Finding Slains can be a bit confusing. We parked our car near the docks in Cruden Bay, where there are many beach homes and boats. There are no signs leading to the castle, so you will have to keep your eyes open. After we walked down from the castle, we realized that there was a much better place to park and walk from. But our way up was too adventurous to pass up!
We walked along the edge of the hill just up from the beach, when we came across a large valley, which we climbed down and up to get to the castle. It was messy, but FUN! Anyway, we got to the castle and we were STUNNED by its beauty! It is picture perfect! (Check out the other photo on my main Scotland travel page)
The castle was built by the Earl of Erroll in 1597 and was added to over the next twenty years. Because of its strange unsettlingly beautiful qualities of the ruins, it isn't surprising that Bram Stoker found inspiration from it for his story of Dracula.
One of the downsides of the castle is that it isn't part of any historic trust, so it isn't being cared for at the moment. Teenagers must hold wild parties out there because the area is littered with beer cans and other interesting discarded party items.
Directions:
On the south facing cliffs about a kilometer east of Cruden Bay. You can walk to it from the village itself, or from the slightly nearer car park at a bend on the A975.