Kilchurn Castle at Loch Awe: One of My Top 5 Life-Time Views

I wasn’t planning a visit to Kilchurn Castle that day—journeying through Scotland’s Western Highlands, we simply followed the A819 for its promise of scenic bends. Suddenly we spotted the ruin abruptly emerging above the water at the head of Loch Awe. After parking by the road (close to the A85/A819 junction, grid NN 133 276) we walked just ten minutes across open pasture and reached the viewpoint. There, the gentle valley slope met the still loch and the ancient castle stood, as if gently floating on the water.

The meadow in front of the ruin was dotted with Highland cows and grazing sheep; the sky shifted dramatically—first the low sun glinted on the castle walls, then clouds stacked like silent spectators. In that moment I thought: this might just be one of my top-five most gorgeous views ever. The ruin, the water, the hills—it all communicated a kind of quiet grandeur, as if time itself paused for a photograph.

Why Kilchurn Felt So Right

• Built in the mid-15th century as the seat of the mighty Clan Campbell of Glenorchy, Kilchurn Castle occupied a tiny island at first—later joined to the mainland by lowered water levels of Loch Awe.
• The ruin continues to dominate the landscape at the northeastern tip of Loch Awe—an area already celebrated for its Highland ambiance and photographic appeal.
• Access is straightforward yet still feels remote: from the A85/A819 you drop down toward Loch Awe, under the railway viaduct, then walk across farmland.

How It Worked with Kids (and Why You Should Go)

We made this a “quick stop” on our drive, but it turned into a highlight. For our daughter (10 years old), My son(8 yeard old) and us, the open field in front of the castle became an impromptu playground. She ran around, the castle as backdrop, and we paused for a picnic-style snack by the loch. There’s no major climb, no tight corridors—just wide open nature and that grand view. If you have younger children, this kind of freedom combined with historic charm is a rare treat.

Must-Know Tips Before You Visit

1. Parking & access: There’s very limited official parking. Many visitors park near Loch Awe railway station or at the roadside by the A85/A819 turn-off. The walk is easy but the path crosses farmland—make sure you’re aware of cows or sheep and stick to marked paths.
2. Best light & scenery: Aim for early morning or late afternoon. The loch often mirrors the castle and hills beautifully when the wind drops. Even 20-30 minutes can be magical.
3. Castle access: The ruin is under conservation (Historic Environment Scotland) and may be fenced off. External views are still superb.
4. Weather & terrain: The Highlands are unpredictable. Wear layers, waterproofs, and sturdy shoes. Some paths may be muddy after rain.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes the best travel memories come from “just stopping by”. When I looked at Kilchurn Castle and realised that yes—this view, this ruin, this loch is going on my “top five” list—I felt that thrill of discovery all over again. If ever you find yourself driving through Argyll & Bute, Scotland: pull over, park, walk ten minutes, and let the Highlands work their magic.

Thank you for reading—next time I’ll be sharing the details of another magical stop: the caves beneath this area that whispered stories of the past. Until then, safe travels and may your next roadside stop turn into a lifetime memory.