Carnasserie Castle
Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Oban, 18.1 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Kilmartin, Lochgilphead PA31 8RQ
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
A free 16th-century tower house ruin standing above Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland's densest concentrations of prehistoric monuments, reached by a short but steep climb from the car park. Reviewers consistently say it rewards the effort - the upper storeys are still accessible, and the view over the glen from the top is the payoff.
Worth the trip
The view from the top storeys over Kilmartin Glen - reviewers rate it among the best short-walk viewpoints in Argyll.
Before you go
The walk up is only 10-15 minutes but the last stretch is steep, so wear proper shoes rather than sandals; there's decent parking at the bottom and, being free and unstaffed, no opening hours to work around.
Reviewers consistently enjoy Carnasserie Castle as a well-preserved ruin reached by a short but somewhat steep walk from the car park, rewarding visitors with the ability to climb to the top floors for expansive views. Several mention having the site largely to themselves, and it's described as an easy, worthwhile stop with no real drawbacks.
Free; overlooks Kilmartin Glen
“Well preserved ruin, you actually can go in and go up to top storeys with an awesome view. About a 10 to 15min walk from parkinglot, the end is a steeper hill. Enough parking too.”- Patrick & Heidi Knotz, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “The walk to the castle was a little steep from the car park but took about under 10 minutes!” - Alyssa Klingensmith
- Terrain & accessibility
- “About a 10 to 15min walk from parkinglot, the end is a steeper hill.” - Patrick & Heidi Knotz
For your visit
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gear
NORTIV 8 Men's Waterproof Hiking Boots
Mid-ankle support and an aggressive tread pattern - built for exactly the kind of broken ground a hillfort or motte-and-bailey site leaves underfoot. Solid underfoot for a free ruin walk at Carnasserie Castle.
Find it on Amazon
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Bambaw Non-Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 1000ml
A full litre in a simple single-wall bottle - lighter than an insulated one, and enough for a family to share around a long grounds walk. Keeps you going during a walk round the grounds.
Find it on Amazon
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TONEOF 68" Magnetic Selfie Stick Tripod
Extends to 68 inches and doubles as a ground tripod, so the whole group - and the castle behind them - can fit in one shot without anyone holding the stick out of frame. Keeps things to hand during a day out in Argyll and Bute.
Find it on Amazon
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Amazon Basics Picnic Blanket with Waterproof Backing (Leaf Design)
200x200cm with a waterproof backing - big enough for a family group to sit on grass that's rarely as dry as it looks around a British ruin. A good fit for a 4.8-star day out.
Find it on AmazonSee more picks like this in The Castle Shop →
Common questions about Carnasserie Castle
Where is Carnasserie Castle?
Carnasserie Castle is in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, at Kilmartin, Lochgilphead PA31 8RQ.
Is Carnasserie Castle free to visit?
Yes - Carnasserie Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Carnasserie Castle?
The view from the top storeys over Kilmartin Glen - reviewers rate it among the best short-walk viewpoints in Argyll.
Is Carnasserie Castle a ruin or still intact?
Carnasserie Castle is a ruin - Free; overlooks Kilmartin Glen.
