Castle Roy

Castle Roy is a 13th century ruined courtyard castle in Nethy Bridge with excellent views of the surrounding mountains.

We have visited Castle Roy on several occasions and have loved every single minute. It is easy to see why the spot was chosen to build a castle, as you can see for miles around.

The castle sits on a natural mound less than 1km south east of the River Spey and less than 1km north east of the River Nethy. The entrance is on the north east wall of the castle, from the car park you might be tempted to leg it up the hill and through the missing southern corner, but I would recommend walking around to the right.

Before we look inside the castle, let's have a brief look at the history. The lands of Abernethy were in the hands of the Comyns for most of the 13th and 14th century. That was until the early 1380's, when King Robert II granted the lands to his son Alexander Stewart, otherwise known as the Wolf of Badenoch.

As the monarchy had a habit of granting land, next up came Mary Queen of Scots, who granted it to her half brother James Stewart, the Earl of Moray in 1560. James then leased the land to the Grants and in 1592, John Grant gained the charter of the Lordship of Abernethy which was confirmed by James VI in 1609.

Time to take a look at the castle.

The entrance would have had a protective barred double door.

The courtyard is around 24m by 16m, surrounded by 2m deep stone rubble and lime mortar walls.

Archologists have found remains of the buildings that lined the curtain wall. They were used for storage, cooking, stables, accommodation. There was also bones of many domestic and wild animals found including rabbit and red deer, indicating that the residents had a better diet than me!

In the northerly corner you will find the tower, next to which is another entrance on the north west wall. The tower was two storeys with the ground floor used as a dungeon/prison and the first floor perhaps the guard's living quarters. The steps allow you to get a birds eye view into the courtyard.

In the south west of the courtyard is the garderobe, or loo to you and me. This indicates that the laird's accommodation would in this area, probably a two storey wooden structure.

Both inside and outside the castle are benches to sit and enjoy your experience in this wonderful location.

For years we were welcomed by Murdo the Highland Cow and his sheep buddy Buster. Sadly they are no longer with us, but there is a lovely tribute to the famous pair.

The community have become heavily involved with the natural environment around the castle. The Castle Roy Trust with the backing of Cairngorms Trust, Cairngorms National Park Authority and the Scottish Government have transformed the area into a wildlife haven.

They have created a pond and planted in order to attract an array of insects.

Information boards have been placed to describe their endeavours and maybe you can see how many species of bird, flower or insect you can spot.

While you are here, why not pop next door and visit the beautiful Abernethy Old Kirk. If you plan your day in advance you could gain access to the church.

Castle Roy is designated a Scheduled Monument with Historic Environment Scotland.