16 Popular Castles on the West Side of Scotland
Scotland has a wonderful range of castles. The castles range from fairytale palaces to historic battlefield forts.
Also, Scotland is famous for its hundreds of castles. Some of the castles are preserved very well.
Recent trips through Loch Lomond National Park, Glencoe, North Coast 500 and Isle of Skye have influenced me to write about the amazing sights on the west coast.
You might stumble across a castle ruin during a hike or you can take a guided tour around one of the palaces.
There is so much history to explore in the Scottish castles on the west side of Scotland. Also, the castles are a haven for those who love history and taking photographs.
Eilean Donan Castle
Location: Car Park at Eilean Donan Castle
This fortified castle was constructed in the mid-13th century. It stood guard over the lands of Kintail.
The castle to connected to the mainland by a three-arched stone bridge.
It is a romantic castle set in a fairy-tale background by the loch side. Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most photographed castles on the west side of Scotland.
This castle is present on posters or websites that advertise the attractive sights of Scotland. When the sun sets, the glorious lighting makes the castle glow and it is a breathtaking site.
The castle has been reconstructed many times. Now, it is in impressive condition and has been well-maintained.
Throughout the centuries, Eilean Donan Castle has been destroyed by various raids and sieges.
In 1719, the castle was partially destroyed during a Jacobite uprising. Lieutenant Colonel John MacRae-Gilstrap contributed to the reconstruction of the castle.
There is a large car parking near the castle, also, there is a new visitor centre. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.
Entry to the castle for an adult costs £10. This is one of the most popular sights in Scotland. You will see busloads of tourists stopping to view the magnificent castle.
Nearby Accommodation: Eilean Donan View
Culzean Castle
Starting Point: Culzean Castle Country Park
This building is one of the most fairytale-looking castles on the west side of Scotland. The golden yellow sandstone exterior is very well maintained.
The castle was built between 1777 and 1792, with later refurbishments in the 18th century. Robert Adam is the famous architect who is behind this masterpiece.
He travelled widely across Europe and it is believed he got his inspiration from Rome and Greece. Culzean is the former home of Marquess of Ailsa, the chief of Clan Kennedy.
The castle was gifted to the National Trust Scotland in 1945. The top-floor apartment of Culzean Castle was made available to General Dwight D Eisenhower. This apartment was given as a reward for his duties during World War Two.
The castle is now cared for by the National Trust for Scotland. It is part of a 260-acre estate with lovely gardens, beaches, woodlands and trails to explore.
There has restricted opening times and entrance charges apply. You can get a guided tour around the castle. On the tour, you can learn about the best features of the castle, the oval staircase as well as a fine collection of paintings and furniture.
Culzean Castle and Country Park is a lovely stop on The Coig, The Shiel road trip.
Nearby Accommodation: Royal Artillery Cottage
Inveraray Castle
Location: Car Park at Inverary Castle
Inveraray is one of Scotland’s finest stately homes and it is a great castle on the west coast of Scotland. The castle is located on the shores of Loch Fyne, approximately 60 miles northwest of Glasgow.
Inveraray Castle was built between 1746 and 1789 and was an ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll, Chiefs and the Clan Campbell.
The Campbells resided in the area since the 15th-century. There is lots of information here, you can learn about the history of the area and there are lots to see.
Inside the enchanting manor is an equally spectacular interior. You can visit the famous Armoury Hall. In the hall, there is 1300 pieces of Brown Bess muskets, Lochaber axes and 18th-century Scottish broadswords.
Moreover, there is a marvellous genealogical display in the Clan Room.
There is a small tearoom which offers light refreshments. Moreover, there is a gift shop which sells a range of quality Scottish items.
Also, you can view preserved swords which are from the Battle of Culloden. Outside, the castle has a beautifully maintained gardens.
Inveraray Castle is a stunning spot on the Argyll Coastal Route.
Nearby Accommodation: The Old Jail Apartment
Kelburn Castle
Location: Kelburn Castle & Estate
This castle is located in North Ayrshire. It is another unique castle as there are funky drawings on the exterior of the castle. Originally, the castle was built in the 13th century and is one of the oldest castles in Scotland.
In 2007, the owners of the castle learnt that the outer concrete facade would need replacing. This led to a graffiti project by Brazilian artists to decorate the exterior of the castle.
It is an excellent way to combine modern art with history. The mural is now recognised as one of the world’s top 10 examples of street art by author and designer Tristan Manco.
Moreover, Kelburn has stunning woodland with lots of trails to explore. You can climb up the glen to get wonderful views across the Firth of Clyde and over to the Isle of Arran.
Kelburn Castle and Estate are open daily from Easter to October. There is a car parking fee of £5. Entry to the grounds is free.
