Grampian Escapes

17/07/2025

We had a mystery tour today, which took us to Elgin Cathedral and the Biblical Gardens. A beautiful, contemplative garden tucked away behind the Cathedral.

17/07/2025

We've received a few requests for our Aberdeen City Food tour this year, so we have decided to release a few select dates for this summer. This tour had previously only been available by special request, but as there seems to be a demand we will make it available as a public tour for a trial period.

Join us on a delicious stroll through Aberdeen’s city centre, where rich history and local flavours go hand in hand. With plenty of tasting stops, hidden corners, and engaging tales, this tour offers a real flavour of Aberdeen — past and present. Bring your appetite and your curiosity!

15/07/2025

Set in the heart of Tarland, the Howe of Cromar Parish Church has been a focal point of the community since the early 1800s. Built in 1798 and later remodelled in the 19th century, it’s a fine example of rural Scottish parish architecture—simple, elegant, and full of history.

Surrounded by beautiful countryside and the quiet charm of Tarland, it’s the perfect stop for those exploring the heritage of Aberdeenshire.

13/07/2025

When it's toasty outside (a balmy 27 Degrees) then its time to seek some cooler locations. For us, that would be a stop at the Muir of Dinnet nature reserve and the Burn O'Vat. The Vat acts like a natural refrigerator with the cool granite walls and the burn trickling through it. The perfect opportunity for a mini adventure and cool down.

03/07/2025

We had a moment between rainy days to visit the Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve. There is a magical quality to taking a wander through the woods around the loch and on the hill. Especially when the heather is in bloom. Then, we are rewarded with this stunning view.

28/06/2025

It had been a long time since we visited Braemar castle in Aberdeenshire. What a treasure the castle is!

Braemar Castle is a 17th-century castle with a colourful past. Built by the Earl of Mar in 1628, it has been hunting lodge, fortress, garrison, and family home.

A worthy stop for anyone who loves family legacy and a peak in a property you could almost move back into and call home. 🏰

26/06/2025

On a beautiful sunny afternoon, our guests from Switzerland were able to enjoy the beautiful Aberdeenshire countryside, including a look at the statuesque St Palladius Church near Auchenblae.

St. Palladius is recognized as the first bishop sent to Ireland and is also associated with early Christian missions in Scotland. He is considered an apostle to the Scots and is believed to have preached in the Mearns area.

22/06/2025

We visited the East Aquhorthies stone circle yesterday, and there was a hive of activity! A few visitors there due to the Solstice, but a herd of coos were watching us intently and followed us along the fence. What do you think we're all taking photos of?

21/06/2025

Perched just a mile northwest of Kemnay, Fetternear—aka the Bishop’s Palace—is a striking medieval ruin with deep roots dating back to the 1200s . Originally a summer palace for the Bishops of Aberdeen, it later became the Leslie family’s grand seat in 1566. A devastating fire in December 1919 destroyed much of the estate. The mansion is fenced off and only viewable from the front, but several architectural features are still visible, including the fine coat of arms belonging to Patrick Leslie above the front entrance.

19/06/2025

Standstill Moon Magic

Every 18.6 years, something truly special happens in the skies — the Major Lunar Standstill. At this rare moment, the Moon rises and sets at its most extreme points on the horizon.

Some of our Recumbent Stone Circles (RSCs) seem perfectly placed for this event. The large recumbent and flanking stones may frame the Moon just as it touches the horizon. Even more fascinating, 12 of these sites have mysterious cupmarks carved into the stones — right where the Moon rises or sets during this standstill!

Unlike the Sun’s yearly cycle, the Moon moves fast — shifting its rise and set points each month. But over 18.6 years, those limits drift... and return. When they’re at their widest apart, we get the Major Standstill — a celestial event ancient people may have been tracking in stone.

16/06/2025

Doing something you love, such as painting en plein air, is something that appeals. Sadly, I am not artistically inclined, but I do enjoy a bit of bird or wildlife spotting. There is a growing trend of visitors combining their hobbies and passions with travel and there is a new term has been used to describe it; Hobbidays. Combining a holiday with a hobby.

So the questions is, where would you go and what hobby would you want to do while on holiday? I'll go first: orca or sealife spotting in Shetland.

16/06/2025

In our latest blog post we look at options for Hobbidays in Aberdeenshire. Where would you go and what hobby do you want to pursue?

There’s a growing trend in travel that’s all about doing what you love while exploring somewhere new—and we’re here for it!