Castle Hill

Heritage Site in Dunbartonshire

Scotland

Castle Hill

Mowing grass Cutting grass for winter fodder, a view over the football park at Queenzieburn.
Mowing grass Credit: Richard Webb

Castle Hill is a historically significant heritage site located in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Situated on a prominent hill, the site offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The hill itself has been occupied since ancient times, with evidence of settlements dating back to the Iron Age.

The most prominent feature of Castle Hill is the remains of a medieval castle, which was once a stronghold of the Earls of Lennox. The castle was originally built in the 12th century and underwent several expansions and modifications over the centuries. Today, only ruins remain, but they provide visitors with a glimpse into the castle's former grandeur.

The castle played a significant role in Scottish history, particularly during the Wars of Independence. It was attacked and captured multiple times, changing hands between Scottish and English forces. The most notable event in its history occurred in 1425 when King James I of Scotland imprisoned his cousin, Murdoch Stewart, Duke of Albany, within the castle walls. Murdoch was later executed, marking the end of the Albany Stewarts' power in the region.

In addition to the castle ruins, Castle Hill also features an ancient burial ground, believed to be from the 6th century. The site is of archaeological importance, providing insights into the early Christian period in the area. Visitors can explore the grounds, marvel at the ancient gravestones, and discover the rich history of Dunbartonshire.

Castle Hill is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its picturesque location, combined with its historical significance, makes it a must-visit heritage site in Dunbartonshire.

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Castle Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.9606/-4.0694 or Grid Reference NS7076. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mowing grass Cutting grass for winter fodder, a view over the football park at Queenzieburn.
Mowing grass
Cutting grass for winter fodder, a view over the football park at Queenzieburn.
The Beacon Still derelict, a former public house.
The Beacon
Still derelict, a former public house.
Dutch barn, Shirva The zinc has run out and the tin sheeting barn is now rusting.
Dutch barn, Shirva
The zinc has run out and the tin sheeting barn is now rusting.
Wetland pasture Flat and damp low lying ground along the River Kelvin.
Wetland pasture
Flat and damp low lying ground along the River Kelvin.
Twechar Bridge over the Forth and Clyde Canal Quoting from the guide to the Millennium Link "Here, a single-leaf bascule bridge has been refurbished and was recommissioned in January 2001. The work involved replacing the mechanical and electrical operating equipment, replacing the bridge structure and reinstating the control system. The control building has been rebuilt and the area around the bridge site landscaped."
Twechar Bridge over the Forth and Clyde Canal
Quoting from the guide to the Millennium Link "Here, a single-leaf bascule bridge has been refurbished and was recommissioned in January 2001. The work involved replacing the mechanical and electrical operating equipment, replacing the bridge structure and reinstating the control system. The control building has been rebuilt and the area around the bridge site landscaped."
Forth and Clyde Canal, Towpath and Road (B8023) Approaching Twechar.
Forth and Clyde Canal, Towpath and Road (B8023)
Approaching Twechar.
Entrance to Heritage Path The small rectangular sign reads;
"Heritage Path
River Kelvin Walkway
The walkway follows an old mineral
railway which formed part of an extensive
system of lines that connected the
Twechar pits, Dumbreck pit, Kilsyth,
Auchinstarry quarry and several gravel pits.
Small railway engines called pugs hauled
trains of tubs containing coal, ironstone,
mine waste, quarry stone, coke and gravel.
Built in stages from the 1860's it was used
until the 1960's."
Entrance to Heritage Path
The small rectangular sign reads; "Heritage Path River Kelvin Walkway The walkway follows an old mineral railway which formed part of an extensive system of lines that connected the Twechar pits, Dumbreck pit, Kilsyth, Auchinstarry quarry and several gravel pits. Small railway engines called pugs hauled trains of tubs containing coal, ironstone, mine waste, quarry stone, coke and gravel. Built in stages from the 1860's it was used until the 1960's."
The Beacon Derelict pub, Queenzieburn.
The Beacon
Derelict pub, Queenzieburn.
Bus stop, Queenzieburn A bus stop on Kilsyth Road.
Bus stop, Queenzieburn
A bus stop on Kilsyth Road.
Ruined steading A stone building at Shirva.
Ruined steading
A stone building at Shirva.
Baling silage Round bale silage production. The grass is not dried and baled green, then it is sealed in a polythene bag to ferment.
Baling silage
Round bale silage production. The grass is not dried and baled green, then it is sealed in a polythene bag to ferment.
Forth and Clyde Canal
Forth and Clyde Canal
Forth and Clyde Canal Water lilies and the bank-side vegetation make this part of the canal, near Twechar, very attractive at this time of year (August).
Forth and Clyde Canal
Water lilies and the bank-side vegetation make this part of the canal, near Twechar, very attractive at this time of year (August).
Forth and Clyde Canal Looking towards Twechar.
Forth and Clyde Canal
Looking towards Twechar.
Auchinstarry Totem Pole
Auchinstarry Totem Pole
White House Building, Main Street (July 2011) This old building has recently been redeveloped.

It spent a few years looking like this <a title="www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1719580" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1719580">Link</a>
White House Building, Main Street (July 2011)
This old building has recently been redeveloped. It spent a few years looking like this Link
Kilsyth Police Office Kilsyth's new police office.
The old one is currently up for sale.
Kilsyth Police Office
Kilsyth's new police office. The old one is currently up for sale.
West Board Farm The mist is above the River Kelvin, with the Kilsyth Hills in the distance. Viewed from an Edinburgh bound train, just west of Croy station.
West Board Farm
The mist is above the River Kelvin, with the Kilsyth Hills in the distance. Viewed from an Edinburgh bound train, just west of Croy station.
Show me another place!

Castle Hill is located at Grid Ref: NS7076 (Lat: 55.9606, Lng: -4.0694)

Unitary Authority: East Dunbartonshire

Police Authority: Greater Glasgow

What 3 Words

///shortage.area.lighters. Near Twechar, East Dunbartonshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.9606,-4.0694
Castle Hill
Corbett: no
Donald: no
Ele: 170
Graham: no
Munro: no
Natural: peak
Note: height confirmed by gps and alti meter
Lat/Long: 55.9605671/-4.0694475
Bar Hill
Ele: 161
Natural: peak
Note: height confirmed by gps
Wikidata: Q24656404
Lat/Long: 55.9590747/-4.0719686
Tourism: viewpoint
Wheelchair: no
Lat/Long: 55.9576397/-4.0739197
Tourism: viewpoint
Wheelchair: no
Lat/Long: 55.9605644/-4.0695337
Old Ironstone Mine
Historic: mine
Lat/Long: 55.9622742/-4.0630107
Old Ironstone Mine
Historic: mine
Lat/Long: 55.9635353/-4.0637617
Old Ironstone Mine
Historic: mine
Lat/Long: 55.9601483/-4.0633111
Old Ironstone Mine
Historic: mine
Lat/Long: 55.9606767/-4.0647702
Old Ironstone Mine
Historic: mine
Lat/Long: 55.960905/-4.0667443
Old Ironstone Mine
Historic: mine
Lat/Long: 55.9596798/-4.0645127
Old Ironstone Mine
Historic: mine
Lat/Long: 55.9641839/-4.0680961
Old Ironstone Mine
Historic: mine
Lat/Long: 55.9573855/-4.0747695
Old Ironstone Mine
Historic: mine
Lat/Long: 55.9600285/-4.0747533
Bar Hill Fort Bathhouse
Historic: archaeological_site
Historic Civilization: ancient_roman
Lat/Long: 55.9591362/-4.0725576
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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