I am not quite sure how to review a place I have not acctualy been inside but I feel this castle…read morewarrants it. I find it mysterious and haunting and just lovely and have trecked quite a bit along an old railway line to see it from the bank of the loch. Set on an island Loch Linnhe in Argyll it is famous for appearing in Monty Phython And The Holly Grail as Castle Aaaaarrrrrrggghhh. It is belived to have originaly been a small fortified building build arround 1320. Though the years it has been owned by many different people including the Campbells and the Stewarts. It was bought in the 60s by Lt. Col. D. R. Stewart and he and his family and friends spent the next ten years restoring it. There are tours available on selected dates to visit the castle but I was not able to make any of them this year. Top of my new year wish list for next year is to go. The official site for the castle offers a virtual tour for those who want to see more. http://www.castlestalker.com/

You MUST have reservations to take the tour. It happens rather infrequently, but is given by the…read moreowner. It's well worth the trouble to email them (they have a great site with a video tour) to get your tour date/times. Cost is reasonable and is paid at the end. The tour is GREAT! Having the owner give the tour is such a plus - all the little anecdotes about refurbishing the Castle and about the history. Beware of finding the parking area to take the tour; it's NOT at the Castle Stalker overlook place.

Cooler castle than I was expecting with lots of rooms to explore and a great view at the top. Only…read moreunexpected downside was how much worship of the MacLeans you had to wade through on the inside. The unexpected upsides outweighed that with a very nice tea room (the Victorian sponge cake was genuinely amazing) and a much-better-than-expected coastal walk around the castle with both impressive views of the castle itself and the surrounding area. We came here as a way to entertain the kids during a drive through the mountains parts of Mull for us to take in the amazing Scottish scenery. We had low expectations, but were really pleasantly surprised. The castle tour was both informative and had some really impressive rooms to enjoy. We wish we had more time to read everything, but small kids (4 and 7) give you limited time to stay put and read. My wife did wind up buying books about Mary Queen of Scots to learn more after we left though. The top of the castle had really impressive views, but the walls were high enough that I had tp lift both of the kids up to see. The views from one of the rooms in the castle looking out over the bay were really impressive though without needing to lift anyone up. After exploring the castle, we went to the tea room, where the kids got hot chocolate while we had espresso and Victorian sponge cake. The Victorian sponge cake is among the best desserts we've had on our trip in Scotland and we've been looking for more of it ever since we had it. The we took a long, nice walk down toward the water and around the castle with great views and some pretty cool stretches of walking through weird fern forests that were tall enough to even block my views at times.

Clan MacLean is part of my family tree, and visiting the ancestral castle was a magical experience…read more I was deeply moved by the castle's commitment to preserving and teaching about the clan history, but also by the clear efforts to provide outreach and a central meeting point to the wider MacLean family around the world. Displays throughout the castle and grounds were educational, interesting, and connected historical events to living generations. Meeting Sir Lachlan, the current chief of the castle, was a highlight; he was so generous with his time and so funny! His dedication to creating a meaningful connection to ancestry was evident and moving. We heard from another couple who had been on their way to the castle on foot, and a car had pulled over and offered them a ride, and it was Sir Lachlan on his way back from running an errand in town. If you're part Maclean, and visiting Duart to connect with this part of your heritage--yes, do it, highly encouraged; I also have to recommend staying at the lovely Pennygate Lodge in Craignure when you do. I met a distant relation who was also staying at Pennygate to finally see the family castle, we had a lovely chat, and I felt like part of a century-long goal to create a massive family-reunion had come true! You're also missing out if you don't get a pint at the Craignure Inn, and ask the locals if they have any stories to share about the castle or Sir Lachlan. Hilarious castle stories at the local pub was the perfect way to end a magnificent trip.

I've been here quite a few times throughout the years of visiting Oban. Honestly there's not much…read moreto it but a nice place to see. Something you should at least do once whenever you're in Oban. You could actually walk up, a little trek but nice. It's not far from the harbor. The walk takes you through the cute little neighborhood before reaching the top. Or, you could drive. Whatever is easiest. Once your you're reach it, there's a small parking lot with some home surrounding. It's a small amphitheater that has one of the best views of the harbor. I'm not quite sure if any events are held here like weddings and sort. But checking it out and seeing what's it's all about is quite nice. The large lookout is quite cool for pictures. There's a grassy knoll inside with a path and some benches. But if you walk through some of archway, you have the million dollar view of the town, harbor and island. We didn't spend much time as it was freezing and the wind sure didn't help....lol... They do have lights that shine out to enhance the tower which is quite nice. A nice stroll or a little break is always nice and to have a view like that, it's beautiful. Just taking the scenery in was spectacular. You don't need to spend a lot of time here but it's worth checking out. The views alone, totally worth it.

Worth the visit for the stunning views of Oban Bay! You can…read morewalk up from town or drive up the narrow roads where there is a parking lot just below McCaigs Tower with steps leading up. Built in 1897 by John Stuart McCaig, it immediately resembles the Roman Coliseum to most as it can also be seen when you look up from the town. It has a beautiful garden space in the center that is well maintained.

