Apple iPhone 8 Plus
Built-in Lens
Shutter Speed
1/800 sec
Aperture
f/1.8
Focal Length
3.9mm
ISO
20
The Walled Garden Path to Crathes Castle
@crazycatladyldn
The manicured gardens of this Scottish castle were planted as early as 1702 and they still serve as a pristine entryway to the 16th-century, terra cotta-colored palace. The regal, yet charming, grounds allow you to capture a fairytale scene as you walk along the path and admire the centuries of opulent history.
Plan
Overview
Skill level
Easy
Accessbility
Public Location
Hours
Walled Garden opening hours:
Jan-Jan 31: 11AM-4PM Sat & Sun
Feb-Mar 31: 11AM-4PM Thurs–Mon
Apr–Oct 31: 10:30AM–5PM Daily
Nov-Dec 31: 11AM–4PM Thurs-Mon
Fee
13£
Pack
- Mobile phone
How to get there
N57° 03' 40.5756"W2° 26' 17.9412"
This image was taken on the grounds of Crathes Castle in The Walled Garden. I stood facing directly west, toward the castle, to get this perspective.
The castle's website provides a few modes of transportation, but the easiest way to get here is by car. The website says, "The entrance to the castle and grounds is via the signposted main drive off the A93. If you travel by bus it is a 1 mile walk from the driveway entrance to the ticket office, café and gift shop. Please note that some sat nav systems may direct you via private roads; the co-ordinates for the entrance to the drive are: 57.056667 & -2.426428".
After entering the grounds of the castle, head to The Walled Gardens and reference the GPS coordinates to find the exact spot where I stood.
For additional transportation methods, check out this website: https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/crathes-castle/planning-your-visit
Address:
Crathes Castle Banchor, Aberdeenshire AB31 5QJ
Tips
When to go
Best season
April, May, June, July, August, September
Best time
Morning, Mid-day, Late afternoon
The late spring, summer and early autumn months are the most suitable times to photograph The Walled Garden at Crathes Castle. During these seasons, the mornings and evenings are lighter, the weather will be pleasant and the tree hedges will be lush.
For similar conditions, go to the castle in the morning, midday or late afternoon to get the best light. In the morning, the grounds will be the most quiet.
Make sure to visit when the sun is out and there aren't many clouds in the sky. The castle will look more vibrant on a sunny day because the sun will make the color of the concrete appear warmer.
Field tips
Stand slightly behind the arched greenery. You can incorporate the archway in the top of your image to frame your photo.
Align yourself so you're in the center of the pathway. This will create a sense of symmetry that guides the eye to the focal point of your shot: the castle.
Another view that's worth photographing is of The Walled Gardens from inside the castle. It's a truly picturesque scene!
Current weather
Aberdeenshire
Overcast
52o
F
Wed
62o
50o
Thu
61o
48o
Fri
62o
48o
Sat
57o
49o
Sun
53o
39o
Blue Hour
02:56
52o
Overcast
Sunrise
03:49
52o
Overcast
Golden Hour
19:25
52o
Overcast
Sunset
20:25
52o
Overcast
Do nearby
Go inside the castle on a guided tour. The interior is just as, if not more, impressive than the exterior. I highly recommend the tour! If you're there in October, they even have a special ghost tour for Halloween.
Visit the nearby town of Banchory. It's beautiful and it has some lovely places to eat.
If you want to see more castles, check out the Drum Castle, Craigievar Castle and Castle Fraser.
Locations nearby
