Scotland's Castle Trail - Aberdeenshire

The well-preserved ruins of Dunnottar Castle are perched on a dramatic cliff some 160 ft above the North Sea. This once impregnable fortress was visited by legendary historic figures including William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell and, in more recent times, Mel Gibson in Franco Zeffirelli's 1991 film, Hamlet.

If you're lucky, you may even see puffins or dolphins from the castle ramparts.

Crathes is a classic fairytale castle standing in superb grounds with a range of woodland trails on offer to help you explore. Inside, spiral staircases lead to rooms famous for their Jacobean painted ceilings and resident ghost, the Green Lady. Outside, the gardens feature large yew hedges and a colourful double herbaceous border. The wider estate offers six separate walking trails to enjoy, as well as a Go Ape! treetop adventure park and children's adventure playground.

Drum Castle combines a unique mix of a late 13th century tower, fine Jacobean mansion house and later Victorian additions. Superb furniture and paintings are on display while the estate's woodland trails and exceptional walled rose garden are well worth exploring.

About 16 miles west of Aberdeen, near Sauchen, stands Castle Fraser, one of the grandest castles of Mar. This magnificent building contains an evocative Great Hall, fine furniture and paintings. Enjoy the beautiful secluded walled garden, extensive woodland walks with fine views of the castle plus a children's adventure playground.

Described as one of the most beautiful castles in Scotland, Tolquhon Castle is an impressive ruin located just outside of Oldmeldrum, near Pitmedden. Admire the intricate carvings and fine detailing across the castle, explore inside the ruined walls, and see if you can find the secret compartment above the laird's quarters, where he hid his valuables. As you wander around the extensive castle grounds, look for the initials TL (Thomas Leiper) on the exterior of the main house - it was rare for a medieval architect to sign his work like this in these times.

Haddo House near Methlick is an elegant mansion house boasting sumptuous Victorian interiors beneath a crisp Georgian exterior. Noted for fine furniture and paintings, including artworks by Sir Thomas Lawrence and James Giles, the historic home designed by William Adam also has a terraced garden. Explore the grounds and adjacent country park with its lakes, walks and monuments.

Fyvie is an outstanding example of Scottish baronial architecture. Begun as a simple castle in the 13th century, five powerful families each added significantly to it until it reached its present form. Inside, the magnificent sweeping staircase is the most dramatic feature while many treasures are on display including a superb collection of arms, armour and paintings. You can also stroll around the loch or visit the racquets court and bowling alley.

The castle dates from the 11th century and is steeped in Scottish history yet still has a surprising lived-in atmosphere. It has some of the finest painted ceilings in Scotland and also boasts an award-winning restaurant and coffee shop.

Kinnaird Head Castle is now home to the fascinating Museum of Scottish Lighthouses. Built by the Frasers of Philorth in 1570 the castle was altered in 1787 to incorporate a Stevenson Lighthouse Tower, which is built through the heart of the castle. Take a tour of the museum to discover Kinnaird Head's fascinating transformation from castle, to lighthouse, to museum.

Duff House is one of Scotland's architectural masterpieces. This Adam-designed historic house is a treasure house and cultural arts centre operated by a unique partnership between Historic Environment Scotland, the National Galleries of Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council. It also boasts extensive grounds and woodland walks by the River Deveron.

Marvel at the lavish interiors, take a walk in the sprawling grounds and let the kids blow off steam in the play park.

Huntly Castle served as a baronial residence for the Gordons for five centuries and is remarkable for its impressive architectural features including fine heraldic sculpture and inscribed stone friezes.

Spynie Palace was the residence of the bishops of Moray for 500 years and its mighty tower house, David's Tower, was one of the largest in Scotland. It also had a bowling green and according to one account, a tennis court. The beautiful surroundings and wildlife make the palace a wonderful place to visit.

Balvenie Castle is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland. Originally the seat of the powerful Comyn Earls of Buchan, it later became the home of John Stewart, Earl of Atholl. The Stewarts changed the formidable medieval stronghold into a pleasing Renaissance residence.

Leith Hall is a typical Scottish laird's residence brimming with family treasures amassed throughout the lifetimes of 10 generations of the Leith-Hay family. The house was used as an auxiliary hospital during the First World War and an exhibition tells the story of military men and the part they played in battles through the decades. Enjoy a visit to the beautiful gardens with features including a Rock Garden restored to its original 1900s design.

This stronghold of the Earls of Mar dominates the landscape around Strathdon and, although ruined, it retains many fine features including its hall and chapel.

Set in a striking moorland setting, Corgarff Castle's tower house is surrounded by a distinctive star-shaped perimeter wall. View the reconstructed barrack rooms and feel the atmosphere of barrack life at the castle in 1750, when Government redcoats were stationed here.

Braemar Castle is the seat of Clan Farquharson and is best known for its unusual star-shaped wall. This 17th century stronghold was most recently furnished with many interesting curios in the 1950s by the flamboyant first wife of the Laird. Take a guided tour of the castle with a local volunteer or with an audio guide.

Royal Deeside is home to the famous Balmoral Castle, a firm favourite with the Royal Family. The estate has been in the family since 1848, after it was purchased by Queen Victoria. Enjoy a stroll around castle gardens, visit the ballroom and special exhibitions or relax with a drink in the coffee and gift shop.

Craigievar is one of Scotland's most iconic and best-loved castles. The riot of turrets, gargoyles and high corbelling work create the fairytale appearance which is said to have inspired Walt Disney. Visitors can also enjoy the fine grounds and waymarked trails surrounding it.