It has been a joyful and busy summer with such a variety of lovely clients and interesting locations. It was- to be honest- somewhat wet, but for all the tours I did so far there was only one day which was a wash out (though still enjoyed by me and my guests).
Let me begin with this: There are still castles without queues and even better without entrance fees.
For some you need to travel a bit: Brochel Castle on the Isle of Raasay which is certainly a place I love to visit. It is situated on the north east of the island just before the old council road stopped and turned into Calum’s Road:
For closer inspection you will need to walk through a field of sheep which in our case really did not appreciate our disturbance. The little cottage which may house the sheeps’ owner does not even have a space for parking a car.
Calum’s road was build in two decades by an islander who refused to accept the council declining a request to build a road from Brochel to Arnish. Calum did not even hold a driving licence!
With much denser population you can go and visit Mugdock Castle, near Glasgow but as Brochel castle you will have to walk for a bit. However, it is very worthwhile and free:
There is a lovely footpath to the castle along a nice loch and the castle itself may be a ruin but there is quite a bit still standing.
Castle number three is still in the central belt and is Castle Struthers at the back of a farm in Craigrothie, Fife:
This just goes to show it does not always have to be Edinburgh or Urquhart castle.
What castles off the beaten track have you enjoyed visiting?
