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Beaches:Fraserburgh beach is just 5 minutes drive from the house up the A90. It forms a 3 mile crescent of golden sand. The beach is said to be one of the finest in Scotland.
Cycling: Just up the road there is a fabulous disused railway track (the Formartine and Buchan way). The last passenger train ran on the 4th October 1965. It stretches for 50 miles from Aberdeen to Fraserburgh and makes an ideal cycle track. It passes by fields of sheep and cows with distant views of the sea. A particularly good choice for cycling with children.
Celtic Stone Circles and Cairns: The area around Cortes is a favourite with archaeologists (Cortes means "circle" in Celtic) with many stone circles dating back to prehistoric times. The nearest is at Memsie (2 miles away). This great cairn of bare stones (24 metres in diameter and 4 metres high) is the sole survivor of 3 huge cairns. Another example can be seen at Strichen where the circle apparently dates back to the second millennium BC.
Clay Pigeon Shooting: Stands for novices and experienced shots, suitable for men, women and children aged 8 and above. Kingscliff sporting lodge near Ellon is a 70 acre playground in the heart of Aberdeenshire. 25 clays for £40pp or 50 clays at £65pp. They can also provide Quad Biking and Paintball. Tel: 01651 806375.
Go Ape - Crathes Castle: Up to 3 hours of tree-top fun Go Ape is classed as a tree-top adventure. They take one lush, green forest and a healthy dollop of breathtaking scenery, blend with a smattering of tree-top high wires, tricky crossings (using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire) and wind-in-your-face zip wires; finished off with a liberal dose of people in search of their inner Tarzan. The Go Ape experience gets you outdoors in the fresh air and above all (no pun intended), it’s just great fun. Cost: Gorillas (18+yrs) £30pp and Baboons (10-17yrs) £20pp Tel: 0845 643 9314
Golf: The North east corner of Scotland is a paradise for golf lovers. Within a half hour drive of Cortes House there are several golf courses, including the Royal Tarlair at Macduff and the internationally renowned Cruden Bay course. Prices listed are indicative at time of printing
Royal Tarlair Golf Club, Macduff (a spectacular cliff top course) Tel:01261 832897 Weekday - £20 a round or £25 day
Weekend - £25 a round or £30 day
Club Hire: £5 a set
*Special deals are available for groups of 8 or more – 2 rounds of golf and catering for £37/£47 a head week/weekend
Cruden Bay Golf Club, nr Peterhead (61st best course in the world, Links Magazine) Tel: 01779 812285 Weekday - £80 a round or day
Weekend - £85 a round Club Hire: £35 a set per round
Fraserburgh Golf Club (the world’s 7th oldest golf club) Tel: 01346 516616 Weekday - £38 a round or £48 day
Weekend - £46 a round or £56 day
Club Hire (incl trolley): £12
*Special group packages can be arranged on request
Duff House Golf Club, Banff (a lovely open course by Duff House) Tel: 01261 812062 Weekday - £30 a round or £40 day
Weekend - £36 a round or £50 day
Lochter Adventure Activities: The range of activities at Lochter Aberdeen are so extensive that you will need more than one visit to get through them all. In fact, once you have been to Lochter, you will return again and again! Karting on Lochterstone, Obstacle Driving, 4x4 Blindfold Off Road Driving, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Segway, Archery, Rifle Target Shooting, Mini Highland Games, Target Golf, Loch Trout Fly Fishing, Digger Driving, Sumo Wrestling, Zorbing. Tel: 01651 872000
Mormond Hill: To the south of Cortes lies Mormond Hill, on the slopes of which a hill figure known as the White Stag of Mormond, marked with quartz stones, was first laid out by Mr F. W. Cordiner of Cortes House to mark his wedding in 1870. There is a nice walk up and around Mormond Hill. North East Falconry Centre - Huntl:. Spectacular falcons, Owls, Hawks and Eagles are permanently on display. The breathtaking flying demonstrations offer a unique photo and video opportunity. Adult £5.95/ Concessions £5.25/ Children £3.95
Sightseeing and fishing trips - Puffin Cruises offer daily sightseeing and fishing trips from Macduff Harbour along the scenic Moray Firth coastline which has an abundance of sea and bird life that includes gannets, puffins, whales and dolphins. On these trips you can often see Bottlenose Dolphins, Seals and Harbour Porpoise. Minke Whale can also be seen on this part of the Moray Firth during the Summer months. The
bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth are the most northerly resident group of bottlenose dolphins in the world and a vital part of Scotland’s natural heritage. We have negotiated a 10% discount with John from Puffin cruises Tel: 07900 920445 or 01261 832425 - Please mention Cortes House when booking
Sightseeing: On the 3hour trip you sail to Troup Head, the R S P B
site which is home to 4,000 plus gannets and is the only gannet colony in
mainland Scotland. In Summer, approximately 22,000 guillemots, 2,000
razorbills, 15,000 pairs of kittiwakes and 2,000 pairs of fulmars are present
along with smaller numbers of puffins and shags as well as seals and hopefully
dolphins! Cost: £25.00 for 3 hours and £14.00 for children under 16
Sea Angling
You can do three and five hour Sea Angling and Mackerel
fishing trips. Former fishing boats like Puffin are very stable and provide an
excellent platform for fishing. They take parties of up to 12 with
a minimum of 6. Cost: 5 hour trip £30 per person or 3 hour trip £25 per person plus Rod
Hire £5.00 and Rigs £1.50
Places to Visit - Castles
Cairness House - Near Fraserburgh: One of the finest neoclassical houses in Britain. Neglected for 60 years, and currently undergoing major restoration. Containing a fine collection of furniture and works of art. By appointment only. Tel: 01346 582078
Castle Fraser - Inverurie: one of the grandest of the Scottish baronial tower houses dating from 16th century. Walled garden and forest walks. Tel: 01330 833463
Craigievar Castle - Near Alford: A fairytale 17th century castle home to a fine collection of family portraits and original plaster ceilings. Tel: 013398 83635
Crathes Castle - Near Banchory: Fairytale-like turrets, gargoyles of fantastic design and the ancient Horn of Leys given in 1323 by Robert the Bruce are just a few of the features of this historic castle dating from 16th century. Tel: 01330 844525
Drum Castle - Near Banchory: 13th century square tower. With superb furniture, fine paintings and magnificent views
Duff House – Banff: The grandest classical country House built on fresh ground in the 18th century. With beautiful grounds, golf course and tea rooms.Tel: 01261 818181
Fyvie Castle – Fyvie: Furnished castle in large grounds with oldest parts dating from 13th century, superb collection of arms, armour and paintings. Tel: 01651 891266
Haddo House - Near Ellon: Elegant Mansion house noted for its fine furniture and paintings. situated within Haddo Country Park with lakes and walks. Tel: 01651 851440
Huntly Castle – Huntly: Impressive ruin. 12th century motte, 16-17th century palace block. Tel: 01466 793191
Kildrummy Castle - Strathdon: Ruined castle from 13th century. Tel: 01975 571331
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