Home -> Europe -> Scotland -> Travelogue 2003 -> Saturday 15 March

Via Aberdeen to Beauly

Regrettably, we have to say goodbye to the Gate Lodge, but our holiday isn't over yet, and we have many beautiful things and places to see.

There is no direct way to the east through the Grampian Mountains, so we first have to drive south to Pitlochry and then back north in the direction of Braemar. The area is waste and reminds us of Norway and Finland near the polar circle. A few ski runs are still open.

Near Braemar we pass the compact castle. In Braemar the first Highland Games were held in the 11th century, to choose the bravest and strongest men from several clans for the army.

We are now in Aberdeenshire, a region filled with castles, stone circles and other historical treasures. The only thing we really want to see today is Dunnotar Castle near Stonehaven (a bit south of Aberdeen) and after that we have to travel to Beauly in the north (near Inverness). It is a long drive, so we don't have many time for breaks.

Dunnotar Castle is build on a cliff which descends steeply into the sea on three sides. To come there we have to walk down a steep path and then up again. This is one of the most impressive castles in Scotland, mainly because of its location. The oldest parts of the castle date back to the 9th century.

In the past the castle has seen some very horrible events, like the siege by William Wallace in 1297 who let a whole English garrison burn alive; in 1685, 167 prisoners (with 45 women among them) were held in a small chamber, tortured and killed.

The area on the cliff is rather extensive and there are many buildings from several eras. We need more than two hours for our visit. Although it is only March, there are a lot of visitors and tourists.

When we leave, we take a few German hitchhikers to Stonehaven and we are really in need of some coffee. After this break we take the shortest road to Beauly, since it is quite late already.
Our friends Iain and Cathy are totally surprised when we enter the Caledonian hotel. They knew we would be coming, but not exactly when since they lost our last email. After a few hours talking with some drinks we want to take a rest in our room to come back later to the pub. But we are so tired of the long trip and the long walks we made, that we can't keep our eyes open and we fall asleep.

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with Elisabeth and Teije