Finally, the staff were back, we flashed our Historic Scotland memberships (always a win), and we were in.
Normally, there's a modest entry fee to explore the castle, but on that particular day, if you had a child registered for the Easter bunny search hunt, accompanying adults entered for free. What a brilliant bonus, allowing us to wander through the ancient walls without a penny spent. And let me tell you, the view from the castle is nothing short of spectacular. We spent ages simply soaking in the panoramic views, snapping countless photos, and truly relishing the serene atmosphere. Mona, of course, was absolutely delighted with her bunny hunt, and it truly made for a perfect day out. This memorable visit was actually part of a fantastic trio, as we also explored Seamill Beach and the enchanting Kelburn Castle & Estate on the very same day.
Unveiling Dundonald Castle: A Scottish Stronghold Steeped in History
Nestled atop a prominent hill in the charming village of Dundonald, Ayrshire, Dundonald Castle stands as a proud testament to Scotland's rich and often turbulent past. Its strategic location offers breathtaking 360-degree views across the Firth of Clyde, Arran, and the sprawling Ayrshire countryside – truly a photographer's dream and a history enthusiast's delight.
Where is this Historical Gem Located?
Dundonald Castle is easily accessible, situated just a short drive from Kilmarnock and Irvine, and within comfortable reach of Glasgow. Its postcode, KA2 9EY, will guide you right to its doorstep, making it a perfect day trip destination for both locals and tourists exploring the west coast of Scotland. The castle's elevated position not only provides incredible views but also hints at its historical significance as a defensive stronghold.
The Rich History of Dundonald Castle
The history of Dundonald Castle is as layered and intriguing as its ancient stone walls. The current castle is actually the third to occupy this commanding site.
Early Beginnings: The earliest known structure on the site dates back to the Iron Age, a fort that predates any medieval castle. Following this, a timber-and-earth motte-and-bailey castle was constructed in the 12th century, likely by Walter FitzAlan, the first High Steward of Scotland, an ancestor of the Stewart royal line. This early castle would have played a crucial role in controlling the surrounding lands.
The Stewart Stronghold: The most prominent and visible remains today belong to the formidable castle built by King Robert II, the first Stewart king of Scotland, in the late 14th century. After a period of destruction of the earlier structures during the Wars of Scottish Independence, Robert II, who had a strong connection to Ayrshire, chose Dundonald as a key residence. It was here that he spent considerable time, and it's even believed he died at the castle in 1390, making it a significant royal residence during the early Stewart dynasty. The castle's design, a large tower house with impressive defensive capabilities, reflects the architectural trends of the time.
Later Ownership and Decline: Following the Stewarts, the castle passed through various hands, including the Wallaces of Dundonald and the Crawfurds of Loudoun. Over the centuries, its strategic importance waned, and like many Scottish castles, it eventually fell into disrepair. By the 17th century, much of the castle was in ruins, its stones sometimes repurposed for local buildings.
Preservation and Present Day: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, efforts began to preserve what remained of Dundonald Castle. Today, it is a Scheduled Monument, cared for by Historic Environment Scotland, and managed by the dedicated team at the Friends of Dundonald Castle. Their commitment ensures that this vital piece of Scottish heritage remains accessible and understood by all.
Events and Experiences at Dundonald Castle
Beyond its historical significance, Dundonald Castle is a vibrant community hub. The Friends of Dundonald Castle actively host a diverse range of events throughout the year, making it a dynamic place to visit time and again. From historical re-enactments that bring the past to life with thrilling displays of medieval combat and daily life to engaging children's activities like the Easter bunny hunt we enjoyed, and even educational workshops and seasonal fairs – there's always something happening. These events truly enhance the visitor experience, offering unique opportunities to immerse oneself in the castle's atmosphere and learn more about its fascinating story. Be sure to check their official website or social media channels for their up-to-date events calendar.
P.S. This is my least favorite castle out of all the castles I've visited in Scotland so far.
