Ardvreck Castle

Heritage Site in Sutherland

Scotland

Ardvreck Castle

Loch Assynt Taken from the A894. — Loch Assynt Credit: Peter Jeffery

Ardvreck Castle is a historic site located in Sutherland, Scotland. It is situated on the edge of Loch Assynt, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The castle was built in the 16th century by the Clan MacLeod, and it served as their stronghold for several centuries.

The castle consists of a three-story tower house, which was once an impressive structure but now stands in ruins. The tower house was constructed with locally quarried sandstone and features a rectangular shape, with walls that are over six feet thick in some areas. The castle also had a courtyard, which is now mostly in ruins.

Ardvreck Castle played a significant role in the history of Scotland. It was a strategic location during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was the site of several battles between rival clans. In 1650, the castle was seized by Oliver Cromwell's forces during the English Civil War. It was later abandoned and left to deteriorate.

Today, Ardvreck Castle is a popular tourist attraction and is managed by Historic Environment Scotland. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the castle's history through information panels on-site. The site offers stunning views of the Loch Assynt and the surrounding mountains, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Despite its ruined state, Ardvreck Castle remains an important part of Scotland's heritage, offering a glimpse into the country's turbulent past.

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Ardvreck Castle Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.165/-5 or Grid Reference NC2323. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Assynt

Taken from the A894.

Peter Jeffery

Ardvreck castle.

A ruin on the shores of Loch Assynt.

steven ruffles

Allt an Laoigh

The waterfall tumbles down Beinn Gharbh towards Loch Assynt. Viewed from close to Calda House on the other side of the loch.

Carron K

View of Quinag and Glas Bheinn from the A837

Showing Calda House and Ardvreck Castle on the banks of Loch Assynt.

Carron K

The A837 along Loch Assynt

A small spit of land projects into the loch at this point, just before the Skiag Bridge junction. Quinag's Spidean Còinich is ahead.

Carron K

Bend on the A837

The long lay-by here has dramatic views in all directions, this way towards Stronchrubie escarpment.

Carron K

Looking down the A837 towards Loch Assynt

Peter Moore

A837 above Loch Assynt

Looking down the winding road towards Ardvreck Castle NC2323. The cloud-capped peak of Spidean Coinich NC2027 beyond.

Oliver Dixon

Bay at the head of Loch Assynt

Ardvreck Castle NC2323 in the middle distance. The peaks of the Quinag NC2027 on the skyline.

Oliver Dixon

Loch Assynt

Looking across the bay NE of Ardvreck Castle. In the far distance, Ben More Assynt is shrouded in cloud.

Ian Taylor

Loch Assynt

Calda House is in the foreground. Ardvreck Castle is in the middle distance. Spidean Coinich (Quinag) is on the right, just in cloud.

Ian Taylor

Loch Assynt

Looking down loch Assynt.

Donald H Bain

Achmore Farm in the Assynt, Sutherland

Achmore Farm House stands by itself in the hills in the Assynt region of Scotland. The mountain in the background is Quinag.

Andrew Tryon

Eadar a' Chalda Ruin

Eadar a' Chalda Ruin The building was erected as an inn; exactly what date it was built is now lost in time, but it would have been in full use when the marble was being quarried over at Leadbeg by Jobson. The marble was dragged by sledge pulled by oxen across the hill to a pier at Newton near Kylesku. Then it was shifted by boat to wherever it was needed. Some of it is supposedly part of the Marble Arch in London . Eadar a' Chalda ruin was all built from hammer-cut stone and was well constructed I am sure that it would have seen a good tradel there was even a murder committed in it according to my research, not uncommon for an inn in those days. The inn would have fallen victim to the Highland clearances and left to revert slowly back to nature; the gable ends are in a perilous state and a few more winters could well bring them down.

Donald H Bain