5 Sights & Landmarks in Strathdon That You Shouldn't Miss

Reviewed By Neenthewaur - Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

This impressive mound, the Doune of Invernochty, with its huge outer battlement ring, sits just outside Bellabeg in the lovely area of Strathdon. Construction was begun by the mysterious Picts, but for over a hundred years from the 12th to the 13th Century, this fortification was the site of the first great castle of the powerful Celtic province of Mar, only replaced by a grander castle at Kildrummy, which is a few miles away. The mound had a moat and a church with a watchtower, though today its spectacular view is the best reward for the climb. There's a small car park just along the main road from the war memorial, and to get to the Doune, you cross the road and go alongside the edge of a field, before rising up the outer "wall" to a wooden gate which is easy to negotiate. The other way up is to come along the path from the white memorial and the famous "Lost" sign. This peaceful Memorial Avenue was created in 2015 and the 42 beautiful lime trees represent the number of local men from this tiny rural community who died in two world wars. In two places, on the older war memorial and the more recently-crafted sundial, the date of the first world war is given as 1914 to 1919 (not 1918 as elsewhere) and this is explained by the fact that some of the casualties of that conflict died of their wounds, long after the guns fell silent. It's an amazingly interesting and historically-valuable place to visit. Locals have created a pleasant walk round the back of the Doune to the small community of Roughpark, so that visitors don't face the challenge of the main road with its lack of pavement, and you are well advised to return by the same route for safety. There are information boards aplenty and lots to see and do. The car park toilets are very well kept, and there is a way down to the sparkling River Don nearby if you have the time.