Dunstaffnage Castle

Dunstaffnage Castle

This thirteenth century mass of formidable stone once guarded the sea approach to the heart of Scotland. One of Scotland's most famous historical figures, Flora McDonald, was imprisoned here. It was captured by Robert the Bruce in 1308. Dunstaffnage Castle is around 5 miles north of Oban. A cycle route, mostly on dedicated bike paths, makes it easy to visit. 

​How to Get Here
​Glasgow to Oban takes around 3 hours by train. 

Leaving the station you head north along the Corran Esplanade with the bay on your left side. This road can be very busy, but once you reach the roundabout it gets quieter. This roundabout is only 0.5 mile (3 minute cycle) from the station, so you could just walk and push the bike if you prefer.

Oban's Esplanade. It can be a busy road for cycling, but you can always push your bike along the pavement to the point where the roads get quieter

After the roundabout continue to follow the bay. You will pass a line of grand Victorian villas, many of which are hotels and guest houses. There might be the occasional car, but it is otherwise quiet. 

The view of the coastline is magnificent. You can see the islands of Lismore and Mull. This is also a great place from where to watch the Caledonian MacBrayne  ferries ​departing and arriving. 

The road towards Ganavan Sands in Oban has wonderful coastal views and at this spot you can grab a bench to soak up the vista

A Calmac ferry making its approach to Oban

On a curve of the bay you will see the ruins of Dunollie Castle peeking up from a hillside surrounded by thick woods. If you have taken a ferry to Oban this castle is one of the most notable landmarks to be seen as you glide towards the harbour.

​The castle is the ancestral home of the Clan MacDougall and it can be visited, along with a museum and cafe. If you like the bagpipes then coincide your visit with the times that they have the piper playing. I stopped here for lunch on the way back- a smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwich, sitting outside in the sun.

Dunollie Castle

The outside cafe of Dunollie Castle. A great place for a lunch stop

Alongside the road there is an incredible piece of rock called the Dog Stone. It looks like it should be in the sea, instead of stranded on a piece of grass with trees growing out the top of it. 12,000 years ago this had been surrounded by sea and its weathered shape is the result of centuries of wave action. In the Ice Age the area around the rock was forced upwards by tectonic forces and became part of the land.

That's the scientific explanation of this stone, but there is a much more interesting legend. The rock was where the Celtic warrior, Fingal, tied up his dog. The dog, Bran, was tied with a massive chain that wore away the base of the stone as he paced about and struggled to get free. Apparently you can still hear a dog howling in this location!

The Dog Stone, Oban

​The road leads to Ganavan Sands, which is Oban's beach and about 2.4 miles from the train station.

Ganavan Sands, near Oban

It is at the beach that you will find a dedicated tarmac cycle path. This takes you north to Dunbeg. It starts with a steep hill. 

The cycle path leaving Ganavan Sands

The steep hill near the beginning of the cycle path between Ganavan Sands and Dunbeg

The path is only about 1 and a quarter miles long, but it is superb for avoiding the busy A85. Taking this A-road to reach the castle would be a horrible nightmare and if it wasn't for this cycle path I don't think I would have tried it.

Although a short distance the path winds its way through a variety of woodland and moorland that is rich in wildlife. Here, among oak, birch and hazel trees red squirrels, tawny owls and roe deer live.

A woodland section of the cycle path between Ganavan Sands and Dunbeg

There is a bench called the "Heartbeat Seat" alongside the cycle path. This is a great spot to take a rest and take in the view.

The Heartbeat Seat on the cycle path between Ganavan Sands and Dunbeg

The cycle path ends in a housing estate of Dunbeg village. You make your way through the estate to reach Kirk Road which takes you to the castle.

Dunstaffnage Castle

A close up of the natural rock that Dunstaffnage Castle sits upon

Dunstaffnage is one of the oldest stone castles in Scotland. The mass of stone wall is incredible, deliberately constructed to be impregnable to protect this strategic location. 

​The castle has a base of natural rock that looks almost unreal because it is surrounded by flat ground. I love the way that the building has been moulded to fit onto this rock. By the way, this rock is 400 million years old, so the thirteenth century castle is a mere youngster in comparison.

Inside Dunstaffnage Castle

​The brief history of this place is that it was built by Duncan MacDougall, Lord of Lorn. In 1308 the castle was beseiged by Robert the Bruce. It was later granted to the Campbells by James III in the 1460s. The most famous person to be associated with the castle is Flora MacDonald. She helped Bonnie Prince Charlie escape after his defeat at the Battle of Culloden. She dressed him up as a woman and took him in a boat to the Island of Skye. Flora was later arrested and brought to Dunstaffnage for a few days prior to being sent to the Tower of London.​

Inside The Gatehouse of Dunstaffnage Castle

Entry to the castle is by means of a steep staircase. Inside is mainly a ruin with The Gatehouse being the only intact building. There is not much to see apart from fireplaces and a well. This is a place to let your imagination have a bit of a workout. Think of a Great Hall where the Lord and Lady of Lorn feasted on the finest food and wine, attended to by servants, with a roaring fire and tapestries hung on the walls. The Great Hall was also a court where justice for the local area was dispensed.​

The well at Dunstaffnage Castle

A pigeon at Dunstaffnage Castle

Spiral staircase in Dunstaffnage Castle

An arrow slit in Dunstaffnage Castle

The best thing about the castle interior is that you can walk along the walls where the views over the bay are stunning. There are several boats moored here and I could hear their rigging gently blowing in the wind. ​

The view of Dunstaffnage Bay from Dunstaffnage Castle

The view from Dunstaffnage Castle

Even better, once you leave the castle you will find paths through the woods behind the castle that take you to pebble beaches and gorgeous views of the coast and islands.

Incredible views from the shore at Dunstaffnage Castle

Views from the shore of Dunstaffnage Castle

​Also in the grounds you will find the ruins of Dunstaffnage Chapel, built in the early 1200s. ​​

Dunstaffnage Chapel

Window details on Dunstaffnage Chapel

Dunstaffnage might not be the largest and most interesting of Scottish castles, but there are few castles that have such an incredible mass of defensive wall. The coastal location is stunning. The cycle path makes it easy to visit and the short distance makes it ideal as something to do if you are waiting for a train or ferry in Oban. There is an entry fee and you can find current prices and opening hours on the Historic Environment Scotland website.

Why not combine your castle visit with a coffee and sweet treat at the Oban Chocolate Company? Read my blog about this amazing cafe.

Waffles at Oban Chocolate Company