But, typical, right? My partner was like, "Nah, babe, the map says it's closed." I had a feeling it was just their office, not the whole nature reserve, but bless his heart, he took me to the part covered by Historic Scotland instead. And Honestly? It was absolutely brilliant! The only catch was, since we had our RSPB membership, we had to pay to get in here. But let me tell you, it was SO worth it for the boat ride to the castle.
So, here's the deal: there's free parking, which is always a win, right? But then, to get to the iconic Loch Leven Castle , you have to take a boat; it is an island. It cost us about £22, which included the ride over to the island where the castle sits. Before we even took off, our boat rider (who was super lovely, by the way) gave us the lowdown: "Stay seated, no phones over the water, don't stand up until we've stopped," and the kicker: "If your phone falls in, I'm not stopping—we can't find it anyway." I'll only stop if someone falls in." Talk about a clear message. There were four of us on the boat, and we just sat back, soaked in the absolutely stunning views of Loch Leven, and before we knew it, we were at Loch Leven Castle itself. The castle is definitely showing its age and bits are falling apart, but the sheer beauty of the location and getting to actually step inside? Priceless.
Now, let's talk about the history of this incredible place, because Loch Leven Castle is absolutely steeped in it. This isn't just any old ruin; it's a place with some serious stories to tell. The castle itself dates back to the late 14th century, making it over 600 years old. Imagine all the history these stones have seen.
But the most famous resident, without a doubt, was Mary, Queen of Scots. She was imprisoned here in 1567, after being forced to abdicate her throne. Can you even imagine? Trapped on an island in the middle of a loch. She was held here for nearly a year, and let me tell you, she did not go quietly. She tried to escape not once, but twice. Her first attempt involved switching clothes with a laundress, but she was recognized by a boatman and her escape was foiled. Her second, more successful attempt, in May 1568, was much more dramatic. With the help of George Douglas (the castle owner's younger brother, who was totally friendly with her) and a young orphan named Willie Douglas, she managed to get hold of the castle keys. Willie locked the gates behind them, threw the keys into the loch (talk about commitment), and they rowed across to the shore where Lord Seton was waiting with horses. She was free. For a little while, anyway. It's such a thrilling part of Scottish history, and standing in the very castle where it happened feels good.
A quick note for you fellow foodies. There is a restaurant at Loch Leven, but at the moment, it's unfortunately closed. I'm hoping it'll reopen soon, because imagine grabbing a bite with those views.
How to Get to Loch Leven from Glasgow or Edinburgh:
Getting to Loch Leven is super straightforward from both Glasgow and Edinburgh , making it a perfect day trip!
- From Glasgow: It's roughly an hour to an hour and a half drive. You'll want to head east on the M8 towards Edinburgh, then pick up the M90 north towards Perth. Take junction 5 (A911) for Kinross/Milnathort, and then follow the signs for Loch Leven.
- From Edinburgh: Even easier. It's about a 45-minute to an hour drive. Just jump on the M90 north towards Perth and take junction 5 (A911) for Kinross/Milnathort, and then follow the signs to Loch Leven.
Public transport is a bit trickier, as you'd likely need a combination of trains and buses, so I'd definitely recommend driving if you can for the most flexibility.
So, there you have it. My birthday wish came true, even with a little detour, and I got to explore a truly historic part of Scotland. If you're looking for a dose of history, stunning scenery, and a unique boat trip, Loch Leven Castle is an absolute must-visit. Just don't drop your phone in the loch.
Address : Pier Rd, Kinross KY13 8UF
In case of emergency, an emergency line and defibrillator are available on the island. Should you get stuck, miss your pickup, or if no one arrives to collect you, please use the emergency line.
Did I mention that we ended up signing up for Historic Scotland membership? Yes, we did.
