Summary
I had never been more appreciative of the heated seats in our rental vehicle, particularly given the early morning departure to visit Crathes Castle in Scotland.
The temperature had dropped sharply during the night and, as we re-entered the car, it was genuinely pleasant to avoid the discomfort of icy leather seats as we journeyed towards Aberdeen.
We only had one scheduled stop, which was at Crathes Castle on the west coast of Scotland.
Having a rental car afforded us the flexibility to make spontaneous stops along our route!
Thus, we seized the opportunity for a brief pause (it was conveniently on our path) in the charming village of Fettercairn, which we had discovered the night before at our hotel.
Upon arrival at Crathes Castle, we chose to fully engage with the expansive grounds of the castle by participating in the Go Ape experience.
Prior to this, I regarded Go Ape as a rather enjoyable activity reminiscent of an adult playground; however, it serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for increased physical fitness.
This was only my second experience with Go Ape – the first being for a celebratory event – but I adapted quickly, remembering to leverage my legs while climbing rather than relying solely on upper body strength, a technique I also learned from climbing Italy’s Via Ferrata and ice climbing in Canada.
We swung from tree to tree, crawled through intricate areas, and ziplined throughout the grounds of the castle, all while competing creatively to see who could navigate the course with greater finesse!
*Spoiler alert: neither of us succeeded; you can view our attempts on our Instagram stories.
Engaging in Go Ape at Crathes Castle in Scotland provided us with not only excitement but also a memorable overview of the landscape.
Crathes Castle boasts stunningly vibrant gardens which significantly enhance its allure.
We commenced our visit with a stroll through the garden, surrounded by beautifully fragrant flowers and relishing the final moments of summer sunshine before the arrival of winter.
As we navigated through the gardens, it became evident that autumn was gradually setting in; the changing colors rendered the gardens even more enchanting.
It was a moment of utter bliss.
Indeed, Crathes Castle merits additional time for exploration when visiting!
The castle’s exterior may appear unassuming at first glance, yet do not underestimate the wealth of history and architectural splendor within.
As we strolled through the gardens, it was easy to appreciate that autumn was gradually claiming its vibrant hues, enhancing the charm of the gardens.
Culinary Experience at Chop Grill & Bar
After our castle exploration, we ended the day with an exceptional dinner at Chop Grill & Bar, an establishment that surpassed any previous dining experiences in Aberdeen.
The ambiance was unlike any other encountered before, characterized by a sleek, modern aesthetic reminiscent of trendy establishments found in London or Manhattan.
Commencing our dining experience, we indulged in innovative cocktails and a charcuterie board, before diving into the main courses. I opted for a steak while Lloyd savored the chicken and ribs – I, of course, had to sample a little of his dish (for the sake of research!).
We accompanied the meal with a delectable selection of cocktails, progressing to scrumptious desserts, which included sticky toffee pudding for me and a delightful white chocolate cookie for Lloyd.
Consequently, we concluded our day and this magnificent road trip across Scotland.
Expeditions that explore familiar locales (like Scotland) while uncovering captivating hidden gems are experiences I cherish. It is immensely fulfilling to blend the known with the novel, and the freedom provided by a vehicle has become a hallmark of my travel adventures.
If you plan to venture this way, please feel free to reach out through Instagram or email with any inquiries you may have about undertaking this adventure or road-tripping in Scotland.
