Corgarff Castle

Admire the splendid isolation of this castle, which is situated at the head of remote Strathdon. Originally a noble residence, Corgarff became an army base for hunting down Jacobite sympathisers and, later, whisky smugglers.

The star-shaped perimeter wall is the castle’s most distinctive feature. It was added when it became a military base. Reconstructed barrack rooms help you imagine life as a Redcoat stationed in this windswept spot in 1750.

Corgarff sits in a magnificent landscape on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park. Local wildlife includes roe deer and the mountain hare (or blue hare) with its distinctive white winter coat. Up above, listen for the characteristic warbling call of the skylark.