We strolled around, soaking up every single view. Seriously, every single one! There's a long trail, and as you walk towards it, you get a gorgeous view of the River Calder, and from there, you can see the Castle Semple Country Park. That long trail felt like it went on forever, but when we finally reached the end, the view was absolutely worth it. We also spotted loads of birds that are being protected in their natural habitat. At the end of the trail, you can see the Peel Tower of Lochwinnoch. The ruins of The Peel of Castle Semple, or the Castle Semple Loch Peel Tower, which was once known in Scottish Reformation times as the Defender of the Faith, sit in Castle Semple Loch, in the Parish of Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, Scotland. The castle stands on a wee rocky island that's now connected to the shore by a curved embankment because of drainage and farming. You might see Semple written as 'Sempill' sometimes, but we'll stick to the more common spelling here.
I needed to do a product review, so I filmed the second one right there. Just after I finished, I started dancing again because I had my MUZEN OTR Portable Retro FM Radio Bluetooth Speaker with me – the walnut wood one I usually take on our trips. I love chilling out or having a dance in nature. There's just something about it that makes me constantly smile. I can't help it! I adore nature, so it's safe to say I'd love to live right in the middle of it.
Anyway, while we were there, we bumped into three elderly folks. After chatting with them, we found out they were three siblings. That really warmed my heart. Three elderly siblings on a trip together from the same parents – it was so lovely. You could still see that sibling bond between them.
Moving on, we enjoyed the views and made sure to snap loads of photos of Lochwinnoch so I could share them with you all. But wait, there's more! We decided to head towards the part where we could dip our legs in the water, and those lovely elderly siblings pointed us in the right direction, near Castle Semple Country Park. (I've already shared photos of our trip to Castle Semple Park on the blog.) But just before we went to find it, I asked my partner to wind down the car window a bit. We had cans of disinfectant inside, and with the hot weather, I was worried they might explode. We were still deciding whether to put them in the boot or leave them on the seats, and I asked my partner to check the boot. While we were talking, I didn't realize he was about to close it. I wanted to check the temperature, and bam! He closed it on my left index finger, and I screamed! Hahaha, the pain was so intense I couldn't even cry. My partner instantly felt terrible, so I had to cheer him up. He's been a bit down about it all day. Anyway, I insisted we finish our trip, but he wanted me to go to the hospital. But you know me, I waited for the bleeding to stop. My clotting time was about 4 minutes, which is normal, so I figured I'd be alright. We put some disinfectant on it, and my partner started looking for first aid. The first person he asked was a bus driver, but he didn't have anything. The second was a woman at the Castle Semple Sailing Club. Actually, he went around looking for first aid while I sat down. I even told him not to bother, but he was determined. When the woman saw us, she was so kind. She showed me where to wash my hands and gave me disinfectant cream, and my partner dressed the wound. It was a deep cut, but the pain is easing off now. Funnily enough, when I woke up on Friday last week, my elbow was even more sore than my finger!
You won't believe the craziest part of our adventure that day. When we finished our trip and were on our way back, my partner said I should get a tetanus jab. So, I called the NHS and was on hold for ages. Then, I went to Boots pharmacy, and they advised me to go to the hospital to see a doctor and gave me some painkillers. We finally got the go-ahead to go to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and that was around 9:06 pm, but I'd been calling the NHS 111 since 7:37 pm. When I got there, I signed in and waited for what felt like forever before a nurse saw my wound. She used sterile water to clean it and then bandaged my whole left palm, not just my index finger. Then, she asked us to wait to see a doctor who would prescribe the tetanus injection – the whole reason I was there! I waited until around 1:15 am (middle of the night) before another senior nurse came to see me. Since I couldn't really feel the tip of my finger, I had to get an X-ray. After the X-ray, I waited again for a while, and then she came back with another person to give me the tetanus injection. They cleaned the wound again and redressed it. By this point, I was completely exhausted and trying not to get cranky because my partner had been with me the whole time and felt bad about what happened. He kept encouraging me to just wait it out, but I was so fed up. We finally got home around 2:56 am, almost 3 am! I quickly had a bath, grabbed something to eat, and went to bed. The funny thing is, I've been injured before back home as a kid, and it took maybe 30 minutes to get a prescription, the tetanus shot, and walk home. Same in Ukraine. But this was my first time visiting the minor injury ward here, and let me tell you, I won't be rushing back! The waiting time is ridiculous, and in the end, I didn't even see a doctor – the nurse did her job, and I'm fine. My partner tried to lighten the mood and said we were craving adventure, and now the adventure doesn't want to end! I couldn't help but laugh 🤣. Well, we got home safe and sound, thank God.