Nearby Accommodation: Beach House
Kilchurn Castle
Location: Kilchurn Castle Car Park
Kilchurn Castle was built in the mid-15th century. Then it was abandoned by the end of the 18th century due to being damaged by lightning. This castle is one of the best abandoned castles on the west side of Scotland.
The castle was built by Sir Colin Campbell and was extended again in the 16th century. It is a four-storey tower surrounded by an outer wall on the rocky island of Loch Awe.
The castle has a large history. Once it was a fortress, a comfortable residence and later a garrison stronghold. Also, Kilburn Castle contains the oldest surviving barracks on the British Mainland.
Kilchurn remained the powerhouse base to the Campbells of Glenorchy for 150 years. During the Jacobite uprisings, the castle was used as a Government garrison.
The castle is now connected to the mainland and is free to visit during the summer months.
Kilchurn is located in a stunning dramatic location at the head of Loch Awe. The castle is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.
Nearby Accommodation: Am Bruadar
Caerlaverock Castle
Location: Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle is one of the finest castles on the west coast of Scotland. There is a well-preserved moat surrounding the site.
This fortress is a triangular-shaped 13th-century castle. Due to its location, near the border, the castle has a turbulent history.
If is worth walking around around the moat to explore the information boards.
Once you have finished exploring the castle you can enjoy some coffee and fresh home baking in the castle’s tearoom. The tearoom is open during the summer and at weekends during the winter.
Also, there is a gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs. Car parking is free. Caerlaverlock Castle is one of Dumfries and Galloway’s most impressive castles.
Nearby Accommodation: Conheath Gatelodge Cottage
Castle Stalker
Location: Castle Stalker View
A 15th-century tower house which has been largely restored. There was a building on this site prior to the current Castle Stalker.
Sir John Stewart, Lord of Lorn, erected the current castle in the 1400s. Clan Campbell won over the castle in 1620 during a drunken wager.
Yet, it was shortly reclaimed and lost again by the Stewarts. In the 1840s the Clan Campbell abandoned the castle.
In 1908, it was bought by the Charles Stewart of Achara. Stewart began to carry out preservations to prevent further decline of the castle. Castle Stalker’s rise to fame occurred in the 1975 film, Monty Python.
The castle is located on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, it can be accessed at low tide.
Tours can be arranged and booked in advance as Castle Stalker is privately owned. Tours of Castle Stalker are usually held from April to September.
You can get very close to the castle after crossing the millennium bridge.
Nearby Accommodation: Appin Bay View
Bothwell Castle
Location: Bothwell Castle Car Park
A beautiful red stone ruined castle near the River Clyde. This is one of the closest castles on the west coast of Scotland to Glasgow.
One of the main features of the castle is the large oval turret. A ticket will allow you to explore the 13th-century prison tower. Also, visitors can see the 14th-century great hall and chapel.
There are plenty of information boards in the castle courtyard. The castle suffered several sieges and is now derelict and the outer wall of the castle is all that remains.
Once you have explored the castle, you can follow the Clyde Walkway nature trail. Admission to the castle costs £3 per adult.
Currently, the castle is closed, but, you can view the castle from the outside. The castle grounds are clean and great for photographs.
Balloch Castle
Starting Point: Car Park Near Balloch Country Park
From Balloch Castle, you can enjoy stunning views across Loch Lomond. In the park, you can explore over 200 acres of parks, gardens, meadows, woodlands and shorelines.
The castle itself is closed but you can admire it from the outside. Some highlights include The Fairy Glen, Chinese Garden and River Leven.
The castle and the park were built by John Buchanan, a partner in the Glasgow Ship Bank.
Nearby Accommodation: The Old Smiddy Cottage & Apartment
Ardvreck Castle
Location: Ardvreck Castle Parking
One of the most popular sights on the North Coast 500 is Ardvreck Castle. Also, the is one of the most northerly castles on the west coast of Scotland.
This is a 16th-century castle ruin which creates a pretty silhouette. The old castle is three-storey rectangular-shaped and overlooks Loch Assynt.
Moreover, the castle is surrounded by gorgeous hills.
It is thought that the castle has been constructed by Clan MacLeod. To visit the ruin it is free and has open access.
There is a lay-by nearby to park your car. From the lay-by, you can walk through the easy trails to get to the castle.
Nearby Accommodation: Inchnadamph Explorers Lodge
Lennox Castle
Starting Point: Village Green
Lennox Castle is a ruined mansion which is located in a secluded and rural area. The castle was built in the 1830s and was once a psychiatric hospital in the early 20th century.
At the time, the hospital was one of the best in Britain and had groundbreaking equipment. Yet, the hospital closed in 2002. It closed due to ongoing reports of poor conditions for patients.
Nowadays, the impressive ruins are a great place for any urban explorer. It is amazing to imagine what the building would have been like in its former glory.
The castle is less than a mile walk from Lennoxtown. You can park in the parking spaces just after the bridge on Newbridge Road.
