Royal Deeside & Crathes Castle

Depart Broad Street every Monday at 0900 hrs.
Returning to Broad Street for 1600 hrs.

Scotland Explorer travels west from Aberdeen through rural areas where you can enjoy breathtaking scenery on your way to Ballater, in the heart of Royal Deeside. Balmoral Castle is the holiday home of the British Royal Family and is located a short distance from Ballater. There are many local shops with Royal warrants on display.

After some free time in Ballater, Scotland Explorer travels east along Royal Deeside following the River Dee. Travelling through Aboyne and Banchory, we stop at Crathes Castle.

Crathes is a 16th century castle set in some 500 acres of beautiful countryside. The castle contains a significant collection of portraits, and intriguing original Jacobean painted ceilings survive in several rooms: the Chamber of the Muses, the Chamber of Nine Worthies and the Green Lady's Room. The last is said to be haunted by a green lady (a green smoke or mist is said to have been seen by visitors). The ancient jewelled ivory Horn of Leys, residing in the great hall above the fireplace, was gifted to the Burnetts by the King along with the castle grounds in 1323. Tours of the castle are available at an additional cost. Outside the castle you can enjoy the large walled garden, woodland walks and restaurant.

After departing Crathes, we continue east along the North Deeside Road, returning to Aberdeen.

Please be aware that itineraries are subject to change without notice depending on seasonal opening times, weather, etc.