I know you can probably picture how exhausted I was by now, but let me quickly tell you a bit about Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve. It's a wetland reserve and a fantastic spot for a nature escape.
According to the RSPB, it's one of the few wetlands left in the west of Scotland. You can spot Whooper Swans, Wigeon, Goldeneye, and loads of other ducks. The conservation work at Lochwinnoch aims to restore the reserve's wetland system to how it would have been over 100 years ago. You can read more about Lochwinnoch village. We drove through it, and in my opinion, it's beautiful and peaceful. But judging by the £2.50 we paid for a can of Pepsi, the cost of living might be a bit on the higher side – you can do the math and tell me what you think.
Lochwinnoch: Your Ultimate Guide to a Wonderful Visit.
Address: Lochwinnoch RSPB Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch PA12 4JFFirst off, parking. It's all about contactless payment at the machine, so no need to rummage for change, but keep in mind you'll have to pay no matter when you rock up if you do not have the membership card. There are about 30 spaces, and just so you know, four of those are reserved for folks popping into the shop. If you've got a Blue Badge, there are three designated spots for you, and they're pretty close to the visitor centre – about 20 meters away. Now, the car park surface is gravel, and it can get a bit bumpy with potholes, so watch your step. If you're bringing your bike, there are racks right near the visitor centre entrance. Just a heads-up, there's no lighting in the car park and no proper spot to drop anyone off, but hey, at least there's no height restriction for your vehicle.
Need the loo? There's one accessible toilet about 10 meters from the visitor centre entrance. And if you've got a little one, the baby changing facilities are in that same accessible toilet.
If you're planning on pushing a pushchair around, the nature trails are generally okay. There are three partly signposted trails – two are about 400m each, and the other is 1.5km. They're all flat with no big hills. The main 1.5km trail is meant to be accessible for everyone. Just a word of warning though, all the trails can get a bit waterlogged if there's been a lot of rain.
For anyone using a wheelchair, the car park is that gravel surface with potential potholes, so be aware of that. When it comes to the nature trails, the same applies – the three trails are flat with no steep bits, and the main 1.5km one is all-access. But again, they can get flooded after heavy rain. There are also four picnic benches, and two of them have space for a single wheelchair.
If you need a regular toilet, you'll find them inside the visitor centre.
The visitor centre itself is open every day from 9:30 am to 5 pm, and the car park and trails are open all the time. There are three entrances on the ground floor, with both steps and ramps available. The doors open outwards manually. They've got a low counter for membership info, and they even have a wheelchair you can borrow if you need it. The inside is all on one level with plenty of space to move around, good lighting, and clear information. Some of the stuff in there might be a bit tricky to reach, but the staff are happy to help. They also have a hearing loop.
Fancy a cuppa or a snack? They've got a range of refreshments in their shop, and they try to stock Fairtrade or locally sourced goodies. You can grab hot drinks (proper bean-to-cup coffee!), and all sorts of sweet and savory snacks and sandwiches.
The shop itself sells things like binoculars and telescopes, books, bird food, and gifts.
Just a heads up, the picnic area is temporarily closed from May 13th, and they're hoping to have it back open by May 31st. There are usually four tables outside the visitor centre, and two of them have space for a wheelchair. You're welcome to bring your own food and drinks to enjoy there when it's open again.
