Pittulie Castle - Image 1
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Pittulie Castle

3.9
·21 reviews·, United Kingdom

A 16th-century fortified house ruin in Aberdeenshire, offering atmospheric exploration and unique architectural details.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry, sunny days

Easier field access

CrowdLow
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Pittulie Castle - Image 1

Pittulie Castle

Best Time

Dry, sunny days

Easier field access

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 16th-century fortified house ruin in Aberdeenshire, offering atmospheric exploration and unique architectural details.

3.9
(21 reviews)

"Explore the intriguing, overgrown ruins of Pittulie Castle, a historical gem requiring a walk through a farmer's field."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

You'll need walking shoes for the field path to the castle ruins.

🚁 Consider a Drone

Capture unique aerial shots of the castle and landscape.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

16th-Century Fortified House

16th-Century Fortified House

Explore the remnants of this historic fortified house, built by the Frasers of Philorth.

TikTok
Unique Architectural Features

Unique Architectural Features

Admire the oblong main block, square tower, low angle turrets, and peculiar rectangular oriel windows.

TikTok
Overgrown, Atmospheric Ruins

Overgrown, Atmospheric Ruins

The slightly overgrown nature of the ruins adds to their intriguing and atmospheric appeal.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Field Walk

Access to Pittulie Castle involves a short walk through a farmer's field, so sturdy walking shoes are a must. Be mindful of crops and the weather, as muddy conditions can make the path challenging. Reddit

Drone Photography Potential

While ground access can be tricky, drone footage offers stunning aerial views of the castle ruins and surrounding Aberdeenshire landscape. Check local drone regulations before flying. TikTok

Best Times

When
Dry, sunny days
Why
Easier field access
Crowd
Low
When
Late summer
Why
Barley fields less sensitive
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Pittulie Castle is a ruined 16th-century fortified house in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, built by the Frasers of Philorth in 1596 and later expanded by the Cumine family. Notable features include an oblong main block with a square tower at the northwest corner, low angle turrets, peculiar rectangular oriel windows in the tower, and a former courtyard. A dovecot and remains of farm buildings are locate...
@adventures.with.my.drone
34 likes • 287 views

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

You'll need walking shoes for the field path to the castle ruins. Reddit

🚁 Consider a Drone

Capture unique aerial shots of the castle and landscape. TikTok

🌦️ Check the Weather

Rain can make the field muddy and access difficult. Reddit

👀 Admire from Afar

If field access is not possible, enjoy the view from a distance. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear

You'll need walking shoes for the field path to the castle ruins. Reddit

🚁 Consider a Drone

Capture unique aerial shots of the castle and landscape. TikTok

🌦️ Check the Weather

Rain can make the field muddy and access difficult. Reddit

👀 Admire from Afar

If field access is not possible, enjoy the view from a distance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.9
(21 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Pittulie Castle to be an intriguing historical ruin, offering a glimpse into the past with its unique 16th-century architecture. The slightly overgrown nature adds to its atmospheric appeal. However, access requires a walk through a farmer's field, which can be challenging in wet weather, and some visitors have been unable to get close.

"Looks great, but it was raining and we didn't want to walk through the field. The rain did let up, and we sent the drone out for aerial video."

Trident YYZ

"The castle ruins were cool to stop by and explore. Is located down narrow farming roads and is located approx 150yards in the middle of a field - so have walking shoes! Is a little overgrown but that makes it more interesting. Lucky to get there on a good day. Can also see Pitsligo Castle from these ruins too, which is also cool to explore if you like Castles!"

