2.5
By its very nature the castle itself is inaccessible to many
Dunnottar Castle occupies a dramatic defensive position on the coast, south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is believed to have been fortified since the early Middle Ages. Bounded on three sides by the North Sea and cliffs, the landward side has steps down, almost to sea level before rising up to the gatehouse.
It is therefore, sadly, as inaccessible to wheelchairs as it was to Oliver Cromwell's troops as they laid siege, determined to get their hands on the Honours of Scotland (Scotland's Crown Jewels), which were smuggled out of the castle by the local minister's wife.
But, you can park and take the short walk down to a viewpoint overlooking the castle and the rugged coastline. It proves a pleasant place to sit on sunny summer day, meeting international tourists. Just be aware that it can be windswept with possible cold wind from the North Sea.
There are close on 200 steps, so only the most able stick, or crutch users, should attempt the descent and climb back up. The path to the viewing area is wide and only moderately bumpy, with one place where we turned around to tackle a ridge with the. bigger rear wheels. The good news is that there is only a charge for going into the castle, so you can view it from the landward side free-of-charge.
Dunnottar Castle occupies a dramatic defensive position on the coast, south of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. Not surprisingly, therefore, it is believed to have been fortified since the early Middle Ages. Bounded on three sides by the North Sea and cliffs, the landward side has steps down, almost to sea level before rising up to the gatehouse.
It is therefore, sadly, as inaccessible to wheelchairs as it was to Oliver Cromwell's troops as they laid siege, determined to get their hands on the Honours of Scotland (Scotland's Crown Jewels), which were smuggled out of the castle by the local minister's wife.
But, you can park and take the short walk down to a viewpoint overlooking the castle and the rugged coastline. It proves a pleasant place to sit on sunny summer day, meeting international tourists. Just be aware that it can be windswept with possible cold wind from the North Sea.
There are close on 200 steps, so only the most able stick, or crutch users, should attempt the descent and climb back up. The path to the viewing area is wide and only moderately bumpy, with one place where we turned around to tackle a ridge with the. bigger rear wheels. The good news is that there is only a charge for going into the castle, so you can view it from the landward side free-of-charge.
