📌 Loch Fyne, Argyll & Bute
★★
A remote ruin on the shores of Loch Fyne, Old Castle Lachlan is at last being raised from obscurity thanks to the efforts of the Lachlan Trust, including the construction of a new footbridge which greatly eases access to the castle. Old Castle Lachlan’s story starts in the 15th century, when the present building was constructed on its rocky mound – though this probably replaced an even older castle already on the site. The clan supported the Jacobites during the 1745 rebellion and their chief was killed at Culloden the following year, leading to the castle’s subsequent abandonment. Restoration only started in 2011 and continues apace, with plans for better access to the interior in particular. Nevertheless the spot already has a lot going for it: the setting is reminiscent of Castle Stalker, with excellent views along Loch Fyne. Paths also link to an old, picturesque chapel and graveyard where several clan chiefs are buried, while “New” Castle Lachlan (home of the current clan chief) is visible across the flood plain. All in all, it’s a neat little operation and a place which deserves to better known. Unfortunately we didn’t have time to visit Inver Restaurant, which gets glowing reviews for stylish dishes served with an outlook over the bay.
🌍 Location
📌 Off the B8000 by Loch Fyne, 3 mi southwest of the A886 junction
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NS 005953
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 56.108482,-5.209486
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Car park at 🧭 G.R.: NS 009950 / 🛰️ 56.106260,-5.202885
📝 Key info
⌚ Always open
🎫 Free
💬 From the car park it’s a 10-min walk (each way) to the castle on a level path (⬤ Easy). 5 minutes in the opposite direction on a similar path is the chapel at 🧭 NS 011952 / 🛰️ 56.107772,-5.200537 (which has its own car park).
