Picture this: mist rolling through a forest of dark green Caledonian pine, the backdrop to a shiny sheet of water. The silver lake is almost undisturbed save for rings of tiny ripples from light rain drops falling from the sky, and it surrounds a small, ruined island castle nearly overtaken by the forest.
No, it’s not something out of a fantasy novel or movie. It’s reality.
Amidst the Rothiemurchus Forest lies a small lake called Loch an Eilein. In the middle of the loch on a natural island, sits the ruins of a castle. Some time in the 1380s, that notorious Wolf of Badenoch (Alexander Stewart, who now haunts the Ruthven Barracks) constructed a tower house to the already existing half house on the island. The origins of the already existing half house is uncertain but it may have been built by the Bishop of Moray in the 1200s. Note, Stewart was often in dispute with the Bishop of Moray, who was a key supporter of the Stewart’s excommunication.
With the addition of the tower house, the building was to serve the purpose as a fortified hunting lodge. In 1600, Patrick Grant of Rothiemurchus added more fortifications to increase security. This was a good move however in 1690, the castle was besieged by Jacobites. They were able to access the castle via the causeway connecting to the shore. Water levels rose in the 18th century so the causeway is no longer accessible today. The castle can only be accessed via kayak or by swimming.
One day, when we move to Scotland for a year (it’s on the bucketlist), we’ll bring a kayak out there to explore the ruins!
Loch an Eilein Castle Overview
- Coordinates: 57.146944, -3.824167
- Fees: the parking fee was waived when we were visiting. Unsure if this was because we arrived late in the day but be prepared to pay the usual £4.50.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Usage: Moderate
- Length: 7km / 4.5 miles around entire lake
- Things to note:
- If you want to explore the castle ruins, bring a kayak or be prepared to swim as there is no walking path to the castle.
- Pets allowed: Yes
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