Inverlochy Castle Ruins, Fort William, United Kingdom

Inverlochy Castle was built around 1280 by the powerful ‘Red’ Comyns, lords of Badenoch and Lochaber, to command the southern end of the Great Glen. The site of two battles, the castle remains largely unchanged since its construction.

The moat that surrounded the castle has long gone but the location at the western end of the Great Glen and natural defensive postion against the River Lochy gave Inverlochy castle a superior advantage. The old Military Road built by General Wade passed right by the castle and can still be followed back in to Fort William.

Inverlochy Castle last played a part in Scottish and English history during the Civil Wars of the 1640’s. In 1645 the royalist Earl of Montrose routed the roundhead forces of the Campbell Chief Duke of Argyll at the second Battle of Inverlochy.

In 1654 the Castle was abandoned in favour of a large timber fort built nearby by Oliver Cromwell which in 1690 was then replaced by a stone fort named “Fort William” after King William III. The town which grew around it was named Maryburgh after the Queen, Mary II, though eventually it took the same name as the fort.

In 1836 a new Victorian, chateau-style Inverlochy Castle was built in nearby Torlundy by the Hobbs familiy. This has since been converted into a luxury hotel.

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Inverlochy Castle

User Reviews

Freya Burston (15 months ago)
The is being repaired but still lovely spot.

C “Tornadoman” Kelly (2 years ago)
Visited while walking the geln way walk sad to see it fenced off but understandable with the fact that there's masonry that's lose and could fall, bike the Scotiabank castle afforities need to speak to the Welsh as the Welsh have it down as a art form, But overall nice to see that there's effort to try and sort it out and make it safe Would of been ni e to be able to see more and explore more but at the moment not safe

David Carr (2 years ago)
The entire site is fenced off for safety as a survey is done, hence the rating. Easy to navigate to and accessible parking close by, but you can only walk the perimeter at this time. ?

Amiliah Goodrich (2 years ago)
Not a full castle. Ruins. Gorgeous, but expect an impeded views

Vicky (2 years ago)
Sadly it is too dangerous to walk among the ruins, hence not open to the public. You can walk around the perimeter fence but it can be a little boggy at times. The reason I gave it 5 stars is because it was a unique castle with an interesting history. It also has a lovely view of Ben Nevis.

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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.

Inverlochy Castle Ruins

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