Tower near Tarves, Aberdeenshire
★★
The Prop of Ythsie (pronounced “EYE-see”) was built in 1861 in memory of the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, on a low hill overlooking Tarves village amidst gentle Formartine countryside. From the car park it’s only a short walk to the base of the tower. From here, 91 steps separate you from extensive views over rural Aberdeenshire towards distant villages and hills. 91 pitch black, spiraling steps, covered with twigs and bird droppings… OK, perhaps you should bring a torch, although it’s not quite as bad as Hopetoun Monument down in the Scottish Lowlands.
Location
Off minor road 1 mi east of Tarves
O.S. Grid Reference: NJ 884315
GPS coordinates: 57.373532,-2.194062
Bus to Tarves (1 mi)
Car park at
NJ 882307 /
57.366959,-2.198163
Key info
Always open
Free
From the car park it’s a 15-min walk (each way) uphill to the tower, on a track then a muddy path (⬤ Easy).