Brodie Castle now has two orienteering courses and a free photo trail thanks to The National Trust for Scotland

Visitors will appreciate a local castle even more thanks to two new attractions designed to encourage exploration.

The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) has launched a free photo trail and two orienteering courses at Brodie Castle, showcasing the wider estate and beauty of the surrounding landscape.

NTS operations manager, Pamela Hill, pointed out there are many “incredible spots” to take photographs of the castle, gardens and pond.

She said: “We can’t wait to see the photographs that visitors share using our new hashtag #BrodiePhotoTrail.

“Local bushcraft instructor and wildlife photographer, Will Hall, has helped us design the photo trail spots to allow both beginners and more experienced photographers to capture the spectacular views.

“We’re proud of how of the orienteering courses have turned out and we are already receiving positive feedback.”

The photo trail includes ten marker posts, modified to function as a camera or phone stand, allowing visitors to take perfectly angled photographs of the castle, grounds, and pond in the background.

The marker posts will help visitors capture the most photogenic views of the castle and landscape, with a map and photography tips provided by the filmmaker to get the best shots.

In addition to the photo trail, Brodie’s team has designed two orienteering courses now registered on British Orienteering website in partnership with Moravian Orienteering Club.

A short beginner’s course is available for all ages and abilities, following a path around the castle grounds.

The more advanced course leads orienteers around the wider estate and pond.

Course maps are available from the Welcome Centre, and a QR code provides a digital map. The orienteering course does not require compass reading skills, but participants can download a compass app provided to enhance the experience.

Visitors to the ancestral home of the Brodie clan for over 400 years can also enjoy guided tours of the castle which houses a collection of furniture, ceramics and artwork, including works by 17th century Dutch masters, as well as a library which boasts over 6000 volumes of literary works.

Families can also enjoy the Playful Garden that explores the Brodie family history in a fun-filled way.

Visitors to the castle can participate in the trails at no additional cost. Parking is free for National Trust for Scotland members and £5 for visitors.

Ms Hill finished: “It’s thanks to the continued generosity of our members and supporters that we’re able to continue our work to care for, protect and share Scotland’s cultural and natural heritage for everyone to enjoy, now and into the future.”

Further information about Brodie Castle and Estate is available at https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodie-castle.