Renting a car in Scotland and touring the natural and amazing surroundings is the highlight of most vacations in Scotland. Cheap Scotland car rental is effortless and available in all major cities. Here is a suggestion for a three day castle exploration.

Day 1
Stating from Glasgow or Edinburgh, link up with the A93 at Perth and follow it through Glenshee, to Braemar, the eastern entryway to the Cairngorm Mountains. Go to see Braemar Highland Heritage Centre and 17th century Braemar Castle, which is at this time managed by the local community. Carry on the A93 to Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria’s ‘dear cloud nine where everywhere you look seems to breathe sovereignty and tranquility. Further east, the old royal station at Ballater consists of a royal carriage and royal waiting room built for Queen Victoria.
You can expose further ancient history at the Kinord Stone, a 9th century Celtic symbol stone in Muir of Dinnet National Nature Reserve before leaving the A93 for the A97 up to Strathdon, where a dumpy alternative route will bring you to the ruined 16th century Glenbuchat Castle, now protected by Historic Scotland, who also take care of dazzling Corgarff Castle, a 16th century tower house set in untamed landscape in Upper Strathdon on the A939 to Tomintoul.
Take a breather at the base of the Lecht pass to visit the Lecht Mine - active during the 18th and 19th centuries.Go on to the intended 18th century village of Tomintoul with its square, museum, Telford church and manse.

Day 2
Set off the day from Tomintoul and go north on the A939 and take the right hand turning after Bridge of Avon. Just by the road is Fodderletter Lum - located there by early road menders to provide warmth at night. Keep on Strathavon and turn left onto the B9136 to fantastic 15th century Drumin Castle, sometime home of the Wolf of Badenoch.
Continue to Bridgend of Glenlivet and turn right onto the B9008 to the ancient Livet pack horse bridge after quarter of a mile. Continue to Auchnarrow and take a left turning signposted Chapeltown and Scalan.
Park at the end of the road and walk a mile on level ground to uncover the glorious Forbidden College of Scalan where Roman Catholic priests were trained in secret during the 18th century. End the day at Grantown and take pleasure in an evening of local hospitality.

Day 3
From Grantown, head south and maybe visit brilliant Castle Roy by Nethybridge on your way to the ruined 18th century Ruthven Barracks near Kingussie, which were built following the first Jacobite uprising.
From here it’s on to Clan MacPherson Museum at Newtonmore, where you will also find part of the multi award winning stunning Highland Folk Museum where a 1700s township has been recreated.
Conclusively head south past Dun da Lamh Pictish Hillfort at Laggan Bridge before taking the A9 south to Blair Atholl and amazing Blair Castle, home of the Atholl Highlanders - the only remaining private army in the UK.