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All the United Kingdom Scotland Portsoy Findlater Castle

Findlater Castle

These ruins are a hidden gem, complete with fantastic views over the cliff edge.

Portsoy, Scotland

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Beautiful!   nicolegalbraithx / Atlas Obscura User
Inside the main structure, opens to cliff side- Be Careful!  
  conlyn55 / Atlas Obscura User
View East along the coast from Findlater Castle ruins   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
Yes, that is a drop to the floor below!   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
The treacherous route out to the castle   katielou106 / Atlas Obscura User
  conlyn55 / Atlas Obscura User
  conlyn55 / Atlas Obscura User
Side view from the top of the hill and part of the trail to get to the castle   atozenith / Atlas Obscura User
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Findlater Castle dates back to the 13th century. The beautiful ruins are built into the cliff edge on a small peninsula, some 50 feet or so above the water and rocky beach below, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Scottish landscape.

The name of the castle is believed to come from the Gaelic fionn leitir, which means "white cliff" referring to the quartz in the rock. The structure that remains today dates from a 14th century reconstruction after the castle had been taken over by Viking invaders. The dovecot nearby has been dated to the 16th or 17th centuries.

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Castles Ruins

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It's located two miles from Cullen and has brown tourist attraction signs leading to the car park. The address will take you to a small car park by a farm. Walk behind farm and down the track by the beehive dovecot. At the end of the track you will see the castle over the edge. A trip down to the castle is definitely worth it as the best views aren't seen from the top view point. Be careful as path is steep and cliff edge exposed at some parts.

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Published

April 3, 2019

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Findlater Castle
Findlater Castle
Barnyard of Findlater
Portsoy, Scotland, AB45 2UD
United Kingdom
57.692451, -2.77036
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Nearby Places

Bow Fiddle Rock

Portknockie, Scotland

miles away

Boyne Castle

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

miles away

Dandy Lion

Elgin, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 799
Stories 49

Nearby Places

Bow Fiddle Rock

Portknockie, Scotland

miles away

Boyne Castle

Aberdeenshire, Scotland

miles away

Dandy Lion

Elgin, Scotland

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Scotland

Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 799
Stories 49

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