Top 5 Castles around Strachur

The region around Strachur offers a variety of castles. Inveraray Castle is a magnificent stately home and the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Argyll, known for its beautiful gardens. For a dramatic ruin, Kilchurn Castle at Loch Awe is highly picturesque. You can also explore the ruins of Old Castle Lachlan, located on Loch Fyne, which offers a glimpse into clan history.

You'll find a diverse range of castles, from well-preserved stately homes like Inveraray Castle to ancient, atmospheric ruins such as Old Castle Lachlan and Kilchurn Castle. There are also tower houses like Carrick Castle, which is currently undergoing renovation.

Yes, visitors can explore the ruins of Old Castle Lachlan, which is situated on a scenic promontory on Loch Fyne. Care should be taken due to its condition. The newer Castle Lachlan is a private residence but is available for holiday accommodation and weddings.

Inveraray Castle is a well-maintained stately home with beautifully landscaped gardens and a small cafe. The Dukes of Argyll still reside upstairs, adding to its authentic feel. You might even see Highland cattle grazing in front of the castle.

Carrick Castle is a 14th-century tower house on the west shore of Loch Goil. It is currently undergoing renovation, so direct access might be limited. You can still appreciate its historical significance and dramatic setting from nearby viewpoints.

You can get a good view of Dunderave Castle from the south shore of Loch Fyne. View of Dunderave Castle is a highlight that offers a perspective of this 16th-century L-plan castle, which was the Scottish seat of the MacNaughton clan.

Yes, Inveraray Castle is considered family-friendly, offering an engaging historical experience with its interiors and extensive gardens. Many of the ruined castles, like Old Castle Lachlan and Kilchurn Castle, also provide open spaces for children to explore, though supervision is always recommended due to their historic nature.

The castles around Strachur are set amidst the stunning natural beauty of Argyll and Bute. You can enjoy views of Loch Fyne from Castle Lachlan and Dunderave Castle, and Loch Awe from Kilchurn Castle. The region is characterized by lochs, hills, and forests, offering numerous scenic backdrops and viewpoints like Carrick Castle and Loch Goil Views.

Absolutely. The area offers various hiking trails. For example, you can find easy hikes like the Allt Robuic Gorge loop or the Inveraray Castle loop, which is a 4.9 km easy hike. For more options, explore the Hiking around Strachur guide or the Easy hikes around Strachur guide.

The spring and summer months (April to September) generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and surrounding landscapes. However, autumn brings beautiful foliage, and some castles may still be accessible in winter, offering a more dramatic and less crowded experience. Always check specific castle opening times before your visit.

While many outdoor areas and ruined castles, like Old Castle Lachlan and Kilchurn Castle, are generally dog-friendly for walks around the grounds (often requiring dogs to be on a lead), access to the interiors of stately homes like Inveraray Castle is typically restricted to assistance dogs only. It's best to check individual castle policies before visiting with your dog.

Beyond hiking, the region offers mountain biking opportunities. You can find trails like the Loch Eck and Benmore Botanic Garden loop or the Glen Kinglass, Glen Loin and Argyll Forest Park loop. For more details, refer to the MTB Trails around Strachur guide.