When travelers think of Scottish castles, iconic structures like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, and Eilean Donan immediately come to mind. While these magnificent fortresses are certainly worth visiting, Scotland's countryside is dotted with hundreds of lesser-known castles that offer equally fascinating histories, spectacular settings, and the added benefit of fewer crowds.
At Lesnaya Kinza, we've spent years exploring Scotland's hidden architectural treasures. Here, we share some of our favorite undiscovered castles that showcase Scotland's rich heritage without the tourist crowds.
Kilchurn Castle: Loch Awe's Hidden Gem
Perched on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute, Kilchurn Castle presents one of Scotland's most picturesque ruins. Built in the mid-15th century by Sir Colin Campbell, first Lord of Glenorchy, this castle served as a power base for the expanding Campbell clan for nearly 150 years.
What makes Kilchurn special is its dramatic setting against the backdrop of mountains and the loch, creating perfect photo opportunities in any season. During summer months, the castle can be reached by a short walk from the parking area, while in spring, it sometimes becomes temporarily surrounded by water, enhancing its mysterious atmosphere.
Despite its undeniable beauty, Kilchurn remains relatively uncrowded, especially if visited early in the morning or during shoulder seasons.
Castle Stalker: The Castle of Stalkers
Located on a small islet in Loch Laich, an inlet of Loch Linnhe, Castle Stalker is a four-story tower house that dates back to the 14th century. This castle's remoteness is part of its charm—it can only be accessed by boat, and visits must be arranged in advance.
Film enthusiasts might recognize Castle Stalker from the final scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, where it appeared as "Castle Aaargh." Its isolated position against the dramatic backdrop of the Highlands creates an unforgettable silhouette, especially at sunset.
The castle's name comes from the Gaelic "Stalcaire," meaning "hunter" or "falconer," reflecting the area's historical use as a hunting ground by the Scottish kings.
Smailholm Tower: The Border Fortress
Standing tall on a rocky outcrop in the Scottish Borders, Smailholm Tower is a remarkable example of a 15th-century defensive peel tower. Built to withstand the frequent raids that characterized this volatile border region, the tower offers panoramic views across the surrounding countryside to the Cheviot Hills.
What many visitors don't realize is that Smailholm played a significant role in literary history. The young Sir Walter Scott spent time at his grandparents' nearby farm, and the tower's dramatic situation and border tales inspired many of his later works, including the "Minstrelsy of the Scottish Border."
Today, the tower houses an exhibition of costumed figures and colorful tapestries that recreate scenes from Scott's writings, connecting the physical structure to Scotland's rich literary heritage.
Dunnottar Castle: The Unconquerable Fortress
While Dunnottar has gained some recognition in recent years, it still remains less visited than Scotland's primary castle attractions. Perched atop a rocky headland on the northeastern coast, this ruined medieval fortress near Stonehaven offers breathtaking views of the North Sea.
The castle's dramatic clifftop location made it nearly impregnable throughout history. Most famously, it protected the Scottish Crown Jewels from Oliver Cromwell's invading army in the 17th century. A small garrison held out against Cromwell's forces for eight months, and the crown jewels were smuggled out and hidden at a nearby church.
The approach to Dunnottar involves a steep path down one cliff and up another, which helps limit visitor numbers and preserves the sense of discovery when you first glimpse the castle's imposing silhouette.
Planning Your Scottish Castle Adventure
Visiting these hidden castles requires some planning. While they lack the infrastructure of major tourist sites, this is precisely their charm. Here are some tips for exploring Scotland's lesser-known fortresses:
- Consider visiting in spring or autumn to avoid peak tourist season while still enjoying reasonable weather.
- Rent a car for the flexibility to reach remote locations, especially in the Highlands and Islands.
- Always check opening times in advance, as many smaller historic sites have limited hours or seasonal closures.
- Bring appropriate footwear for uneven terrain and sometimes muddy approaches.
- Pack weather protection, as Scottish weather can change rapidly.
At Lesnaya Kinza, we specialize in creating customized tours that include these architectural treasures alongside other hidden gems of the Scottish landscape. Our expert guides provide historical context and local insights that bring these ancient stones to life.
While Edinburgh and Stirling Castles will always be magnificent symbols of Scottish heritage, there's something magical about standing alone in a remote fortress, imagining the centuries of stories contained within its walls, with only the wind and perhaps a few sheep for company.
Contact us to plan your journey to Scotland's hidden castles, and discover the untold stories that await beyond the typical tourist trail.
