Kildrummy Castle

Kildrummy Castle is a 13^th century stronghold surrounded by hills and woodland just off the A97 not far from Alford.
Nowadays there is not much left and you can walk around the ruins of once a formidable fortress. Climb up the walls of the great hall, walk inside the snow tower (oldest tower of the castle) where you can still see the remains of a well that supplied the 7 storay tower, walk over to the Elphinstone tower, which was the most recent addition containing the lords chambers. You will need some imagination to see the potential it once held.
I sat on a wall, listened to the hummingbirds and enjoyed the warmth of the sun rest on my face. Did I mention I was the only person there at that time :-) ?
Kildrummy has a wild and bloody history. It was once owned by the Earls of Mar (Stewarts, Erskins, Elphinstones) and nowadays in the possession of Historic Scotland. It housed Robert the Bruce during the Independence wars and fell into decay after the failed Jacobite rising in the 18^th Century. In the early 15^th century it was subject to a rough wooing by Alexander Stewart who killed the Earl to marry his widow Isobel only to become the next powerful Earl.
Entry fee £4.50. Commissions apply. There are no toilets at the moment, but they are being build. You can get souvenirs in the newly build shop.
Nearby you can also visit Kildrummy Castle gardens (separate from Historic Scotland) or stay in the Kildrummy Castle hotel.
Enjoy the amazing surrounding views, sitting on the wall, eating ice cream :-)!