Exploration
A land rich with history, conveniently criss-crossed with countless beautiful walking trails. Why not dust off your walking boots and give these routes a try?
Think of rural Scotland and it's hard not to conjure up images of vast lochs and rolling hillsides and, yes, castles too.
Dotted around the wilds of Scotland, some of the country's best qualities are reflected in these moat-fronted relics of the past.
Many worth the trip alone, others just the cherry on the cake after a good scenic saunter, here we present the best short hikes around castles.
1. Kilchurn Castle, Loch Awe
Distance: 7 miles
Perched on the northernly point of the Loch
'Awe' being the operative word when it comes to its ruggedly stunning location, this partially ruined 15th century castle was once the seat of the Campbells of Glenorchy, among the most powerful Scottish clans of their time, and features an intact tower.
The hike begins after Dalmally Bridge and will lead you through the valley towards Kilchurn. Continue along the trail towards Stronmilchan Village and head in the direction of Ben Cruachan and Ben Einidh. Once you reach the River Strae, the road will turn and eventually reach the main highway. Head south west, cross two more bridges and you’ll reach the access point for Kilchurn Castle as the route loops in on itself.
2. Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Caithness
Distance: 6 miles
This highly unusual ruin looks like it would be more at home in a certain high fantasy HBO drama rather than just a few miles down the road from Wick in Northern Scotland. Well here's a spoiler for you: it’s actually two structures in one (Sinclair *and* Girnigoe).
Once listed by the World Monuments Fund in the top 100 Most Endangered Sites in the World, it dates back to the 14th century. Seriously, if you like your castles mysterious and built on a rocky outcrop in the sea, look no further.
Beginning just outside of Staxigoe, the best hike will take you right along the cliffside leading to the castle, before circling back around. Take care not to go tumbling into the sea and make sure to bring some firm shoes as the terrain can be very boggy. If it’s a clear day, you’ll have some fantastic views of the castles and their respective backgrounds.
3. Dunnottar Castle, Stonehaven
Distance: 3.5 miles
Not satisfied with just one island-based ruin? Fine. It’s bigger! It’s badder! It’s…older? Dunnottar is arguably the most well-known castle on this list and has seen its fair share of major historical events: dating back to the 4th century, it was captured by William Wallace, visited by Mary, Queen of Scots and by her successor James VI.
Another coastal walk but a goodie. You’ll start in Stonehaven Harbour, where the initial park will be well marked. Once again keep away from the cliffsides and take care with the initial inclines. You'll be treated with views of rock stacks and arches, while the impressive castle will begin to reveal itself as you turn along the track. If you’d prefer to return to Stonehaven faster, you can simply hug the verge on the main road back.
4. Bothwell Castle, Uddingston
Distance: 6 miles
Find it here
Not every castle has to be tucked away deep in the countryside to provide a visual treat. Bothwell Castle, made out of distinctive red sandstone on the outskirts of Glasgow, is perched on a bend of the River Clyde. Still bearing the battle scars of the many sieges it faced hundreds of years ago, it's a gem.
The best hike involves making the full or partial way around Strathclyde Loch, which is a clear, marked walkway. When you’re finished, cross over the motorway bridge and take the short trip through the urban area and climb the hill towards the castle. In many ways, especially for city dwellers, it's the perfect quick trip due to the accessibility of the location and simplicity of the route.
5. Urquhart Castle, Inverness
Distance: 8 miles
Find it here
Back up in the highlands, Loch Ness plays host to this rocky ruin. The history at Castle Urquhart is actually a little more pleasant than most of the doom and gloom on this list: St. Columba supposedly performed miracles at Castle Urquhart, while the site was fabled for acts of chivalry and defiance.
You’ll definitely be won over by the gorgeous view over the Loch and nearby hills. To experience it, link up with The Great Glen Way starting at Fort Augustus. Roughly eight miles (the distance can be extended if you pick up the path further along). Either way, it’s a hugely varied and rocky route so bring your 'A' game. You can even choose to walk a higher version of the same route, if you’re down for a bit more climbing.
6. Castle Neidpath, Peebles
Distance: 4 miles
Find it here
Akin to a medieval Studio 54, Neidpath was once a who’s who of the Scottish elite, including the Hays and the Douglases. It may be one of the smaller castles showcased here, and probably more of a summer retreat than military fortification, but it has also been the location of the occasional siege or skirmish. However, it seems to have been more of a summer retreat than a fully operational castle.
