Unveiling the Secrets Behind The Traitors TV Series
Greetings, fellow adventurers! Today, as the UK eagerly awaits the season finale of The Traitors Season 2, I bring you an exclusive behind-the-scenes journey through the spellbinding landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, where this gripping TV series comes to life.
As a freelance tour guide, I embarked on a daring winter expedition to Ardross Castle and the surrounding area, determined to bring you an authentic Traitors location guide.
The world is saturated with newspaper and internet articles highlighting The Traitors' filming locations, for both the UK and US versions. It's crucial to acknowledge that many seem crafted from the comfort of desks in Edinburgh, Glasgow, London or even further away. These articles offer tidbits about Ardross Castle. You get the feeling the author failed to set foot in the rugged expanse of the Scottish Highlands, let alone the very heart of intrigue – Ardross itself. Misleadingly, some even place the castle near Inverness, a good 40-minute drive further south from the castle.
Traitor of faithful?
Armed with my familiarity with the area but lacking a visit to the castle, I decided to lace up my hiking boots and brave the wintry Scottish weather. My mission: to explore the castle estate and its surroundings, hunting for traitors, all for you. Consider me your genuinely "faithful" tour guide on this thrilling adventure.
The Traitors' Castle: Ardross Castle in Easter Ross
Let's start with the star of the show – Ardross Castle. Nestled a few miles north of the towns of Alness, Evanton, and Invergordon, Ardross Castle serves as the majestic backdrop for The Traitors. Standing tall against the Highland winds, this imposing baronial castle has been a witness to countless dramatic scenes that have kept us on the edge of our seats throughout the season.
Ardross Castle is no longer a private home but is instead a rather exclusive event and wedding venue. Online details reveal the castle can accommodate 41 wedding guests. Unsurprisingly, this means there is no public access to the castle. So you won’t be staying there anytime soon unless you are planning an expensive wedding. Or likely to get an invitation to a society bash.
Ardross Castle was once home to a drug-dealing baron
The castle we see today has an interesting history as the home of Alexander Matheson a successful Victorian entrepreneur and politician. His tea and opium trading in India and China was so successful it funded his ownership of a huge swathe of the Highlands almost from coast to coast. His opium operations in China were so lucrative and addictive, that the Chinese government blockaded the trade sparking the Opium Wars.
Whilst you might not be able to stay at Ardross Castle, you can stay in another Alexander Matheson property. Matheson’s Inverness townhouse opposite the cathedral is now a guest house called Strathness House.
Ardross Church:
This quaint church has become a pivotal setting in The Traitors. Mysterious masked figures sat upon its wooden pews in season 1. In the latest series contestants fired a crossbolt at their names imortalised in stained glass.
The church was declared redundant as the congregation declined. I discovered that it is now owned by the community and reinvented as the Ark. This allows its continuous use at the heart of the community. There is no open access but there are occasional open days so you can have a sneaky look inside.
The Graveyard:
Now, I never thought the graveyard missions took place in a real graveyard. That would be sacrilegious. However, when preparing for my trip I noticed a lonely graveyard close to the castle marked on the map. It took some careful route-finding before I stumbled across the graveyard. It is the private burial ground of the Matheson family. A granite memorial to Sir Alexander Matheson dominates the small graveyard.
The Hunting Lodge:
When I strapped on my walking boots and strode down the forestry path I never expected to find Claudia’s ramshackle log cabin. As I returned to the car I had given up hope. Then I noticed something a short distance from the track in amongst the trees. Could it be? I had walked this way earlier and noticed nothing.
Drawing closer, my hunch was confirmed. This was the hut used for the missions in both series. The film crew could have left just a few moments before. Closer inspection suggests it was erected for the programme rather than an original structure.
The Castle Forests:
When watching The Traitors you see lots of woodland around the castle. It is the perfect backdrop for many of the missions. There is an extensive network of paths and tracks throughout these woods where you can walk for several hours.
