What are the grounds of Lickleyhead Castle like?
Raspberries, blackberries apples and plums can be picked if you come in the right season
A long woodland driveway shelters the castle from sight or sound of the already sleepy Highland village of Auchleven. The only sounds you will hear as you stand in the garden are the tweets of varied bird species, running water in the two burns or the sheep in the distant fields. Butterflies, such as red admirals, are seen in great abundance during the warmer months. Before the sun goes down, make sure to pick fruit such as wild raspberries or plums for your dessert! Evening brings out the pipistrelles and the barn owls. Unlike in western parts of Scotland, biting insects are not generally a problem and it is comfortable to sit outside in the barbecue area over a drink. There you can enjoy the night sky in its full glory; light pollution free. The colder months bring their own delights. The changing colour of the leaves is very attractive. In winter, red deer come down from the higher slopes of Bennachie to feast upon the exposed green grass in view of the ruined arch.
What is there to do in Aberdeenshire?
Information on other activities is available upon request or in the selection of brochures kept in the castle. Please go to www.visitscotland.com for more information.