Drumin Castle

May 5
2 min read

Drumin Castle stands on a steep ridge overlooking the Livet and Avon, built in the late 1300s for the powerful Stewart family and later held by the Gordons. Though now a ruin, its thick stone walls, vaulted cellar, fireplaces, and surviving parapet fragments give a vivid sense of medieval life. The site is peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a short wander with a strong sense of history.

Highlights

14th‑century tower house originally four storeys high, with walls up to 3m thick on the lower level.
Vaulted cellar a large medieval storage chamber still intact beneath the ruin.
Stewart & Gordon connections built for the Stewarts in the 1370s; taken by the Gordons in 1490.
Mary, Queen of Scots link her forces seized the castle in 1562 after the defeat of the Gordons.
Stunning setting sits above the confluence of two rivers with sweeping views across Glenlivet.
Quiet, low‑crowd site a peaceful stop compared to busier Moray castles.

Practical Information

Location: Near Glenlivet, Moray
Access: Short uphill walk from the small parking area; uneven ground around the ruin.
- Disabled - There is a car park further along which give instant access tot he castle
Opening: Open year‑round; unmanned site.
Facilities: No toilets, café, or shop on site.
Safety: Steep drops around the promontory; supervise children closely.
Nearby: Glenlivet Estate walks, the Livet Distillery, and the Drumin community gardens.

Tips for visitors

Wear sturdy shoes — the slope up to the castle and the ground around the ruin can be muddy or uneven.
Bring a camera — the views over the Livet and Avon valleys are some of the best in Moray.
Pair with a Glenlivet walk — the estate paths make a great half‑day outing.
Visit early or late for the most atmospheric light and near‑guaranteed solitude.
Read up before you go — as an unmanned site, there’s no on‑site interpretation, so a little background makes the visit richer.

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Disabled Parking

Ferghas' Adventures

Ferghas the Highland Coo clambered up the winding path to Drumin Castle, his hooves thudding softly on the mossy ground as the great stone tower rose above him like a giant watching over Glenlivet. At the top, the wind tugged at his shaggy fringe and carried the roar of the River Livet far below, making the whole hill feel alive with secrets. Ferghas trotted through the broken doorway, exploring the cool shadows of the old vaulted cellar and peeking out through arrow‑slit windows that once guarded the valley. When a glint of sunlight flashed from a crack in the wall, he nudged it with his nose and uncovered a tiny carved symbol — a forgotten mark left by someone long ago. With his tail swishing in excitement, Ferghas realised Drumin Castle wasn’t just a ruin; it was the beginning of a brand‑new quest waiting for a brave coo adventurer