Carnasserie Castle
Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Photo: Anne Burgess, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0 ยท Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Oban, 18.1 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Free; overlooks Kilmartin Glen
Pinpoint
Kilmartin, Lochgilphead PA31 8RQ
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1 April - 30 September | Daily 9.30am to 5.30pm |
| 1 October - 31 March | Daily 10am to 4pm |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
A free 16th-century tower house ruin standing above Kilmartin Glen, one of Scotland's densest concentrations of prehistoric monuments, reached by a short but steep climb from the car park. Reviewers consistently say it rewards the effort - the upper storeys are still accessible, and the view over the glen from the top is the payoff.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The view from the top storeys over Kilmartin Glen - reviewers rate it among the best short-walk viewpoints in Argyll.
Before you go
The walk up is only 10-15 minutes but the last stretch is steep, so wear proper shoes rather than sandals; there's decent parking at the bottom and, being free and unstaffed, no opening hours to work around.
What visitors say
Carnasserie Castle reviews · 4.8 / 5 across 462 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently enjoy Carnasserie Castle as a well-preserved ruin reached by a short but somewhat steep walk from the car park, rewarding visitors with the ability to climb to the top floors for expansive views.
Several mention having the site largely to themselves, and it's described as an easy, worthwhile stop with no real drawbacks.
“Well preserved ruin, you actually can go in and go up to top storeys with an awesome view. About a 10 to 15min walk from parkinglot, the end is a steeper hill. Enough parking too.”- Patrick & Heidi Knotz, visitor review
History
John Carswell · 1565
John Carswell, a Protestant reformer and Rector of Kilmartin, began building Carnasserie in 1565. The castle's Renaissance detailing made it fashionable, but it lay in ruin after the 1685 uprising and was never rebuilt.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “The walk to the castle was a little steep from the car park but took about under 10 minutes!” - Alyssa Klingensmith
- Terrain & accessibility
- “About a 10 to 15min walk from parkinglot, the end is a steeper hill.” - Patrick & Heidi Knotz
For your visit
As an Amazon Associate we keep the site funded from qualifying purchases. More on how this works →
gear
Straame Picnic Blanket Waterproof, Gingham (200x140cm)
A classic gingham rug that's machine washable once the grass stains inevitably show up. A good fit for a free ruin walk at Carnasserie Castle.
Find it on Amazon
gear
Chilly's Original Water Bottle (260/500/750ml)
Vacuum-insulated and condensation-free, so it can go straight into a daypack without soaking anything else - the reusable bottle most visitors already own. Keeps you going during a walk round the grounds.
Find it on Amazon
gear
ZILLERATE Polarised Sports Sunglasses, Wrap Around, TR90 Frame
A wrap-around frame that blocks glare from the sides, not just the front - useful on an exposed hilltop or coastal site with nothing to break the light. Good cover during a day out in Argyll and Bute on a bright day.
Find it on Amazon
gear
K&F CONCEPT MS08 Selfie Stick Tripod
Works with a phone or an action camera, so it covers both a quick selfie at the gatehouse and a walk-round video of the whole site. Keeps things to hand during a 4.8-star day out.
Find it on AmazonCommon questions about Carnasserie Castle
Where is Carnasserie Castle?
Carnasserie Castle is in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, at Kilmartin, Lochgilphead PA31 8RQ.
Is Carnasserie Castle free to visit?
Yes - Carnasserie Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Carnasserie Castle?
The view from the top storeys over Kilmartin Glen - reviewers rate it among the best short-walk viewpoints in Argyll.
Is Carnasserie Castle a ruin or still intact?
Carnasserie Castle is a ruin - Free; overlooks Kilmartin Glen.
