A short circular walk to Braco Castle
Distance: 3 miles
Time: 1hr 30 mins
Terrain: surfaced tracks through wood, parkland and fields.
The walk begins at the boundary of Braco and follows the river Knaik to Braco Castle.
In July and August there are many wild raspberries and blueberries, later in the year you can also find plenty of brambles. We love to pick these delicious berries and after the walk we make jam or compote from them. Of course, we test some of the berries while on the walk!
The walk is easy and would be fine on rainy days or even in winter. Some benches on the way invite you to take a short break or a picnic.
Castle Braco was built in 1600 by the 3rd Earl of Montrose for his 2nd son and through the following centuries the castle was rebuilt by several owners.
The Garden is open for visitors from March to October. Many rhododendron grow in the garden and an ornamental pond with terrace borders and shrub and herbaceous plants are worth seeing. In spring the snowdrops and bluebells are amazing.
The walk is also worth it even if the garden isn't open. Along the river and between the fields you can enjoy nature and perhaps you can pick a little bunch of wild flowers. We made a nice Scottish dessert with the raspberries and blueberries after this walk: it is called Cranachan.
The recipe comes from Jamie Oliver.