📌 Skelbo, Highland
★★
This 14th century building perched above the south shore of Loch Fleet more than makes up for its seriously ruinous state with superb views. Owned by the Earls of Sutherland for much of its life, the keep was largely abandoned after being superseded by a lower house within the bailey (which can also be viewed – see the photos below), but enough of the old stonework still remains standing to imagine what an excellent defensive location it must have been.
🌍 Location
📌 Off minor road 4 mi south of Golspie
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NH 792952
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.929817,-4.041121
❌ No public transport within 1 mi
🚗 Layby
📝 Key info
⌚ Always open
🎫 Free
💬 Skelbo Castle is most easily viewed from the roadside, though it is possible to get closer on foot. From the layby overlooking Loch Fleet, follow the coast road south very briefly before turning right onto a track towards Skelbo Farm. Faint, steep & informal paths soon lead up towards the ruins from various points on the right hand side (⬤ Moderate).
