Well when we saw the signposts for Caerlaverock Castle, we couldn't resist going for an exploration. We were just expecting yet another castle ruin, and in some ways you would be right, but this castle holds more than that, much more! Located along the B725, and part of the Burns Heritage Trail.
The castle itself is in rather good condition, considering it was abadoned back in 1640 and is pretty much intact except for the back wall, that took rather a beating when it was besieged for the last time by the Protestant Covenanter army, destroying it and bringing life here to an end.
Initially built in the 13th Century to control trade, you have to picture the landscape being rather different to what it is now, the sea was much closer to the castle for example than it is now, it was also a much harsher landscape to live in, with marshland to contend with.
The castle is part of Historic Scotland which if you are a member you can gain free entry
into the castle, along with other perks of membership and there is a little cafe and shop on site as well. Walking from the car park to the castle I was suprised and pleased to see a filled moat that surrounds the whole ruin, there was even some frogs happily swimming around in it!
The entry to the castle is over a wooden bridge spanning the moat and a rather stunning plaque depicting a stag is just above the entrance door, there is much to explore and see here, many rooms to go into, staircases to climb and views to appreciate, but what makes this castle different to most I have seen and the most intriquing (for me, anyhow) is the triangular formation of it, I understand there are only a handful of castles that were built in this way and this is the first we've ever visited.
Once you walk through the entrance, admiring the siderooms, you enter the castle proper and this took our breath away! You will find the most intricate stonework wall that is just mesmorising and again nothing like I have seen before, the sheer scale of it too. It really was in its day a most grand display of wealth and power.
The building has much to wander around, with formal staircases taking you to different levels and sprial ones to give you a sense of how life was like. You get a real appreciation of the sheer size of this place, something that isn't really apparent when you first arrive and the rooms and space show off the craftsmanship that went into building this place.
Once you have your fill of this castle, just a short 10 minute walk takes you to the original Caerlaverock Castle, this was ordered for construction in about 1220 and was one of the first stone castles to be built in Scotland!! Not much of it remains today, and it possibly was never completed but the now standing Caerlaverock Castle was built. Of the original, only the foundations remain, but still worth the walk to it.
On the walk back to our vehicle, we get to appreciate a different view of Caerlaverock Castle and admire its ability to stand the test of time, it is an impressive structure and a must go and see, there is much to look at, there is even a childrens play area situated to one side of the castle.
Thanks for reading about our day exploring Caerlaverock Castle, Scotland.
Fred & Em
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