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Interested in Castles? Magical and Enchanting with Tales of Bravery, Battles and even burned Dunnottar Castle Stonehaven Aberdeenshire




Dunnottar Castle
Second stop on our Scottish 4 day Castle Tour (by car)

If you have a passion or just a general interest in castles then Dunnottar is a must, its stunning location and magical aura make it quite unique.
The walk from Stonehaven (more on that later) allows you time to take in the Coast line and truly appreciate the location and scenery.
It also fed the anticipation and excitement of seeing Dunnottar as we emerged over the hill.

Perched atop a 160 foot crag and surrounded on three sides by the North Sea, these dramatic and evocative cliff-top ruins were once an impregnable fortress of the Earls Marischal, once one of the most powerful families in Scotland.

Steeped in history, this romantic and haunting ruin is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over.

Over the turbulent centuries, it has been burned, rebuilt, and burned again. It has been besieged, visited by saints and queens, and been the setting for dramatic escapes. It has been a religious community, a fortress, a terrible prison, and the scene of one of the most famous episodes in the story of Scotland.

The story is told that William Wallace captured Dunnottar from the English in 1297, during the Wars of Scottish Independence. 

He is said to have imprisoned 4,000 defeated English soldiers in the church, showing no mercy burned them alive.

When planning your visit, currently there are basic visitor amenities, (toilets) but no café, there are plans to add these facilities, I just hope it doesn't impact too much on the unique experience. 
Checking opening dates and weather forecast is a must to avoid disappointment. ( the castle does not open in bad weather due to its location and the potential danger in high winds)

Dunnottar is possibly the most dramatic and breath-taking Castle location that I have visited.
I am a great lover of castles, but my two friends were only partially on board, after visiting Dunnottar, it is safe to say that they are converted.

Link to the main website below

We stayed in Stonehaven at the The Ship Inn which is an idyllic harbour town located 1.5 miles from the Castle, the walk is not too challenging, but steep in a couple of places mainly the exit from Stonehaven.
The Ship Inn is ideally located on the harbour front offering great views, good food and comfortable surroundings.

Aberdeen airport is located 16.4 miles from Stonehaven if you aren’t opting for a road trip.

Link to the Ship Inn Hotel -
Example 2 adults, 1 night , 20th September, with breakfast and free cancellation - £125 per night


If you would like to see more posts like this and other events, holidays and day trips, whilst I build up Stones Road then please visit my Facebook page by following this link - 

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