The Treacherous Beauty around Ardross Castle
Venturing beyond the castle estate, I discovered a world of untamed beauty. The rugged terrain, framed by the stormy Scottish sky, adds a layer of authenticity to the series. While the castle itself remains private, the surrounding landscapes offer a wild playground for those seeking an adventure reminiscent of The Traitors.
Loch Glass:
The serene waters of Loch Glass have witnessed their fair share of intrigue. Take a moment to absorb the tranquillity that contrasts with the on-screen drama. There are no burning wicker-man structures or contestants desperately trying to row boats in a straight line today. Loch Glass is six miles from the nearest village of Evanton. You can’t drive to the loch. You will need to park at Eileanach Lodge and walk for 30 minutes along a good track.
It’s worth the effort to get there as there is every chance you will enjoy the tranquil mountain scenery alone. And you can get up close to the folly known as Culzie Lodge, or the pink house.
River Averon:
You can follow the course of the River Averon, as it tumbles through the woodlands below Ardross Castle for many miles. When I visited, the river was a raging torrent enlarged by snow melt and recent storm rains.
Other Filming Locations Unveiled: A Trail of Intrigue
Some other filming locations feature prominently in the first episode when contestants arrive at the castle. They then reappear in each episode recap. However, they are not near to Ardross and are filmed elsewhere in the Highlands.
Glenfinnan and the Jacobite Express:
Contestants on this train, as they head to the castle, are hopelessly lost. The railway line is on the other side of the country. It’s more famous for appearing in numerous Harry Potter movies. But don’t let TV editing spoil the fun. You can ride the Jacobite Express steam train, as it chugs over the Glenfinan Viaduct. It’s up to you to decide if you are faithful or traitor.
Strathspey Heritage Railway:
Jump aboard the Strathspey Heritage Railway for a journey through time. This vintage railway has become a favourite spot for Traitors fans, offering a glimpse into the past while relishing the breathtaking Highland scenery. It runs between Aviemore and Broomhill with views of the Cairngorm mountains in the distance. Hop off the train at Boat of Garten station. This is a lovingly restored railway station complete with flowering hanging baskets. You will recognise it as the meeting place for The Traitors contestants.
A Winter Expedition: Stormy Skies and Hidden Gems
On a wintery day, I set out to capture the essence of The Traitors' landscapes. Battling the elements, I discovered an untouched side of the Highlands that transcends the confines of television. The biting wind, swirling mist, and dramatic cloudscapes enhanced the raw beauty of these locations.
Beyond The Traitors – Highland Magic Unleashed
Whether you're a die-hard Traitors fan or a wanderer seeking the untamed beauty of Scotland, these filming locations offer an enchanting adventure. The Scottish Highlands, with its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, deserves exploration beyond the TV screen.
A Note on Respect: Embracing the Scottish Countryside Access Code
As you plan your pilgrimage to The Traitors filming locations, remember that Ardross Castle is a private wedding and events venue, and people live and work in the surrounding villages. Please respect their privacy and adhere to the Scottish Countryside Access Code. Let's ensure that the magic of the Highlands remains accessible to all while abiding by the access code.
So, fellow explorers, pack your bags, brace yourself for the unpredictable Highland weather, and embark on a journey that transcends the boundaries of fiction. The Traitors Season 2 has unfolded its mysteries, and now it's time for you to create your adventure in the heart of Scotland's captivating landscapes.
Want to go on your traitorous adventure?
If you are thinking about going on your traitorous adventure to explore this lesser-known area of the Highland but don’t know where to start then get in touch. Whether you are a TV fan or just want to discover a different part of Scotland I can help plan and guide your private tour.
As an intrepid tour guide with a passion for Scottish history, folklore, and contemporary culture, I invite independent travellers to venture beyond the well-trodden paths. Whether you're an avid fan of The Traitors or simply seeking the raw beauty of Scotland, let me be your guide to this enchanting area. Contact me: andrew@glen2glen.com