Inverlochy Castle
Highland, Scotland
Photo: The original uploader was Jmb at English Wikipedia., CC BY 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0 ยท Daniel Kraft, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Historic Environment Scotland
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Grounds only
- Entry pass
- Historic Scotland Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Banavie, 0.9 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Closed for conservation; viewable through protective fencing
Pinpoint
Fort William PH33 6TF
Telephone 07895 643214
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.
At a glance
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
Inverlochy Castle reviews · 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.
“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
History
John Comyn · 1270-1280
Quadrangular fortress built 1270-1280 by John 'the Black' Comyn, Lord of Badenoch, strategically positioned at the Great Glen entrance. Robert the Bruce captured and burned it in 1307 as part of his destruction of the Comyns, though it remains largely unaltered since original construction.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Common questions about Inverlochy Castle
Where is Inverlochy Castle?
Inverlochy Castle is in Highland, Scotland, at Fort William PH33 6TF.
Can you go inside Inverlochy Castle?
At Inverlochy Castle the grounds are open to visit but the castle interior generally isn't, under Historic Environment Scotland. Check the official site for current access before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Inverlochy Castle?
The setting near Fort William beneath Ben Nevis - even viewed through fencing, the position gives a sense of why it was worth fortifying.
Is Inverlochy Castle a ruin or still intact?
Inverlochy Castle is a ruin - Closed for conservation; viewable through protective fencing.