This ended up being one of my FAVE castle ruins I visited in all of Scotland! Dunstaffnage is one…read moreof the oldest castles still standing in Scotland and the ruins are in great shape and very well kept. These ruins are very imposing and dramatic, a giant structure rising up out of a huge black boulder- looming over the Loch Etive and Firth of Lorne (both gorgeous bodies of water)!! The views from the castle wall are incredible! You can pretty much walk all around the ruins, on top along most of the wall, and all through the old dungeons ("donjon") and through the whole 3-story gatehouse! But my fave part was the absolutely lovely chapel ruins deep in the forest surrounding the castle! The ruins are just beautiful and the ambiance is eerie and haunting and perfect for spooky season! The history of this site is extensive - the castle itself was built back in the early 1200s. It has seen much violence and has more than a few ghost stories - even a tragic love story surrounding the chapel involving a murder at a wedding! It's the ancient seat of the Clan MacDougall and was even conquered by Robert the Bruce in the 1300s. The dungeon held a famous prisoner during the Jacobite uprising of the 1700s as well - so much history here! There's a gift shop at the entrance, bathrooms, and even a lovely beach a short walk outside the castle walls through a lovely stone arch. Entrance is £7 but I had an Explorer Pass which ended up being a great investment! The staff were fantastic - welcoming and enthusiastic about their history as all the Scottish folk I encountered had been (just truly lovely people!!!) Getting inside of both castle ruins and the gatehouse does require climbing some fairly narrow stone stairs and there isn't any handicap access that I saw so be aware. So, PRO TIP: Get the Explorer Pass - it was £35 and gets you into every Historic Scotland property including this one (as well as Edinburgh Castle, Iona Abbey, and many many more) and is good for 7 days. Highly recommend if you're visiting numerous sites. And if you want to learn more about this castle's haunted history, I made a YouTube video: https://youtu.be/xd6zzzOCFdo

Just right outside of Oban on the route to Fort William is this castle which seems strangely out of…read moreplace. It's a bit back from water but who am I to judge what looks odd now compared to when they built it. It just rises out of the ground on a mound of rock and you can walk through it. The steps are a bit narrow (guess they had smaller feet back then) but it's worth it to go inside and wander around. I could just see myself pouring boiling oil over the top onto the invaders :) It's 6 pounds for adults to get in and there is a small gift shop with all sorts of fun things to buy like haggis flavored crisps! Also on the grounds is the ruins of a small chapel which is nice to visit too. There are signs throughout the chapel and castle which give you information and history about Dunstaffnage. Very cool!

These spectacular Italianate buildings (splendid both inside and out) were finished in 1886 and the…read morebeautiful Victoria Tower (75m in height) can be seen dominating the skyline from many parts of the town. Unfortunately, the Municipal Buildings remain uncompleted to this day as a local man, Robert Cowan, refused to sell his business in front of the tower. As a result, the shop was inserted into one corner but was destroyed during a bombing raid in 1941, leaving the unusual effect still seen today. The bricks are different to the rest and this area has become known as 'Cowan's Corner'. These days the Municipal Buildings include the Town Hall and various Council offices. There are a few parking spaces nearby but it's very difficult to find a space. However, there is a large public car park only about 5 minutes walk away.

The views in and around the monument are breathtaking, built on a beach on the shores of loch…read moreshiel, the monument leans ever so slightly. The monument commemorated those who died fighting the Jacobite cause and gave their lives to support Bonnie Prince Charlie in the Jacobite uprising in 1745 and it is around 18m high. I loved climbing the monument and standing beside the lone highlander and looking out across the loch as well as looking over to see the spectacular Glenfinnan Viaduct! The climb to the top of the monument is not that strenuous but it's narrow and the steps are steep and there's a heavy steel hatch door that you open (think it was supposed to be open already) and you climb up and enjoy the view which is definitely worth the effort and very rewarding! Think it was one of my favourite things to do in Glenfinnan!

The Glenfinnan Monument is located 3h from Edinburgh and 25 min from Fort William and marks a place…read moreof historical importance for the Scottish Highland Nation. I always planned to visit this monument, because of its historic meaning. Bonny Prince Charlie (Charles Stuart) raised his army around this monument at Loch Shiel. There he raised his banner. Originally he only arrived with about 8 comrades, but clans from all over the Highlands started joining his ambition to win back the throne of Scotland. Another Jacobite Rising was initiated from this place in time. It is a shame that it all ended with the battle of Culloden. It is a wonderful and peaceful place. You can oversee Loch Shiel, admire the nature surrounding the Loch and even enjoy watching the Harry Potter Train crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct. The monument is part of the National Trust of Scotland. There is a visitor centre where you can enjoy some nibbles and drinks and browse the gift shop for souvenirs. It is a nice place to stop, admire and rest.

I agree with the previous reviewer wholeheartedly. Ross Priory is one of the most overlooked…read morebuildings in Scotland. It is absolutely incredible. A must for visitors to Glasgow. Even the drink prices at the bar are reasonable. The only problem is, the priory is not anywhere near a train station. So you bring your car or get a train to Balloch then a taxi.

Beautiful architecture, a perfect setting, and several guest rooms make this a sublime wedding…read morevenue on Loch Lomond.

Did a bit of a sightseeing drive that day and decided to stop by this Church. We've been in the…read morearea a few times before, but never visited this place. It's beautifully located at the Loch, right beside the A85. It was a busy day, but we managed to get a parking spot right by the church. There's street parking as well, but with the traffic going on it's good to have a chance to park on the offical (small) lot. It was built in 1881-6; and substantially extended from 1906 to 1914. Designed by the architect Walter Douglas Campbell. There are three chapels inside. One for me was especially interesting: The Bruce Chapel contains a carved wood and alabaster effigy of Robert the Bruce. We did spend more time than we've actually planned. It was just a very stunning place to take in. The architecture with all its detail, the couryard, the park, the views. It's a really amazing and impressive church. Even though well visited, I was still baffled that it isn't even more famous. Not that I did mind...overflowing with visitors it might be less impressive. But I just mean it does deserve a bit more spotlight. Donations are welcome, since there's no entrance fee. Dogs on leash are welcome outside on the grounds. There's also a little Café right next to - with toilets. Surely a beautiful place to visit when in the area.

This beautiful church is open to the public for no charge. Toss them a donation on the way out if…read moreyou like.