Corgarff Castle
A white tower castle on the moors with a star-shaped outer defensive wall. Used as a barracks and a base against smugglers in the 18th century, it is a highlight stop on the Snow Roads scenic route.
Corgarff Castle stands on the moorland of the upper River Don, about 25 km north of Ballater. Its 16th-century tower house has been painted white, which makes it stand out sharply against the open heather slopes. After the Jacobite uprising failed, government troops added a distinctive star-shaped defensive wall and converted the castle into a barracks. It was later used to suppress illicit whisky distilling. The interior has been restored to show soldiers' barrack rooms and officers' quarters. The castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland, admission is charged, and it is usually open only from April to September with limited opening days, so check the official website before you go. From Ballater, it is about 40 minutes' drive along the A939 Snow Road, and it can be combined with a visit to the Lecht Pass.
Opening hours
Apr–Sep approx. 09:30–17:30 (some days closed)
Nearby sights
- Balmoral Castle
- Crathie Kirk
- Royal Lochnagar Distillery
- Lochnagar
- Braemar Castle
- Ballater
- Braemar & Braemar Gathering
- Loch Muick