Kilchurn Castle is a marvellously evocative ruin with a stunning setting on Loch Awe. Unsigned from road this short walk is a delight and ideal for a picnic on a fine summer's day.
Summary
Excellent path to the castle; optional return route rougher and pathless - could be wet.
Terrain
Users'
rating
1. Turn off the A87 onto a track on the south side between the turning for Inveraray and the bridge over the River Orchy. There is plenty of room for parking near the start of the track. Begin the walk along the track which immediately forks; take the left fork and cross the level crossing over the railway (taking care to look for trains). Alternatively you could take the right fork, pass under the railway and then follow the surfaced path back to the main route. Either way the ruined castle comes into view ahead; continue on the excellent path to reach it.
2. The castle is entered through a doorway marked 1693. An initial vaulted room leads through into the open courtyard. The main keep - a tower house - was actually built between 1440 and 1460 by Colin Campbell, 1st of Glen Orchy - a branch of the main Campbell clan based in Inveraray. The remains are hugely impressive. You can ascend one of the turrets on the Loch Awe side, but the best views are to be had from the top of the keep. To climb this, go to the right through the courtyard and follow a series of modern wooden staircases to get to the top. The views are magnificent - both down Loch Awe and looking up the loch towards mighty Ben Lui.
3. The castle is usually quiet unless one of the boat-trips from Lochawe has arrived. It is well worth walking out onto the jetty for the best views of the walls across the water. The usual return is to go back the same way, but if the weather is dry there is a more adventurous (though pathless) alternative.
4. Continue round the back of the castle from the jetty and round the wooded shoreline. There are mudflats and sandy beaches along here which probably give easier walking than the boggy ground amongst the trees. Follow the shore to reach the wide mouth of the River Orchy.
5. Now follow the banks of the Orchy upriver. Initially you should be able to walk on the flats assuming they are dry; once beyond the woods you can follow the rough tussocky ground above the river. The going isn't too bad and the views across the river to the mountains are superb.
6. Keep to the tussocks above the river, safely back from the edge as the water is very deep. Continue towards the railway bridge over the Orchy. Just before reaching this a gravel path is reached; follow this under the railway bridge to return to the start.
Have you found an error or is any information wrong or missing?
Please let us know by using the error report form.
Route profile
