📌 East Linton, East Lothian
★★★
🛠️ Castle closed for masonry work – grounds open (checked April 2024)
Hailes Castle can be found in the quiet valley of the Scottish River Tyne, reached by a network of narrow roads from East Linton and the A1. The oldest part – the central tower house – dates to the early 1200s, making it one of Scotland’s oldest stone castles. Several extensions followed over the following centuries, but the castle fell into ruin after being seriously damaged by Oliver Cromwell’s army in 1650. More survives than first appearances suggest – the best preserved side faces away from the road, above the river – making the ruin well worth a (free) visit, perhaps combined with a wander up nearby Traprain Law. The pleasant linear walk from Haddington to East Linton also passes by on the opposite river bank, with the castle easily visited properly by a short detour. Arrive late in the day to catch the best light for photos.
🌍 Location
📌 By minor road 2 mi southwest of East Linton
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NT 575758
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 55.973136,-2.683279
❌ No public transport within 1 mi. You could walk along the River Tyne from East Linton (1.5 mi)
🚗 Layby
📝 Key info
⌚ Daily
🎫 Free
