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Grampian Mountains

Grampian Mountains

The Top 20 Castles in the Grampian Mountains

A visit to a castle — whether you stumble over one during a hike outdoors or walk your way around the grounds with a guide — is always something special, and you’ve got 20

beautiful castles to choose from in the Grampian Mountains. Just browse our list to find your top castle , and add some history to your next adventure!

Last updated: December 2, 2025

Loch an Eilein Castle

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Loch An Eilein Castle stands on a natural island just off the north-west shore of Loch An Eilein, deep in the Rothiemurchus Forest. The castle was built in the 13th …

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Balloch Castle

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Balloch Castle Country Park affords wonderful views over Loch Lomond. The park comprises 200 acres (80 ha) of semi-rural ornamental woodland, parks, gardens, meadows, and shoreline. The castle itself is closed but still a fine building to admire.

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Ruthven Barracks

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Occupying a prominent position above the town of Kingussie, Ruthven Barracks is a spectacular sight. The ruins are wonderfully well preserved and entrance is free. On a good day, a …

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Balmoral Castle

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The castle was built in the 14th century as the seat of Sir William Drummond. The area had previously served King Robert II as a hunting ground. In the aftermath, …

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Kilchurn Castle

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Quaint castle ruins on the northeastern shore of the beautiful Loch Awe, which can be visited for free. The upper observation deck was closed during our visit in May 2018. …

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Inverlochy Castle Ruins

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Inverlochy Castle was founded in the 13th century on the site of an earlier fort. The castle, which played a part in Scottish and English history during the civil wars …

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Blair Castle

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From the main road, you can't see much of the castle, although the white building is immediately noticeable as soon as you pass through the greenery. To truly see the castle, you really have to visit it.

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Ardverikie Castle

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Beautiful estate castle on the edge of Loch Laggan.

Used in filming for Netflix series 'The Crown' as a stand in for the Queen's Scotland stay (Balmoral Castle) as we …

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Inveraray Castle

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A very nice castle which is worth exploring. The castle is the seat of the Dukes of Argyll, which lives upstairs. Very beautiful are the Highland cattle grazing in front …

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Invergarry Castle Ruins

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Invergarry Castle is situated in an atmospheric setting overlooking Loch Oich. The castle was built between 1610-40 by Donald Mac Angus, eighth chief of Clan MacDonell of Glengarry. The castle …

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Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides in the Grampian Mountains:

Highlands Argyll and Bute Fife Lothian South Scotland West Scotland Aberdeenshire Stirling North Ayrshire Perth and Kinross Moray Central Scotland Outer Hebrides Eilean Siar Lynn Of Lorn

The Top 20 Castles in the Grampian Mountains

Loch an Eilein Castle

Balloch Castle

Ruthven Barracks

Balmoral Castle

Kilchurn Castle

Inverlochy Castle Ruins

Blair Castle

Ardverikie Castle

Inveraray Castle

Invergarry Castle Ruins

Other adventures in the Grampian Mountains

Most popular routes in the Grampian Mountains

Most popular attractions in the Grampian Mountains

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

Explore more

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