Craigievar Castle hill trail

Craigievar is one of Scotland’s best preserved castles, and it’s said to be the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Cinderella Castle! This walking route takes you to view the Castle before heading up into the surrounding woodland for picturesque views over the farmland, forest and mountains beyond.

It’s best to arrive at Craigievar by car as there are no direct public transport links. The entrance to the main drive is signposted off the A980 –  it’s important to only arrive via this North drive as the South drive is not accessible to the public and there is no parking available. As Craigievar is owned and maintained by the National Trust, there is a parking charge at the car park for non-members. There are toilets here before you start your walk, as well as a bin for dog waste.

There are 2 way marked trails at Craigievar – our route mostly follows the red hill trail, so you can easily follow the painted arrows and markers to help you stay on track through the woods. Beginning the walk from the car park, you’ll see the pink Castle a short way along the track ahead. The Castle operates guided tours only if you’d like to see the interior, between April and October, and it’s worth noting that advanced booking is not possible. Even if you don’t manage to tour the inside, the exterior of the Castle is stunning and there are information boards here that dive into its rich history. There is also a small kiosk and shop that opens during the same period as the Castle, should you like a light refreshment or a souvenir!

Passing the Castle, you’ll spot red arrows and posts leading you around the holiday cottages and buildings to begin the ascent past the kitchen garden into the woodland. There is a dog waste bin here should you need one, and as this is the point you’ll return to after walking through the woods it’s perfectly situated for either the beginning or end of your walk. Dogs must be kept on a short lead in the vicinity of the Castle, but can be let off lead in the woods.

We’ve marked this route as moderate due to the incline into the woodland and uneven ground throughout – take care in inclement weather or after periods of high wind, where you may find fallen trees across the path. The woodland trail is well-trodden, and there are a few red way markers ensuring you stay on course. At the edge of the tree line you’ll be treated to breathtaking views over the Cairngorms on a clear day. As you circle back through the trees, there is a the option to extend your hill walk or head back towards the Castle – this is signposted (see last photo in our gallery).