The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.1 / 5 · 2,013 reports GROUNDS ONLY

Inverlochy Castle

Highland, Scotland


Inverlochy Castle
Inverlochy Castle, further view Inverlochy Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Historic Environment Scotland
Condition
Ruin
Access
Grounds only

Pinpoint

Fort William PH33 6TF

Telephone 07895 643214

Website www.inverlochycastle.co.uk

A 13th-century stronghold on the outskirts of Fort William, currently closed for conservation work and viewable only through protective fencing. Historic Environment Scotland has left it as a grounds-only site for now, so this is a look-but-don't-enter visit rather than a full tour.

Worth the trip

The setting near Fort William beneath Ben Nevis - even viewed through fencing, the position gives a sense of why it was worth fortifying.

Before you go

Don't expect to get inside - access is limited to viewing through the conservation fencing, so treat it as a brief stop rather than a planned visit in its own right.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.1 / 5 across 2,013 Google reviews

Nearly every review mentions Inverlochy Castle being closed and fenced off for restoration at the time of visiting, so access is limited to viewing the ruins from outside the perimeter. Despite that, reviewers still enjoyed the walk to reach it along the Great Glen Way from Fort William and the view of Ben Nevis, describing it as a worthwhile stop even without being able to go inside — most hope the restoration will open it up again before too long.

Closed for conservation; viewable through protective fencing

“Currently being restored and hopefully will be completed within the year. No entry but you can read the info boards and take pics. The history about the architecture is beautiful”— Lisa Campos, visitor review

Further reading

Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain cover book
Castles: Their History and Evolution in Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
book
Castle: A History of the Buildings that Shaped Medieval Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
The English Castle: 1066-1650 cover book
The English Castle: 1066-1650

John Goodall

Find it on Amazon