Get ready to step into your Lord or Lady era!
When your mind drifts to the Scottish Highlands, it’s likely filled with visions of whisky, tartan and, of course, castles! And you wouldn’t be wrong. Staying at Woodlands Glencoe places you right in the heart of some of Scotland’s most dramatic, story-filled castle country. From romantic ruins to grand castles where you can sip afternoon tea like royalty, there’s something to enchant every kind of explorer.
So, we’ve rounded up ten of our favourites; all perfect for a day trip from Woodlands Glencoe and each brimming with more tales than your Aunt Mildred after a sherry or two!
Castle Stalker (10-minute drive)
Perched dramatically on its own tiny tidal island on Loch Laich, Castle Stalker is one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, and for good reason! Built in the 14th Century by the MacDougalls and later held by the Stewarts of Appin, it has weathered centuries of Highland history. You might also recognise it from Monty Python and the Holy Grail! While interior visits are limited, you can enjoy exclusive guided tours the views from the shore are unforgettable.
Getting there: Turn left out of the Woodlands Estate and head towards Appin. There are several easy parking spots along the road for the best views.
“Old” Inverlochy Castle (20-minute drive)
Just outside Fort William, Old Inverlochy Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Scotland. Built in the late 1200s by the Comyn family, it stood through two major battles in the 15th Century and has seen its fair share of sieges! Today, its roofless stone walls and towers create an atmospheric place to explore.
Getting there: Turn right out of the Woodlands Estate and follow the A82 north to Fort William, turning left when you see the sign for the Highland Soap Company.
“New” Inverlochy Castle (30-minute drive)
A world away from its ancient neighbour, the “new” Inverlochy Castle is still very old (built in the 19th Century as a private residence). Queen Victoria once stayed here and reportedly declared she “never saw a lovelier or more romantic spot”! Today, you can step inside for afternoon tea or dinner and soak up the grandeur. Think chandeliers, fine china and a setting that feels straight out of a period drama.
Getting there: Drive through Fort William and continue along the A82 towards Inverness. Inverlochy Castle is on your left and clearly signposted.
Dunollie Castle (1 hr drive)
Perched overlooking Oban Bay, Dunollie Castle was once the ancestral seat of the MacDougalls, one of the most powerful clans in the west Highlands. The site’s history stretches back well before the stone castle was built in the 12th–15th Centuries. It is thought that earlier fortifications may have stood here as far back as the early Middle Ages! Today, the remains of the tower house and curtain walls offer incredible views.
Getting there: Turn left out of Woodlands Estate and head to Oban. Once in the town turn right at the roundabout signposted Dunollie Castle.
Kilchurn Castle (1 hr drive)
Set at the head of Loch Awe and backed by sweeping Highland mountains, Kilchurn Castle is the definition of Highland romance. Built in the mid-1400s by the Campbells of Glenorchy, it later served as a barracks during the Jacobite uprisings before being abandoned in the 18th Century. Today, its dramatic ruins are one of the most photographed spots in Scotland. It’s a bit of a wander from the road (about 1 mile), but that only adds to the sense of discovery!
Getting there: Turn left out of the Woodlands Estate until you cross the Connel Bridge, then join the A85 towards Dalmally. Park at Loch Awe and enjoy a short scenic walk to the castle.
Urquhart Castle (1hr 30 minutes)
Few castles can rival the setting of Urquhart Castle, perched right on the banks of legendary Loch Ness. With origins dating back to the 13th Century, it changed hands many times before being partially destroyed in the 1600s. Today, it’s one of Scotland’s most iconic historic sites, offering sweeping views across Loch Ness (and the Loch Ness Monster).
Getting there: Drive through Fort William and continue along the A82 towards Inverness. The castle is well signposted and easy to access from the main road.
Castle Tioram (1 hr 20 minutes)
Set on its own tidal island at the edge of Loch Moidart, Castle Tioram is one of Scotland’s true hidden gems. Dating back to the 13th Century, it was a stronghold of the Clanranald branch of the MacDonalds. Though now a ruin, its wild, remote setting gives it an almost cinematic quality. It genuinely feels like stepping onto a film set! Access is tidal, which only adds to the sense of adventure.
Getting there: Follow the A82 towards Fort William, then head west towards Mallaig on the A830 turning off at Lochailort and continuing along the coastal road until you reach the little lane that leads down to Dorlin & Castle Tioram.
Mingary Castle (1hr 45 min drive)
Tucked away on the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, Mingary Castle is a rare treat! A 13th-century fortress, encasing a modern castle inside the ancient walls! Once a stronghold of the MacDonalds, it has been beautifully restored into an intimate and luxurious retreat with its very own resident Michelin Star Chef serving lunches, afternoon tea and dinner daily.
Getting there: Turn right out of the Woodlands Estate and head towards the Corran Ferry crossing. Once your on the other side of the loch, follow the single-track roads towards Kilchoan. It’s an incredibly scenic journey, so allow extra time and enjoy the ride.
Duart Castle (2 hrs includes ferry crossing)
Standing proudly on a clifftop overlooking the Sound of Mull, Duart Castle has been the ancestral home of Clan Maclean for over 700 years. Originally built in the 13th Century, it has been lovingly restored and is still lived in today, giving it a wonderfully authentic, lived-in feel. Inside, you’ll find clan history, artefacts, and stories of battles and resilience, while outside, the sweeping sea views are nothing short of spectacular.
Getting there: Turn left out of the Woodlands Estate and take the road to Oban where you can hop aboard the Caledonian MacBrayne car ferry to Craignure on the Isle of Mull, then follow the coastal road round to the castle.
Eilean Donan Castle (1hr 50 minutes)
Few places capture the magic of the Highlands quite like Eilean Donan Castle. Perched on a small island where three sea lochs meet, this iconic castle dates back to the 13th century and has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Scotland. It has seen everything from Viking incursions to Jacobite conflict before being beautifully restored in the early 20th Century. Whether you explore inside or simply admire it from the shore, it’s every bit as breathtaking as the postcards suggest.
Getting there:
Head through Fort William and follow the road towards Inverness, before turning onto the A87 signposted for Skye. You’ll spot the castle just before you reach the village of Dornie. Why not turn it into a scenic circular adventure? Cross the bridge over to the Isle of Skye, explore the island and then hop on the ferry from Armadale to Mallaig and enjoy a stunning return journey back to Woodlands Glencoe.
