Grampian Mountains & Glamis Castle

Casually depart the house at approximately 9.00am, take the B1920 to Laurencekirk and then travel South on the A90 until you see the signs for Glamis Castle, (35 minutes) As you approach the Castle, which truly portrays a ‘fairy tale’ resemblance; park and arrange for a guided tour. This provides you with a wonderful insight into the History and the current lives of the Royal Family. Glamis was the Queen Mothers castle and has often, still is, used for family gatherings. Suits of armour and antiquities are abundant. Italian and rose gardens can be viewed thereafter. If you fancy a delve back in time to rural life of day’s gone by, then make a point of visiting the Angus folk museum. Situated at Kirkwynd, Glamis, by Forfar – a stone’s throw away from the grounds of Glamis Castle.

After Glamis castle, travel on the A928 to Kirriemuir, the smallest of the Angus burghs and one which is fast becoming known as the ‘Gateway to the Glens’. Mention of Kirriemuir conjures up images of “Peter Pan” and “Never Land”, and that’s not surprising for the town is the birthplace of the famous novelist J.M.Barrie, author of that very famous children’s tale. Then onto the B951 towards Kingoldrum and thus into ‘Gods country’ through the ‘Glens’. From here some of the most breathtaking scenery in the whole of Scotland awaits, head up towards the A93 and then turn right towards Braemar. Take a late lunch at Braemar and enjoy the highland shopping and sites continuing from Braemar through Ballater and Banchory, small bridges, rivers and forests galore. At Banchory look for the B974 towards Fettercairn, B1920 back to Laurencekirk and then returning to Woodston Fishing Station to relax.

"Glamis Castle / miles of beautiful coastline and Dunnottar Castle"

Coastal Trail & Dunnottar Castle

Casually depart the house at 10.00am, take the A92 North. Within a few miles you may visit the Benholm Mill, a fully restored water-powered meal mill, ultimately ahead the villages of Johnshaven and Gourdon which offer a flavour of the glory days of traditional sea fishing. You can buy fresh-caught fish, including huge crabs and lobster. Sit on the harbour walls and wander the fascinating lanes of the old parts.

Just north of Gourdon lies Inverbervie, a Royal Burgh no less, just past the Grassic Gibbon Centre, dedicated to one of Scotland’s greatest writers. The centre is a memorial to the life and work of Lewis Grassic Gibbon and allows visitors to become acquainted with the area and its history.

A couple of miles up the coast is Kinneff, whose Old church was the hiding place for the Scottish Crown Jewels during the time of Cromwell. The coastline between Kineff and Stonehaven is a haven to millions of sea birds, and at Fowlsheugh Reserve, you can see puffins, guillemots, fulmers and many more at close quarters. Boat trips are run in the summer months. At Todhead point the smallest lighthouse within the British isles stands.

Further North stands one of Scotland’s best known landmarks – the iconic Dunnottar Castle. The dramatic setting and brooding presence of Dunnottar ensures thousands of people visit each year. An unforgettable experience, it has been a fortified and holy place for centuries. It was sacked by William Wallace in the 13th century and was the hiding place for Scotland’s crown jewels from Cromwell’s Roundhead troops. Mel Gibson’s Hamlet was filmed at Dunnottar.

Stonehaven, the biggest town in the Mearns, boasts a unique art deco open air swimming pool, picturesque harbour and beach. The harbour area now boasts hostelries serving drinks and meals, as well as a seafood restaurant located above the Tolbooth museum. The 15th century building is thought to be one of the oldest in Stonehaven and you can find out about its intriguing history in the museum itself.
From Stonehaven follow the A90 south to the pretty village of Fettercairn to see its well known whiskey disillery.

Nearby, Fasque House, family home of Vicorian prime minister William Gladstone, is open to the public, providing a fascinating glimpse of life “upstairs and downstairs” in a 19th century country house. If time allows, it is well worth taking a drive up the Cairn o’ Mount to see the breathtaking panorama of the Mearns from the 455 metre-high viewpoint.

"Glamis Castle / miles of beautiful coastline and Dunnottar Castle"

Beautiful Perthshire & it's Glorious gardens

To the South you can also explore beautiful Perthshire another popular holiday destination, choose from Golf, Cycling, Hillwalking, Angling to many more activities. The Key towns include Perth, Crieff, Aberfeldy and Pitlochry..and fantastic castles such as Balmoral and Braemar to stately homes such as Scone Palace.

Perthshire also offers some wonderfull gardens and parks, from Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park - with Woodland walks and views across Perth to the Tay and beyond. Quarrymill Woodland Park - Outdoor activities north of Perth. Norie Miller Riverside Walk - Walk along the banks of the Tay through landscaped gardens. Perth Museum and Art Gallery - Gallery includes Scottish colourists. Rodney Gardens - Pleasant formal garden in the grounds of the Rodney Pavilion and close to the Norie Miller Riverside Walk. Bell's Heather Garden - Garden devoted to Scotland's ubiquitous shrub. Branklyn Garden - Wonderful two acres of arden owned by the National Trust for Scotland. The Fair Maid's House - Home of the Catharine Glover, the Fair Maid of Perth.