Exploring the Gardens and Grounds at Castle Fraser
A National Trust for Scotland property in Aberdeenshire, Scotland
On a sunny May morning Matt and I decided to visit the gardens at Castle Fraser; a National Trust for Scotland property just over an hour’s drive from our home.
The castle is one of 19 castles on the Aberdeenshire Castle Trail; Fyvie Castle which we visited recently being another. It certainly looks impressive with its multitude of turrets and towers, surrounded by mature trees and gentle hills.
However it was the gardens and estate that we were keen to explore, and we chose to visit on a day when the castle itself was closed so the gardens would be quiet.
Walled Garden
Our first stop was the Walled Garden. This peaceful place contained a mixture of flower beds, ornamental shrubs, some fruit trees and bushes, vegetable plots and lawns with easy paths between them. There were a number of cosy corners to sit and enjoy the surroundings, and we enjoyed a flask of coffee in the glorious sunshine.
From one area of the garden there was a particularly fine view of the castle nestled on the hillside beyond the wall.
On the other side of the wall were some notable trees. Of particular interest was this young but already impressive giant redwood….
….and this enormous old monkey puzzle tree with a base that reminded us of an elephant’s foot.
The Orchard
After exploring the Walled Garden we visited the orchard, which consisted of a small collection of apple trees. Some of the tree varieties were labeled, but unfortunately not all, which was a little disappointing.
To us the most interesting thing in the orchard was the wonderful lichens growing on the fruit tree trunks and branches. Many were completely covered.
Alton Brae Trail
Leaving the orchard we decided to walk one of the two marked trails on the estate. We chose the 1.5 mile circular Alton Brae Trail which started and ended at the car park.
The trail set off gently through the estate, with many beautiful mature trees and cows grazing contentedly in the fields.
The trail soon began to drop down into a valley. As it wound its way through the trees, there were some fine views over the surrounding countryside to the Bennachie hills beyond.
On reaching the bottom, the trail led to a tranquil pond known as the Flight Pond. This pond is home to several species of damselflies and dragonflies, including the rare northern damselfly. We were not lucky enough to see one of those, but did see several dragonflies hunting above the pond.
A convenient bench was a good excuse to stop and have our packed lunch enjoying the view of the pond.
Leaving the pond the trail climbed gently back up through the woodland to reach some meadows. We were particularly impressed with the field of dandelion seed heads shown below.
Finally the trail passed through a gate to rejoin the woodland near the castle and car park. Here were more lovely mature trees with beautiful fresh spring foliage.
We thoroughly enjoyed our short trip to Castle Fraser, with the trail being the highlight of the day. I am sure we will visit again one day to explore the castle itself, see the Walled Garden in a different season and walk the other trail on the estate.
Read more about Castle Fraser at the National Trust for Scotland webpage here.
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