Shannon Houston

"Couldn't get anywhere near it so just admired from a distance."

abbie abbie

What People Like

Atmospheric ruins
Unique architecture
Historical interest

What People Dislike

Field access challenges
Overgrown paths
Limited accessibility in rain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pittulie Castle is located down narrow farming roads in Aberdeenshire. Access requires a walk of approximately 150 yards through a farmer's field. Reddit

There is no designated parking directly at the castle. You will likely need to park on a nearby farm track or road and walk the rest of the way. Reddit

The path to the castle is across a farmer's field, which can be muddy and overgrown, especially after rain. Sturdy walking shoes are essential. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Pittulie Castle is a ruin and is generally accessible to the public without requiring tickets. However, it is located on private farmland. Reddit

As an open-air ruin on farmland, there are no official opening hours. Visitors can access it during daylight hours, but should be respectful of the land. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to visit Pittulie Castle, as it is an accessible ruin. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The castle ruins themselves offer great photographic opportunities. For unique perspectives, consider using a drone to capture aerial views of the structure and surrounding fields. TikTok

Drone photography is possible and can yield impressive results, as seen in some social media content. Always ensure you are aware of and comply with local drone regulations. TikTok

Pittulie Castle is ideal for historical, architectural, and landscape photography, especially with its atmospheric, overgrown ruins. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Pittulie Castle can be an interesting stop for families who enjoy exploring historical ruins. The walk through the field can be an adventure in itself for children, but ensure they have appropriate footwear, especially if it has been raining. Reddit The overgrown nature of the ruins adds a sense of mystery and discovery. However, due to the uneven terrain and the fact that it's a ruin on farmland, close supervision of children is essential. Reddit

Consider this visit as a short, exploratory stop rather than a long-term activity. It's a good opportunity to talk about history and the importance of respecting private property and the countryside. If the weather is poor, it might be best to skip this one to avoid a muddy and potentially less enjoyable experience. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Drone Enthusiasts

For photographers, Pittulie Castle offers a unique subject with its atmospheric, 16th-century ruins set against the Aberdeenshire landscape. The overgrown elements add texture and a sense of timelessness to shots. Reddit Drone pilots will find this location particularly rewarding, as aerial footage provides a dramatic perspective of the castle's layout and its integration with the surrounding fields. TikTok

Timing your visit for the 'golden hour' during a dry spell can yield stunning photographic results. Be mindful of the farmer's crops and always fly responsibly and in accordance with regulations. The ability to capture both ground-level and aerial views makes Pittulie Castle a compelling, albeit slightly challenging, photographic destination. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Ruins

Pittulie Castle is a fascinating ruin dating back to the 16th century, originally built by the Frasers of Philorth and later expanded by the Cumine family. TikTok The structure features an oblong main block with a distinctive square tower at the northwest corner. Look out for the low angle turrets and the peculiar rectangular oriel windows on the tower, which add to its unique architectural character. TikTok

The castle's current state is one of atmospheric decay. It's described as 'a little overgrown,' which many visitors find adds to its charm and sense of history. Reddit While you can explore the remnants, be prepared for uneven ground and potentially dense vegetation. The experience is more about appreciating the historical silhouette and imagining its past grandeur than a fully preserved site. Reddit

For those interested in local history and abandoned places, Pittulie Castle offers a glimpse into Scotland's past. Its location amidst farmland also provides a scenic backdrop, especially on a clear day. Reddit

Access and Visitor Experience

Getting to Pittulie Castle involves a bit of an adventure. The castle is situated about 150 yards into a farmer's field, meaning visitors need to walk across private agricultural land to reach it. Reddit This is why sturdy walking shoes are consistently recommended by those who have visited. Reddit The condition of the field can vary greatly depending on the weather; rain can make the path muddy and challenging, leading some visitors to admire the castle from a distance. Reddit

While the farmer kindly leaves the access open, it's crucial for visitors to be respectful of the land. This means staying on the path, not disturbing crops (like barley, as mentioned by one visitor), and leaving no trace. Reddit The experience is often described as 'not a bad place to stop by,' suggesting it's a worthwhile detour for those who enjoy exploring historical ruins and don't mind a bit of an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Reddit

Some visitors also note that Pitsligo Castle is visible from Pittulie Castle ruins, offering the potential for a combined castle exploration day if you're keen on historical sites in the area. Reddit

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