Discover Rafford

Explore Rafford through two themes for your trip: circular walks and architectural and memorial history. The routes differ in length and landmarks; the church and castle illustrate different architectural forms and phases. Rafford Parish Church was rebuilt in 1826 and altered and extended in 1907; Blervie Castle comprises the remains of a Z-plan fortified tower built by the Dunbars around 1600.

Circular Walks from Rafford

The Rafford/Califer Hill circular walk is 16 kilometres long and takes five hours. Along the way, it offers views of the Moray Firth and the Sutherland Hills.

A shorter four-mile circular route starts at Rafford Church and includes a viewpoint. The longer Rafford/Califer Hill circuit takes five hours and offers views of the Moray Firth and the Sutherland Hills; the shorter route covers four miles, starts at Rafford Church and includes a viewpoint. Check conditions and access arrangements for both routes before setting out.

Architecture of Rafford Parish Church

Rafford Parish Church is a Category B listed building. It was rebuilt in 1826; alterations and extensions followed in 1907.

Its architectural features include a three-storey tower with a dressed-stone parapet resembling a balustrade. Dressed stone is worked stone; the parapet’s form is reminiscent of a balustrade. The corners are topped with crocketed pinnacles.

Blervie Castle and Its Surviving Remains

Blervie Castle comprises the remains of a Z-plan fortified tower built by the Dunbars around 1600. The Z-plan describes the shape of the ground plan. The surviving parts include the west corner tower and fragments of the adjoining main block, which contained the former hall.

Rafford Parish Church and Blervie Castle offer different ways to explore architectural history: at the church, visitors can look at its reconstruction, extensions and tower design; at Blervie Castle, the focus is on the Z-shaped layout and surviving structural elements. Those interested in historic architecture will find more than a single architectural style or date.

Rafford War Memorial

Rafford War Memorial stands at the junction of the B9010 and Church Terrace. It is a pink granite obelisk with a carved stone wreath and a three-tiered base. The base bears dedications to those who fell in the First and Second World Wars.

The road names provide a specific landmark for the memorial’s location. Its shape, material and wreath define its appearance; the dedications connect the structure with remembrance of those who fell in both world wars. The memorial thus adds an explicitly commemorative site to the architectural themes.

Discover More Destinations

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For the main travel overview: Moray.