Knock Castle Ruins, Isle of Skye, United Kingdom

Knock Castle, also known as Caisteal Chamuis is a former stronghold of the MacDonalds. Currently the castle is in ruins; it consists of an old 15th century keep of which one part, a window, remains to some height with traces of later buildings.

The castle was constructed by the Clan MacLeod and later captured by the Clan MacDonald in the late 15th century. Ownership of the castle passed between the two clans several times. It was remodelled in 1596 by the MacDonalds. By 1689 the castle was abandoned and started to decay. Most of the stones were then used for nearby buildings.

It is claimed by tradition that the castle is haunted by a Green Lady, a gruagach - a ghost associated with the fortunes of the family who occupy the castle. The ghost will appear happy if good news is to come; if there is bad news she will weep. The castle is also said to have had a glaistig, a spirit which is said to have a particular concern with caring for the livestock.

There is no way to get to Knock Castle directly by vehicle. There is a private road just off the A851 that leads down toward working farm buildings. The trail to the castle can be found by following the road to a livestock gate. Hidden in the vegetation on the right side of the pathway is a small wooden picket gate covered with lichen. On the other side of the gate is a faint trail that will eventually lead across a river to the castle, passing in front of a very old red-roofed farm building. The easiest approach to the castle is by following the trail upward after passing the farm building. On the right hand side after the farm building are the remains of what appears to be a blacksmith's forge.

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Miscellaneous historic sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Caitlin Thayer (2 years ago)
Great little walk, though getting to the top of the ruins isn't accessible for everyone. Gorgeous spot, and we passed many cows and sheep on the drive in. Highly recommend!

Cyle Tra (2 years ago)
Ok this was an adventure. The drive will take you along a single lane 6 or so mile road. Then you will have to walk about half a mile to the castle ruins. You can't access the inside of the ruin easily or safely so not for children. It was a beautiful location however. Worth it for the adventurer.

Briga honda (5 years ago)
Incredible views

Shannon Houston (5 years ago)
If you like Castle ruins in beautiful places, then I highly recommend! Park on the road and it’s a 10-15min walk to the castle over swampy land - have waterproof shoes, or be prepared to get wet feet like myself! To get to the top, you either need to climb up the rocks or go across what’s left of the bridge.

Vlad Cochintoiu (5 years ago)
Not much to see, only a few ruins on a cliff. Good for a few photos but not much else

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The castle first mentioned in 1200 was originally owned by the King and later, at the end of the 13th century it fell in hands of Matúš Èák. Its owners alternated - at the end of the 14th century the family of Stibor of Stiborice bought it.

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The history of the castle is the subject of different legends.

Knock Castle Ruins

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