The North Coast 500 is one of the world’s most scenic road trips, weaving over five hundred miles around the North of The Highlands. Dotted on the road are some of Scotland’s most enchanting and fascinating castles. Some are fully furnished on their own estates, some are ruins, but all of them offer their own must-see story and opportunity to explore. Four of these are closely located to Celtic Lodges in Caithness but this guide will provide all that you need to create your own Scottish Castles trail.
Castles in the north of Scotland span a remarkable sweep of various historical periods. Some sites are believed to be on foundations dating back to Norse and Pictish times, offering an insight into when the Vikings in Scotland influence was strong. Others tell the story of fierce clan rivalries and Highland families that rose to power in the 15th – 17th centuries. Others are now stunning architectural buildings and grand stately homes. Combined together, the castles tell a rich story of Scottish history.
Castle of Mey: One of the most famous Scottish Castles
The closest of the Scottish castles to Celtic Lodges is the Castle of Mey overlooking the Pentland Firth. Built in the 16th century, it had a scandalous origin story including murder and deception within the Sinclair family. It is also the only castle in the region to have a connection to the British Royal Family, having been the holiday home of the late Queen Mother. On a visit to friends who lived at Dunnet in 1952, she fell in love with the Castle, fully restored it and visited it regularly. Now part of the King’s Foundation, it’s now open (May – September) for self guided tours. There is also a beautiful walled garden, animal centre, shop and tearoom to enjoy.
Keiss Castle
On the east coast of Caithness, there are a trio of atmospheric Scottish castle ruins which are all free to explore, all year round:
- Old Keiss Castle is situated approximately 1 mile north of Keiss village and Sinclairs Bay. It was thought to have been built in the late 16th century and had four floors. In the late 17th century, a new castle (no public access) was built further inland and you can see this from the ruin. Being on the coastline and with sheer drops below, the castle is a popular photography spot. To find the castle, park in the village and head down to the harbour house, then walk along the coastal ground to see Old Keiss Castle.
Castle Sinclair
- At the southern end of Sinclairs Bay, you will find the ruin of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe. It is actually the ruin of two Scottish castles. Castle Girnigoe was built in the 15th century and Castle Sinclair was built in the 17th century. The Sinclair family history is full of feuds and betrayal – one of the most famous stories is of George Sinclair imprisoning his own son in the castle and only feeding him salted beef, causing him to die of thirst! The structure was heavily damaged in 1780 during a siege and then fell into ruin There is a designated parking area for Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and it’s around a ten minute walk on a path to access the castle. Access into the heart of the castle may be limited due to unsecure masonry, so please follow the on-site signage instructions. Take particular care when on the cliffs surrounding the castle walls.
Castle of Old Wick
- The Castle of Old Wick is signposted south of Wick and is one of the oldest surviving castle ruins in Scotland. It’s located on a peninsula and the approach from the mainland was via a drawbridge. That is sadly long-gone but you can still view the ruin. There is limited parking at the coastal road end and the castle is a ten minute walk from the parking area. Access to the castle site may be limited, please follow the signage instructions on the gate. You can also continue south on the John O’Groats coastal path for stunning views of the surrounding coastline and back towards the castle.
Dunrobin Castle: One of the biggest Scottish Castles
Heading round the North Coast 500, there are more castles to explore on the north, west and east coasts of Sutherland.
- Possibly the most striking castle in the North Highlands is Dunrobin Castle, north of Golspie. It has been the ancestral home of Earls and Dukes since the 13th century. The castle there today had a large extension added to it in the 18th century, and then extensive remodelling by Sir Charles Barry (who co-designed the UK Houses of Parliament) in the 19th century which transformed the castle into a french-style chateau – which wouldn’t look out of place in a Disney film! The castle has also been used for important community purposes, being used as a naval hospital during the World War One and then as a boys boarding school in the 1960s-70s. The entry price includes a self-guided tour around rooms in the castle, a falconry display, and access to the gardens, which were inspired by the gardens at the Palace of Versailles. The castle opens to the public from the 1st April to the 31st October and you can book tickets on the Dunrobin Castle website.
Castle Varrich
- On the North Sutherland coast, Castle Varrich stands with an enviable position overlooking the village of Tongue and the Kyle of Sutherland and with amazing views to Ben Loyal. The ruins have been stabilised and restored by local landowners, enabling access right into the heart of the castle ruin. There is a short but steep walk that connects the village to the castle. Once you’ve climbed the hill to the castle, you can use the metal staircase inside to see the amazing 360 degree views. To access Castle Varrich, park opposite the Ben Loyal Hotel and follow the signposted path to the castle.
Ardvrech Castle
- On the west coast of Sutherland between Kylesku and Inchnadamph, Ardvreck Castle sits on the shores of Loch Assynt and was built in the 15th century by the Macleod family. In 1650, after the Battle of Carbisdale, the Royalist James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose, fled to Ardvreck Castle. He was taken in by Neil MacLeod but then betrayed to Covenanter forces. Montrose was later executed. Just a few years later in 1672, the castle was attacked and seized by the Clan Mackenzie, who then took over control of Assynt. The clan also built nearby Calda House, which was destroyed by fire in the 18th century. To access Ardvreck Castle, use the parking area and path. Please follow any access signage in place.
A great video about Scottish Castles is here:
There are other castles on the NC500 that are worth visiting:
- The Hermit’s Castle at Achmelvich is a castle that also isn’t a castle in reality! Overlooking Achmelvich Beach, it was built by a visiting architect in 1950 who kept the project a secret. It is a tiny castle which is built onto the rocks. It’s worth going to have a look at this quirky hidden gem. You can find access instructions on this walking route.
Inverness Castle: The first of the NC500 Scottish Castles
Inverness Castle (website) is the start and end point of the NC500 route. Originally built in the 19th century, it was originally used as a courthouse and prison. It is now being refurbished and will open later in 2025 as a new visitor attraction capturing the essence of The Highlands unique landscape, heritage and culture. Look out for the statue of Flora MacDonald who is celebrated for helping Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after defeat at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
