An inspirational place, a joy to admire and wander around.It was the first castle on our list of ‘must sees’ during a weekend get away in September.We had both seen Dunnotar from the approach path but had never gone in – and you can only really fully appreciate it with a full visit.
We weren’t long back from Norway and what we really missed over there was being able to visit atmospheric ruins, stately castles and homes and the like which of course are littered throughout Scotland.So this weekend away was to satisfy our thirst for the ancient and historic.
Daunter really is an amazing sight on the Aberdeenshire coast, sitting on its craggy cliff.We were so lucky to get mostly dry weather for the visit, just a brief shower, though the paths were quite slippery after a lot of rain.It’s much bigger too than I thought, once we got into the grounds.A lot to wander around and take in.
Our Historic Scotland membership gave us ‘free’ entry. Really good value.
It’s a short drop from the car park, on a good path , right down to a pebbly beach before the steps begin, taking you inside the castle walls. There’s an App now that allows you to hear the fascinating history on your phone.
As always with these castles, the grounds are manicured around the ruined walls, really setting it all off. The views way down to the pounding sea below and along the cliffs was wonderful.What a spot – no wonder they chose it.
We spent about an hour just strolling in and out the various buildings, admiring the ancient stone walls and listening to the history.The sea swirling below constantly fascinated me I must admit.Even saw a couple of seals hunting near the rocks.
It’s not as vertiginous a castle as Tantallon near Edinburgh which is also on the most magnificent site.
Well worth the trip up from Glasgow already and a great first castle on our weekend away.
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scotlandmac and Annetravelsandhikes
I've always felt the need to record travel and walking experiences, initially through photos and now through this site. It helps me re-live memories of some of the truly wonderful places which I have been privileged to enjoy. So far, my travels have taken me to a fair proportion of Southern Europe/the Mediterranean; the Alps; to South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia, with lots of time on safari; and a little hiking and exploring in the Canadian Rockies, California, Utah and Arizona, Iceland and Norway. Greenland and Spitsbergen was a dream which I fulfilled a couple of years back too. I visited Alaska in 2024 also and it was magnificent.I’ve enjoyed exploring much of Ireland too. My heart, however, will always be in Scotland which I still think is the most beautiful country I've seen anywhere.
I love giving advice in Tripadvisor's Scotland Forum, under the scotlandmac moniker, about how to see the best of Scotland.
I was lucky enough to escape the rat race 10 years ago, when an early retirement option came up and I waved goodbye to a long career which included teaching English and also being a Manager in Local Government. My passion is the Great Outdoors, walking and wildlife watching as well as taking photographs. I also enjoy ancient villages and pretty towns, great cities and gardens, old churches , castles and art galleries. And good food! And most of all, enjoying time with my two now grown up adult sons as they build their own lives and memories.
There are a growing number of walks described in the blog but I am not some Wild Woman of the Mountains, fearless and intrepid (I wish). I suffer from vertigo which has got worse as I've got older so any walks herein, do not include anything scary. I avoid these types of experiences like the plague!
I really hope my ramblings help and please drop me a line if I can help in more detail in any way.
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