Strome castle

is itself not that impressive being a ruin of its former self, what is impressive is the location, it’s perched on a rocky outcrop that commands exceptional views of Loch Carron.

It’s turbulent past holds a bloody history prior to it being blown up in 1602 after a lengthy siege by Kenneth Mackenzie of Kintail. He was at the time the 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail a Highland Clan Chief. His exploits and opportunities granted him the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and he successfully pursued a bloody feud with the Macdonells of Glengarry who at the time owned Strome Castle.

They were eventually ousted from Strome and moved south to build Invergarry Castle in Argyll near the mouth of the river Aray.

The castle was originally built by either the Camerons of Lochiel or the MacDonald Lord of the Isles and in 1472 became the property of the the Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh a branch of the larger Clan Macdonald.

It was besieged and captured in 1503 by the Gordon Earl of Huntly, who was granted the property in 1546. The property was then passed to the MacDonalds of Glengarry. In 1602 it’s fate was sealed by gunpowder that demolished a large part of the structure.

The building is now in the care of The National Trust for Scotland. When I visited the site in summer 2019 a section was sealed off due to being unstable.

Even if you are not into castles it’s a pleasant spot to visit, peaceful with amazing views down Loch Carron and the surrounding countryside which hosts amazing scenery. On a clear day you can enjoy views of the Crowlin Islands with the Cuillins of Skye in the background.

How to get there

Arriving from Achnasheen on the A896 drive through the village of Lochcarron. The A896 veers to the right you carry straight through on a single lane road.

If you coming from Tornapress then take a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill as you enter the village.

Carry straight through on this single lane road for around 4 miles Strome Castle sits on the right as you enter the hamlet

Assuming you are driving here’s a warning, find somewhere to park as you reach the hamlet, if you carry on down the road it ends at the old ferry jetway and it’s almost impossible to turn.