3 Day Glaistig and The Green Lady Itinerary (Aberdeenshire)
Prepare to unlock a thrilling 3-day journey centring on the spectral elegance of Fyvie Castle, and a glorious Glaistig and Green Lady Itinerary, where you will step directly into the world of the noblewoman ghost story and chase the whispers of the mysterious, goat-legged faerie through surrounding Highland haunts.
Read about the Green Lady Folklore here Is she the benevolent protector of cattle, or the vampire siren who lures lonely travellers to their bloody end?
3 Day Glaistig (Green Lady) Itinerary
A car is essential for this type of 3 day road trip, as many of the castles and natural lochs are in remote areas with limited public transport,
Please check opening times as pre-booked tickets may be needed. Fyvie Castle and Crathes Castle are National Trust Scotland properties and may have seasonal opening times and hours.
Lets get going – Aberdeenshire is the most wonderful place to experience, dark skies, castles, countryside, coast and the city of Aberdeen. Nature and wildlife, history and heritage, what’s not to like. We begin our 3 day tour at Fyvie castle, you certainly will get a feel (well, not too close!) for the Glaistig here, I definitely did when I visited!
Day1:
The Lady and the Curse (Fyvie) Location: Fyvie Castle, Turriff. More Here or HERE
Morning
The Noblewoman’s Vengeance. Tour the castle with a focus on the Preston Tower and the Green Lady’s Room, where Lilias Drummond’s restless spirit is said to roam. Look for the infamous initials carved into the window ledge.With its fairy tale pink walls and overflowing antique furniture, this magnificent fortress will keep you spellbound but trust me there is so much more to see here. Accommodation.
Lunch
Enjoy local Scottish fare at Fyvie Village or Castle Café
Afternoon
Loch of Fyvie Circular Walk – The Water Spirit’s Domain. Walk around the picturesque, man-made Loch of Fyvie. This is a perfect time to reflect on the Glaistig’s origins as a fuath (a malicious water spirit). Imagine leaving an offering (like the traditional bowl of milk) for the spirit to secure safe passage. More Here
Evening
Return to accommodation (e.g., in Aberdeen or a local B&B). Research other castle curses and legends in the area
Day 2:
The Tragic Mother and the Coastal Threat (Deeside)
Morning
Crathes Castle, Banchory Here The Tragic Green Lady. Visit another famous Green Lady location. The ghost here is believed to be a young mother who died tragically, a tale given credence when a baby’s bones were found under a hearthstone during renovations. This location represents the shift from ancient spirit to human tragedy, and makes the legend all that more visceral, heart-rending, and terrifyingly real.
Lunch
Enjoy a meal in a small Deeside town. Banchory or Stonehaven have some choices. Stock up for tomorrows picnic Here
Afternoon
Muchalls Castle & Coastline. The Coastal Glaistig. Drive toward the coast to Muchalls Castle (note- Muchalls is privately owned and has limited opening, but you can view the exterior). The legend here speaks of a Green Lady who drowned in a cave while meeting her lover, connecting the spirit back to the dangerous, cold sea. Explore the rocky coast nearby to capture the sinister, blood-drinking vampiric faerie aspect of the Glaistig.
Evening
Return to Aberdeen or stay near the Cairngorms’ edge for an early start. Read about the ancient Scottish practice of leaving libations to placate nature spirits. More Here
Day 3.
The Wild Faerie of the Glen (Cairngorms National Park) Location:Lock Muick, Balmoral Estate.
Morning
The Guardian of the Herd. Drive into the Cairngorms National Park to visit a remote, natural loch. This area with its wild uplands, red deer, and cattle farms, is the classic setting for The Glaistig legend.- the half-woman, half-goat, guardian of the herd (Glaistig of Glen Loy. There is a circular walk here offering incredible but isolated scenery. The circular walk will take you through some fantastic scenery at any time of the year, and if you get to stage 3 you’ll pass one of Queen Victoria’s once used houses after her beloved husband Albert died. More Here
Lunch
Enjoy simple hearty, highland food. Picnic near Loch Muick or a local pub in Ballater
Afternoon
Ballindalloch Castle. The Quiet Watcher. Visit the third “Green Lady” associated castle in the Speyside area. The ghost here is often described as a quiet, detached observer, providing a stark contrast to the dramatic ghost of Fyvie and the tragic mother of Crathes. More Here
Evening
Begin your journey home or enjoy a final dinner in the Highlands, reflecting on the creature’s complex nature! Here
As many businesses may close through the winter months (after October) it is worth checking or booking a visit before you go. What ever way you are sure to have a fabulous time.
