A short walk up a track and over fields to the ruins of this impressive castle with a bloody past. Surrounded by fields and moorland the castle has a great setting and is a good destination for children.
Summary
Stony track, field.
Terrain
Limited parking at side of A941, no access for cars up the track.
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of start point, satnav coords and directions]
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1. There is very limited parking for this walk and there is no vehicular access up the track towards the castle. Park at the side of the road (A941) just south east of Dufftown, soon after a bend in the road and before you reach Raws Cottage. From here take the signed track uphill. Keep straight on up the track, heading towards a forestry plantation, and passing over a cattle grid. There are good views back over the rolling countryside.
2. When the track forks keep right through a gate and follow the track round a bend. Ruined farm buildings can be seen ahead with the castle on the left. Once past the end of the fence bear left to head across the field towards a gate near the castle. This is grazing land and dogs should be kept on a short lead and a good distance kept from any livestock. Go through the gate and then through another one to access the castle grounds.
3. Auchindoun Castle was built in the 1400s for John, Earl of Mar, although it has been rebuilt a number of times since. John was murdered by his own brother, King James III, and the castle passed to Thomas Cochrane who was hanged from Lauder Bridge in 1482 by jealous nobles from Angus. The castle then became the stronghold of the Gordons. In 1571 Sir Adam Gordon rode out to Corgarff Castle to challenge the Forbes of Towie. He was not at home, and having received no welcome from his wife, Margaret Campbell, Gordon torched the castle, burning to death Margaret and 27 family and servants, including a number of children, earning him the nickname, the Herod of the North.
4. The castle was later burnt down in retaliation for this deed and, although it was rebuilt, it fell into disrepair in the 1800's and stone from it was used for local buildings. The castle is an L-shaped tower house, with a cellar on the ground floor, a huge vaulted hall on the first floor and then bedrooms and other rooms on the second floor. It is thought that the courtyard was a later addition probably added in the 1500's. Retrace your steps to return to the start.
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