Renting a car in Scotland and touring the untamed and dazzling surroundings is the highlight of most vacations in Scotland. Cheap Scotland car rental is straightforward and available in all major cities.

Here is a suggestion for a three day castle exploration.

Day 1

Stating from Glasgow or Edinburgh, connect with the A93 at Perth and follow it throughout Glenshee, to Braemar, the eastern access to the Cairngorm Mountains. Drop in on Braemar Highland Heritage Centre and 17th century Braemar Castle, which is at present administered by the local community. Continue on the A93 to Balmoral Castle, Queen Victoria’s ‘dear bliss where everywhere you look seems to breathe free will and peace.

Further east, the old royal station at Ballater consists of a royal carriage and royal waiting room built for Queen Victoria. You can reveal additional 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 stunted detour will bring you to the ruined 16th century Glenbuchat Castle, now protected by Historic Scotland, who also keep amazing Corgarff Castle, a 16th century tower house set in uncultivated scenery in Upper Strathdon on the A939 to Tomintoul.

Pause at the bottom of the Lecht pass to visit the Lecht Mine – active during the 18th and 19th centuries.Continue to the intended 18th century village of Tomintoul with its square, museum, Telford church and manse.

Day 2

Start off the day from Tomintoul and go north on the A939 and take the right hand turning after Bridge of Avon. Just next to the road is Fodderletter Lum – positioned there by early road menders to provide warmth at night. Continue down Strathavon and turn left onto the B9136 to amazing 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 discover the excellent 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 stunning 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 superb 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 fantastic Blair Castle, home of the Atholl Highlanders – the only remaining private army in the UK.