Get out and about on the estate by taking one of our woodland walks to see red squirrels, or meander around the pond looking at the variety of wildfowl and dragonflies.
Take a look at our wildlife spotter’s guide
There are walks all around the estate, the pond and the shrubbery that are accessible and free to all.
Rodney’s Stone, an 8th-century Pictish monument, is situated on the castle entrance drive and is accessible on foot from the car park.
Brodie Castle Pond Walk
Enjoy a beautiful walk around the pond and see the ducks. We also have wildlife hides and some wooden carvings along the way.
There are a number of photo points along the way, part of our Brodie Castle Photo Trail. These posts have a groove cut in the top where you can rest your camera or pop your phone in to get the perfect snap of Brodie Castle & Estate. You can pick up a map from the Welcome Centre or use a QR code to access it on your phone.
Walk details
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Difficulty
Easy – buggy-friendly and flat
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Time
40 minutes
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Distance
1½ miles (2.4km)
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Ascent
99ft (31m)
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Start
Playful Garden
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Finish
Playful Garden
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Step 1
(1/9)The route begins at the Welcome Centre, from where you can enjoy a gentle wander around the Playful Garden – our family-friendly garden area and imaginative play zone.
When you leave the Playful Garden, stroll through our beautiful Victorian Shrubbery as you walk towards the castle beside the outer wall of the Playful Garden.
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Step 2
(2/9)The top corner of the shrubbery is great for seeing plant changes throughout the year. You’ll be able to see the large holly bush, which has leaves all through the year and offers a welcome splash of colour during the winter months.
Enjoy a beautiful view of the 16th-century Brodie Castle as you walk towards it.
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Step 3
(3/9)Head to the back of the castle, calling in at the Castle Café if you fancy some refreshments to fuel your walk ahead. The entrance to the adventure playground is just opposite the café entrance too.
Continue to walk around the castle, passing the sandstone stable block on your right.
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Step 4
(4/9)From the west wing of the castle, head down the West Avenue (awash with daffodils in March and April!) and then head towards our pond – you do cross a road so take care.
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Step 5
(5/9)Where the road crosses the burn, stay left and do not cross!
However, it is well worth pausing here to admire the view. If you turn to look behind you, the view up the lawn to the castle is truly stunning and you can admire the impact of the sunshine on the trees flanking the grassy centre. Depending on the time of day/year, you might get long shadows from the trees or you might enjoy some gorgeous golden light!
If you turn back around, you will get a lovely view of the pond ahead.
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Step 6
(6/9)As you reach the pond, head round it in a clockwise direction.
See the ducks and swans, admire our variety of trees, spot the wooden sculptures made by our Grounds & Estate Manager, and take a break in the hides to watch the wildlife.
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Step 7
(7/9)At the far end of the pond, the view of the castle framed by silver birches is beautiful.
The path carries on through the woodland and crosses a small footbridge.
Turn right here and follow the path back along the other side of the burn, ignoring various paths that spring off to the left.
Cross the small estate road again and rejoin West Avenue.
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Step 8
(8/9)After around 100m, veer off to the right on our Arrowhead path to meet our dragon in its lair, surrounded by fairy toadstools!
Follow the path through the woods, pausing to admire the horses owned by our staff and volunteers, before reaching the castle.
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Step 9
(9/9)Admire the front of the castle and get your photos, then walk down the main driveway back to the Welcome Centre and the Playful Garden Café.
