Top 6 Castles around Methlick

Near Methlick, you can explore several castles with rich histories. Gight Castle Ruins, for instance, is a 16th-century L-plan tower house that was the ancestral home of the Gordon family and has connections to Lord Byron. Another notable site is Tolquhon Castle Ruins, a historical site where you can still see the original Forbes coat of arms carved in stone. Fyvie Castle is a magnificent fortress known for its Scottish Baronial architecture, antiquities, and a history spanning 800 years with royal guests like Robert the Bruce.

Yes, Fyvie Castle is considered family-friendly, offering not just the castle itself but also formal gardens and a lochside path to explore. The grounds often host events, and the woodland walk is suitable for families. Ellon Castle Ruins, while a ruin, is located within Ellon Castle Gardens, which are pleasant to walk around and feature old yew trees, making it a nice outing for families.

The castles around Methlick are often set amidst beautiful natural landscapes. For example, Gight Castle Ruins are situated along the River Ythan, part of the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Gight Woods Reserve, offering spectacular walking routes. Fyvie Castle boasts a picturesque lake and extensive gardens, including a woodland walk (Fyvie Castle Woodland Walk) with a bird hide for wildlife spotting.

Absolutely. The area around Methlick offers several walking opportunities. Near Gight Castle Ruins, you can find scenic walking routes along the River Ythan. Fyvie Castle features a dedicated woodland walk along its loch side, which is generally accessible. For more structured routes, you can explore various running trails around Methlick, including a moderate 12.7 km loop from Methlick that passes by Gight Castle Ruins.

Some castles are accessible by public transport. For instance, Tolquhon Castle Ruins can be reached by taking the 291 Stagecoach bus to East Newseat of Tolquhon. The castle is about a mile from the bus stop, and you can ask the driver to drop you at the path for the castle.

Visiting in spring allows you to see bluebells through the woods at places like Fyvie Castle. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While some castles may have seasonal opening hours, the ruins like Gight Castle Ruins are generally accessible year-round, though weather conditions should be considered.

While not a standing castle, the site of the **House of Kelly** in Methlick is a historical gem. Foundations with thick walls discovered in 1890 suggest the presence of an ancient fortified tower house, indicating its historical significance to the area. Gight Castle Ruins, though mentioned, can also feel like a hidden gem due to its atmospheric, ivy-clad state and rich legends.

Beyond walking, the Methlick area offers opportunities for cycling. You can find various MTB trails around Methlick, with routes ranging from easy to moderate. There are also gravel biking routes, including a difficult 76 km loop from Methlick that passes near Tolquhon Castle Ruins.

Visitors appreciate the historical intrigue and atmospheric ruins, particularly at sites like Gight Castle Ruins, which evoke a strong sense of the past. The scenic locations and opportunities for walks, such as the lochside path at Fyvie Castle, are also highly valued. The quiet locations of places like Tolquhon Castle Ruins contribute to an enjoyable and peaceful visit.

Yes, some castles have facilities or are close to amenities. Fyvie Castle has a cafe on-site. For other locations, you might find cafes or pubs in nearby villages like Methlick or Ellon. For example, Ellon Castle Ruins are in Ellon, which has various local establishments.

Gight Castle was the ancestral home of Catherine Gordon, whose husband, nicknamed 'Mad Jack Byron,' gambled away their fortune. The castle was sold in 1787 to clear his debts. Their son was the famous Romantic poet, Lord Byron, making Gight Castle a significant part of his family history.

You can visit Ellon Castle Ruins, which are a great piece of local history. The castle can be seen up close by visiting Ellon Castle Gardens, typically open on Saturdays and Sundays (an entrance fee may apply). The gardens themselves are pleasant, with the old yew trees in the center being a particular highlight.