Corgarff Castle
Aberdeenshire, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Aviemore, 22.3 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
8m, on the A939, W of, Strathdon AB36 8YP
Telephone 01975 651460
More castles in Aberdeenshire →
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Corgarff is a small tower house set inside a star-shaped defensive wall, preserved to reflect its later use as a government garrison in the years after the 1745 Jacobite rising. It's a modest site by design - reviewers say the scale is part of the appeal, not a shortcoming.
Worth the trip
The star-shaped outer wall itself, an unusual defensive layout that sets it apart from the region's other tower houses.
Before you go
It's a genuine hill climb to reach from the car park at the bottom - around 15 minutes on a grass track - and it's seasonal, so check ahead before a winter visit, as the exterior walk is really all that's available out of season.
Visitors like the unique star-shaped defensive wall and well-preserved tower house, and most find the short uphill walk from the car park manageable and worthwhile for the views and information boards. A couple of reviewers note the castle could do with a freshen-up compared to older photos, there's no gift shop, and dogs aren't allowed inside.
Tower within star-shaped wall; seasonal opening
“Very well preserved Tower house and star shaped defensive wall. It is preserved as a British garrison at the time just after the Jacobite uprising of the '45.”- John Irvine, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Parking at the bottom and not too far to walk to the top, 15 minutes or so on a grass track” - Scott Walmsley
Common questions about Corgarff Castle
Where is Corgarff Castle?
Corgarff Castle is in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at 8m, on the A939, W of, Strathdon AB36 8YP.
Do you need a ticket to visit Corgarff Castle?
Yes - Corgarff Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Historic Environment Scotland. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Corgarff Castle?
The star-shaped outer wall itself, an unusual defensive layout that sets it apart from the region's other tower houses.
Is Corgarff Castle a ruin or still intact?
Corgarff Castle is largely intact - Tower within star-shaped wall; seasonal opening.