Nestled on the shore of the River Tweed, the castle is best experienced through the path originating from Kingsmeadow car park. The hike winds through the marked route before crossing the river and then descending in a southerly direction through the woods. At the confluence of Tweed and Manor water, turn left and make sure you cross the old bridge. The route will then return you to your start point if you follow the signs.
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7. Castle Stalker, Port Appin
Distance: 2.5-3 miles
Suggested Hiking Times: 1.5-2 hours
Find it here
Monty Python made this particular castle an extremely recognisable location for comedy fans around the world. There are literally books written on the real history of Castle Stalker, but its appearance as the ‘The Castle of Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh’ in The Holy Grail is difficult to top. Alright, one fact. Remember the Campbells form Kilchurn Castle? They actually murdered the Lord of Stalker Castle in the 16th century while he was fishing nearby. Small world!
The extremely rural nature of this caste and its proximity to a plethora of boggy marshes means there is only one recognised route. Head across the lengthy jubilee bridge the boardwalk near the coastline. Be aware, the castle is not accessible at high tides so make sure to plan your trip. They’ll be wonderful views of Loch Laich if you do.
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8. Castle Threave, Dumfries
Distance: 3.5 miles
Suggested Hiking Time: 2 hours
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Remember Archibald the Grim? This was his cosy looking pad in the 1300’s. Receiving this moniker from his English enemies on account of his frightening appearance, Archibald of the brilliantly named House of Black Douglas, oversaw the construction of this tower house which was also one of the first of its kind in Scotland.
The Threave Estate walk is a varied route but is helpfully signposted most of the way round. Starting from the Threave Castle car park, you’ll push on through the muddy terrain until you reach the River Dee and eventually the Castle. This is a flat track, so it’s suitable for everyone and can also be extended by following the full circuit if you’d prefer to take in a little more of the surrounding marshes.
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9. Hermitage Castle, Roxburghshire
Distance: 4.5 miles
Suggested Hiking Time: 3 hours
Find it here
The castle advertises itself as the ‘guardhouse of the bloodiest valley in Britain’. With such a glowing recommendation, I’m sure you’ll be dying to check this location out. The Hermitage Castle is perhaps best known for being where Mary, Queen of Scots met her (not so) secret lover when he was stricken with injury. Its foreboding design gives off a rather brutalist vibe, which is such a contrast to the external grounds.
Parking is located close by the Hermitage Water, and it is only a short distance to the castle. The trail then continues north, rising up the banks of the valley. This is a fairly steep walk so be prepared for a brief uphill struggle. Continue along the path and you will eventually descend the hill other side– make sure to turn left on the path once you reach Braidlie to end up back at the car park.
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10. Torwood Castle, Denny
Distance: 3 miles
Suggested Hiking Time: 1.5-2 hours
Find it here
A well-preserved castle that was once the seat of the Crown’s Royal Forrester, Torwood has slowly slipped out of mind over the years. An interesting architectural note here is that this was one of the first quasi-castle’s which gradually began to transition in to more open pla- Oh. The Hike. Right.
This should be an interesting route with plenty of forest, open fields and of course a castle to boot. Although Torwood itself is undergoing a slow restoration, it can still be viewed if you head borth from Denny into Pamphell goat Wood. Press forward through the trees and you’ll eventually find the circuit within the brush. There are multiple routes here so feel free to have fun and mix it up a little.
11. Blackness Castle, Bo’ness
Distance: 5.5 miles
Suggested Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
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Castle Blackness is favourite location for filmmakers. Its high walls and integrated dock make it the lovechild of one Scotland’s most dominant major families. The Crichton’s built the castle to assert dominance and control over Lock Lomond and the immediate landmass. Famously resembling a huge stone ship, it almost feels like the castle would put up a decent defence in even a modern-day siege.
The hike begins near Bo’ness and is again a coastal route. Showcasing delightful sights of the natural surroundings, the route is a well-marked and well-trodden path that you shouldn’t have any trouble following. Trek across the flat surfaces at a decent pace and you can extend this walk after the castle along the coast. There is some loose ground so firm footwear recommended.
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12. Noltland Castle, Westray, Shetland Isles
Distance: 4 miles
Suggested Hiking Time: 2 hours
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The Shetland Isles seem like the back of beyond for those us from more populated areas. To be honest, you must really, really like castles if you go this far to see one. It’s totally worth it though, how many of your friends have been there? The result of intense political intrigue, Noltland was a built as a defensive unit meant to withstand potential assaults.
The hike begins at Ladykirk and is set up as a circuit route. It first reaches over the fenland on a worn path heading to the castle, which is flanked by the important archaeological find known as the Links of Noltland. You’ll head down to the beach and look across the expansive North Sea before heading back.
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