You can follow the semi-paved trails to find the spectacular site.
Nearby Accommodation: Dingieshowe Cottage
Dunstaffnage Castle & Chapel
Starting Point: Dunstaffnage Castle & Chapel
This 13th-century castle is a partial ruin. The castle is located on a large rock overlooking the Firth of Lorn near Oban.
The castle was built as the stronghold of the Clan MacDougall. It is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland and features a huge curtain wall.
The castle has an immense history. Dunstaffnage Castle was built around 1120 by Duncan MacDougall. MacDougall was the son of Earl Somerled, known as the ‘King of the Isles’.
During this time, Norway and Scotland were fighting for the control of the Hebrides. This battle resulted in Dunstaffnage Castle.
In 1309 during the Wars of Independence. Robert the Bruce captured the castle and had possession of it for some years later.
Nearby, concealed by trees is the 13th-century Dunstaffnage Chapel. Visitors are attracted to the remains of the great hall ad the ‘new house’.
There are restricted opening times, the grounds are free to access and there is £7 for entry to the castle.
Nearby Accommodation: Shoreline
Castle Tioram
Location: Tioram Castle
This castle is located on the rocky tidal island of Eilean Tioram in Loch Moidart. Castle Tioram (pronounced Cheerum) was built in the 14th century and is now in a state of repair.
The castle is currently closed to the public but you can view it from a distance. It is a beautiful hidden gem.
You can reach the outside of the castle by walking across the beach when the tide is out. The castle was surrounded by a pentagonal, round angled, curtain wall.
During medieval times, the castle was an ancient fortress of the MacDonalds. Castle Toiram was an important power base in medieval times. It was strategically located occupying the whole summit of the rock in Moidart.
Old Inverlochy Castle
Location: Inverlochy Old Castle
Inverlochy Old Castle is a castle ruin which was built in the 13th century. A stunning historical spot not far from Fort William.
John the Black Comyn, chief of the Clan Comyn built the castle in 1275. Comyns were rivals of Robert the Bruce.
The castle was left unoccupied when Robert the Bruce succeeded to the Scottish throne in 1306.
Moreover, the castle has a long interesting history and was the site of two battles. Inverlochy Old Castle is one of Scotland’s oldest stone fortresses. It has remained largely unchanged since its construction.
A great way to spend a couple of hours while you are visiting Fort William. Or you can make a detour when visiting the Glencoe area.
Nearby Accommodation: Corrieview Barn
Castle Sween
Starting Point: Lay by on road
Castle Sween is located on the eastern shore of Loch Sween. The castle is a ruined building from the 12th century.
The castle itself is fascinating, but once you read about the vast history of the site, you will be even more amazed. Clan Suibhne (pronounced sween) built the castle. It changed hands several times during the mediaeval period.
When you arrive here you can let your imagination run wild. Castle Sween is just a short walk from a small roadside car park and it is right next to a caravan park.
Entrance to the castles is free, but, the site is closed off for now and the castle can be viewed from a distance.
Portencross Castle
Location: Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a wonderful fortification overlooking the Firth of Clyde. There is a good-sized car park sitting next to the coast.
The castle is located behind a few houses on the banks of the Clyde. Portencross Castle was occupied until 1739 when a nasty storm ripped the roof off.
The castle was built in the 14th century. Portencross was the seat of the Boyds of Kilmarnock.
Apparently, the castle was the resting place for the great kings of Scotland.
The volunteers who run the castle have done an amazing job of restoring it. There are display boards showing the history of the castle.
The views from the top of the castle across the Clyde are also stunning.
The castle is open for two weeks over Easter. Then subsequently every Saturday and Sunday until the end of September. Entry is free and donations are welcome.
Nearby Accommodation: Lawside R&R
Where are the most beautiful castles in Scotland?
The west coast of Scotland is home to some of the most gorgeous fairytale castles in Scotland. Also, there is are a lot of historic ruined castles which are worth the visit.
You will not see as many castle ruins in any other part of the world. What makes the castles unique in Scotland is the history of the Clans.
On the west coast of Scotland, the castles are set in the stunning mountainous Scottish Highlands.
Where is the oldest castle in Scotland?
Castle Sween is thought to have been the oldest castle on the Scottish mainland. Architectural details show that it was built in the 12th century and was occupied for 500 years.
The castle sits on a low ridge looking over Loch Sween and out to the Isle of Jura.
Final Note
This post lists the best castles on the west coast of Scotland. The west coast of Scotland is home to some of the best castles and castle ruins in Scotland.
Make sure you head to Argyll and Bute where there are plenty of castles to explore. Also, some of the most popular castles are near Glasgow and in Ayrshire.
There are so many enchanting castles in Scotland, you will have to visit them again and again in all seasons. Also, there are lovely castles on the east coast.