252
Above The dramatic 15th-century ruins of
Dunnottar Castle Above centre The Triple Kirk
spire and Union Terrace Gardens, Aberdeen
Above right St Mark’s Church, Aberdeen,
modelled on St Paul’s CathedralVISITING ABERDEENParking
Park in College Street near the railway
station, or Bon Accord shopping centre.
Tourist Information
23 Union Street, AB11 5BP; 01224 288
828; http://www.aberdeen-grampian.comq Banchory
Aberdeenshire; AB31 6NL
A popular holiday spot since Victorian
times, Banchory is in Royal Deeside,
known for its beautiful countryside and
castles. Just south of town on the A974
stands the 18th-century stone Bridge
of Feugh, over a tributary of the mighty
River Dee. The waters foam furiously
down below and there is a good
chance of spotting salmon leaping
over the rocks to reach the calm waters
beyond. The best times to see them
are Sep–Nov and Feb–Mar. Take the
A93 east to the fairytale Crathes Castle
(Jun–Aug: open daily; Sep–Oct: closed Fri;
Nov–May: closed grounds open daily),
built in the 16th century. With
exquisite interiors – original
painted ceilings – and delightful
gardens, this is a must-see
visitor attraction.
ª Return to A93, turn right,
then take A957 to Stonehaven.
Bear right onto A90/A92 for a
short distance and follow signs
to the castle. There is a parking
area (which gets busy in
summer) a short walk from
the castle itself.BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £1500 metres0 yardsw Dunnottar Castle
Nr Stonehaven; AB39 2TL
Perched dramatically on the
clifftops with gulls swirling
overhead and waves crashing
below, Dunnottar Castle (Easter–
Oct: open daily; Nov–Easter: open Fri–
Mon; http://www.dunnottarcastle.co.uk )
makes a compelling sight. The
castle, built in the 15th century,
was once home to one of
Scotland’s most powerful
families. Visited by William
Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots,the Marquis of Montrose and the
future King Charles II, it gained its
place in history when the Honours of
Scotland (see p250) were hidden here
following Oliver Cromwell’s invasion.
The castle was under siege for eight
months, but the Honours were
smuggled away to Kinneff Old
Church further along the coast.
Today, Dunnottar is a picturesque ruin,
reached by a steep set of steps.
ª Rejoin A92/A90 north to Aberdeen,
turning onto A956 to city centre. Go
straight over two roundabouts and the
River Dee into College St to park beside
the railway station.WHERE TO STAYBANCHORY
Old West Manse inexpensive
This B&B in a Victorian house has three
cosy bedrooms, two of which are
ensuite and one with private facilities.
It is conveniently located for the town
centre and the famous Falls of Feugh.
71 Station Rd, AB31 5YD; 01330 822 202;
http://www.deeside-bed-and-breakfast.com
AROUND BANCHORY
Raemoir House Hotel expensive
Head north from Banchory on the
A980 and keep on going to this
impressive Georgian mansion set large
grounds. There are 16 comfortable
rooms and some have fine views.
Banchory, AB31 4ED; 01330 824 884;
http://www.raemoir.comABERDEEN
The Marcliffe Hotel and Spa expensive
Lovely hotel with luxurious rooms
that blend contemporary style with
traditional comfort. Expect fluffy white
towels in spotless bathrooms, plasma
screen televisions and an excellent
selection of local produce for breakfast.
North Deeside Road, AB15 9YA; 01224
861 000; http://www.marcliffe.com#PUBOJD
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