This ruined castle, once visited by Mary Queen of Scots, sits on a peaceful spot next to the River Tyne. You can explore the great hall, the vaulted kitchens and enjoy the views over the river and the surrounding countryside. The grassy area in front of the castle is a perfect picnic spot. Hailes castle is on National Cycle Route 76 and easy to reach from Haddington.
My previous blog describes the route from Longniddry train station to Haddington. Use this route to connect with the route from Haddington to Hailes castle- the castle is 4.3 miles from Haddington. Look for the Route 76 blue cycle signs in the town and these will send you in the right direction. You can also use the map at the end of this blog. Once you leave the town you will be on quiet country roads. This is flat farming country, the only exception being one hill- Traprain Law- that dominates the horizon. You will see it continually as you head towards the castle. 
The road towards Hailes Castle is dominated by Traprain Law, the hill on the horizon
On cycle route 76 towards Hailes Castle, East Lothian
The final one mile to the castle is on a very narrow road. Whenever a car appeared in front or behind me it was necessary for me to stop and pull right over to let it pass.
The narrow road heading towards Hailes Castle. Traprain Law is the hill on the horizon
The entry to the castle is completely charming with a path crossing a tricking stream. Several people were using the grassy area as a picnic spot and children were having a fantastic time running around and exploring the castle.
A path crosses a trickling stream and leads across a lawn to the entrance of Hailes Castle, East Lothian
This is one of the oldest castles in Scotland, dating from the early 1200s. It does not take very long to look around. There are some staircases to go up and down, some doorways to go in and out and plenty of window holes to gaze out from.
Hailes Castle, East Lothian
View of River Tyne from Hailes Castle in East Lothian
The great hall is intact, but roofless. Perhaps Mary Queen of Scots feasted here when she spent one night at the castle in 1567. She was on the way to Edinburgh for the wedding to her third husband, James Hepburn.
Great Hall of Hailes Castle, East Lothian
A pit prison at Hailes Castle, East Lothian
I have seen many Scottish castles, so I cannot help to compare them and look for what is unique and special about one particular castle versus others. Hailes is far from the most exciting that I have visited because it is small and does not take long to explore. Its best feature is the tranquil location by the river with the grass lawn being a superb place to relax in the sun for a few hours. I also enjoyed the narrow road that takes you to the castle, thick with trees and dotted with farmhouses and cottages.
Where to go next? Cycle two more miles to the village of East Linton. My next blog will show you what to see and do there. 
Hailes Castle, East Lothian
6 Comments
Brendan McCluskey
7/6/2016 02:30:34 pm
Well done Colin, I had never heard of this castle before and I had also often wondered where Trapairn Law was, Neolithic site? Thanks, I know where my next cycle trip is going to be!
Colin
8/6/2016 05:21:24 am
Thanks Brendan. It is worth having a look at the castle. Take a wee picnic and a book and go on a sunny day! Perfect. Also worth heading to East Linton, just down the road from the castle. My next blog will be about this village. Trapairn Law, like Berwick Law, was a hill fort, from around 1000BC.
Alastair
20/6/2016 12:48:57 am
Hill ponies up on Traprain Law as well, with rock climbing on the south side. The top has distinct hut circles and remains of earth walls. More info on the tribe:http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scotlandshistory/caledonianspictsromans/votadini/index.asp
Colin
20/6/2016 05:14:32 am
Thanks for that information Alastair
Stephen
4/12/2019 05:31:38 am
Hi Colin,
Colin
21/12/2019 01:14:35 pm
Hi Stephen Leave a Reply. |
