Ythanの洞窟・トップ6

ブラム・ストーカーは、クルーデン・ベイとニュー・スレイン城の周辺で多くの時間を過ごしました。彼はそこで有名な小説『ドラキュラ』のインスピレーションを得ました。🧛‍♂️ 断崖絶壁に沿った素晴らしい散歩道なので、クルーデン・ベイからのアクセスをお勧めします。

The first building on the site of New Slains Castle was constructed for Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll, following the destruction of the original Slains Castle. Named Bowness, it was located on a sea cliff close to what is now the village of Cruden Bay. Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll, a convert to Roman Catholicism, had conspired with other Catholic nobles, including the Earl of Huntly, with whom he joined in a brief rebellion in 1589. Erroll was also a signatory of the "Spanish Blanks", documents signed by members of the Catholic nobility of Scotland, and otherwise left to be filled in with the terms of Spanish aid. Erroll was declared a traitor in 1594, and Old Slains Castle was destroyed on the orders of King James VI. After a period abroad Erroll returned to Scotland, and abjured Roman Catholicism in 1597, subsequently returning to royal favour. He abandoned Old Slains and built a courtyard and square tower on the present site, around 1600.

Surprised at how open to the public this is given its proximity to the cliff edge and how perilously perched one of the rooms is over the water below. I'm usually one to scoff/rail at over-eager H&S regs but in this case, I reckon closing off at least part of the castle might be in order. A fence at/around the headland wouldn't go amiss either. Approach at your own risk!

Don’t get confused with Slain’s Castle, which is further north :-) Very nice walk though!

Back open since lockdown and masonry inspections. Check historic Scotland for opening times. I visited again in August 2023. Youll find a surprising amount of castle to see!

Ruins of a 13th-century castle. The castle initially belonged to the Comyn, Earl of Buchan. However, in the 14th century, it was forfeited by the Comyns. As a gesture of appreciation for Sir Gilbert Hay's assistance against the English, Robert the Bruce granted the castle to him.

Tolquhon Castle remains seem quite impressive. Unfortunately the grounds are closed, so can only observe the castle from the street. Still a good spot to leave the car for a walk. https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/tolquhon-castle/

Originally constructed in 1597 by the Earl of Erroll the castle has seen many modifications and rebuilds over the last 400 years. The castle was eventually abandoned in 1925 and the roof removed to avoid having to pay taxes. You can visit the ruin and view it for the nearby cliff paths. This highlight is at the closest point on good road suitable for road bikes. You can get much closer if you're happy to ride up the track or push/walk.