Attractions and Places To See around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes - Top 20

The region is rich in history. You can visit Deer Abbey, a significant historical site that was home to Cistercian monks for over 300 years. Other notable historical locations include Rathen Old Kirk (St. Ethernan's), one of Aberdeenshire's oldest churches, and the ancient Cairn of Memsie. Cortes also features the granite-built Regency mansion, Cortes House, and remnants of ancient stone circles.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. Aden House Ruins are located within Aden Country Park, which offers additional attractions, walks, a cafe, and a visitor centre, making it a great day out for families. Drinnie Woods Picnic Area provides easy access to woodland walks suitable for all ages.

The area offers diverse natural beauty. Mormond Hill, standing at 769 feet, is a prominent feature, known for the White Stag hill figure. You can also explore the Rathen Burn, a local waterway, and Cairnbulg Point on the coast. The Drinnie Woods area, accessible from Drinnie Woods Picnic Area, provides opportunities for woodland exploration.

The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, with routes like the White Cow Wood loop or the Rattray Head Lighthouse loop. For road cycling, options include loops from Fraserburgh to Deer Abbey or Pennan Village. Explore more routes on the Hiking around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes guide.

Yes, for scenic views, consider visiting Drinnie's Wood Observatory. This tower, originally built in 1845, offers a raised platform to observe the surrounding estate and landscape. Mormond Hill also provides elevated perspectives of the area.

For easy walks, you can explore the White Cow Wood loop or the Rattray Head Lighthouse loop, both offering gentle terrain. The Drinnie Woods Picnic Area serves as a starting point for easy woodland walks. More options are available in the Easy hikes around Rathen, Memsie And Cortes guide.

The Formartine and Buchan Way is a long-distance path that follows the route of a former railway line. The site of the former Rathen railway station is now an access point to this path, offering opportunities for walking and cycling through the Aberdeenshire countryside.

Mormond Hill is a prominent landmark in the region, standing at 769 feet. It is notable for the White Stag of Mormond, a distinctive hill figure created with quartz stones, which was initially laid out in 1870. The hill offers scenic views and is a popular spot for walks.

Beyond the more well-known sites, Memsie is home to the ancient Cairn of Memsie, indicating historical significance. In Cortes, the name itself is believed to derive from a Gaelic word meaning 'circle,' possibly referring to the remains of a recumbent stone circle, with another stone circle found at Cortie Brae. These offer a glimpse into the area's ancient past.

Visitors appreciate the blend of historical sites and natural landscapes. The ruins of Deer Abbey are often highlighted for their historical significance and peaceful atmosphere. The Drinnie Woods Picnic Area is valued as a convenient starting point for exploring the woodlands, and the impressive frontage of Aden House Ruins within Aden Country Park is a popular draw.

Yes, the region features some interesting architecture. The Pitfour Bath House (Temple of Theseus) is a unique, albeit dilapidated, bath house built in a Greek style by a lake, offering an unexpected architectural find. Cortes House, a granite-built Regency mansion from 1810, also stands out.