home of the Wolf of Badenoch. Continue to Bridgend of Glenlivet and turn right onto the B9008 to the ancient Livet pack horse bridge after quarter of a mile.

Continue to Auchnarrow and take a left turning signposted Chapeltown and Scalan. Park at the end of the road and walk a mile on level ground to locate the outstanding Forbidden College of Scalan where Roman Catholic priests were trained in secret during the 18th century. End the day at Grantown and benefit from an evening of local hospitality.

Day 3

From Grantown, head south and maybe visit stunning Castle Roy by Nethybridge on your way to the ruined 18th century Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie, which were built following the first Jacobite uprising. From here it’s on to Clan MacPherson Museum at Newtonmore, where you will also find part of the multi award winning spectacular Highland Folk Museum where a 1700s township has been recreated.

Finally head south past Dun da Lamh Pictish Hillfort at Laggan Bridge before taking the A9 south to Blair Atholl and remarkable Blair Castle, home of the Atholl Highlanders – the only remaining private army in the UK.