You can also hire binoculars from £3.
They sometimes have guided walks, so it might be worth checking if there are any on when you visit.
As for the viewpoint, most of it is level access, but the Tower Observation Area is upstairs in the visitor centre. There's no lift, so you'll have to climb 23 steps to get up there. They also have two hides with seating and two viewing screens, one with seating. Just a note that the Aird Meadow Hide is currently closed for maintenance.
Remember those nature trails? The three of them are partly signposted, flat, and without any big inclines. The main one (1.5km) is all-access. You get onto it through a gate, and part of it is a boardwalk with passing places. There are no other gates, steps, or stiles on the trails, but they can get flooded after heavy rain.
They've got a wild playground, which sounds fun! Oh wait, it says "Not available on site," so maybe that's something for the future.
Looks like barbecues are also "Not available on site," so no grilling your sausages there.
If you're bringing your dog, they're allowed on all the footpaths as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. Well-behaved dogs are welcome inside the visitor centre, but not in the shop area. They just ask that you keep your furry friend at your heel or on a lead to protect the wildlife.
And of course, assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
So there you have it – the full scoop on what's available when you visit Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve!
Did you clock our mucky shoes? Aye, the paths were a bit dusty, and you know what that means – pollen galore! Seriously, the pollen count was off the charts, must have been the time of year we went. We noticed loads of plants around there absolutely covered in pollen. Plus, there's a train line pretty close to one side of the path, so every time the wind picked up or a train whizzed by, you could just see the pollen swirling in the air. Even some bits of the water had a layer of it, but hey, nature's got its own way of doing things, doesn't it? Still totally worth it for the views, though.
Well, right next door to that lovely village and Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve is the Castle Semple Country Park, and let me tell you, it's a proper summer location. Think of it as your starting point for exploring the whole Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. It's got everything you could want – easy access to the water for all sorts of outdoor fun, cracking walks, loads of wildlife to spot, and some lovely woods to wander through.
So, what can you actually do there? Plenty!
First off, you can stretch your legs on the Semple Trail. They've even got suggested walking routes dotted around if you fancy a bit of guidance. Just click here to have a wee look.
If you're a fan of two wheels, it's perfect for a visit by bicycle. The Centre is right on the Sustrans traffic-free cycle route 7 that runs all the way from Glasgow to Irvine. And if you don't have your own bike, no worries – you can hire one from RT Cycles. They've even got bike parking with maintenance stations at the Visitor Centre, which is handy. You can find some suggested cycle routes too.
Feeling peckish or just fancy a break? The Visitor Centre Café is the place to be. You can enjoy a lovely coffee or an ice cream while taking in the cracking view. Trust me, it's a good spot to just sit and chill.
But that's not all! They've also got:
- Outdoor Activity Group Sessions and Courses – but you need to book these in advance, so get your name down if you're keen on sailing, kayaking, archery, and all that good stuff.
- The Semple Estate Historic Map & Exhibition – give them a ring beforehand to make sure you can get access if you're specifically going to see this.
- Loads of Resident Clubs if you're into getting more involved, like the Castle Semple Rowing Club, Castle Semple Sailing Club, West Coast Paddlers Kayaking, Clyde Windsurfing & SUP, St Winnoch Angling Club, and Ride 63 Community Cycling Club.
- You can even get Fishing Permits from the Visitor Centre if you fancy a bit of coarse fishing (that's non-migratory fish) in Castle Semple Loch.
The car park, walks, and trails are open all day, every day. So you can wander to your heart's content whenever you fancy.
The Castle Semple Café is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm in the summer and 10 am to 4 pm in the winter, so you can always get your caffeine fix and some tasty treats.
The Outdoor Toilets are open daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Handy to know!
Just to give you the full picture, this Castle Semple place is one of a few gems within the larger Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. It's right in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, practically next door to National Cycle Route 7 and just a short walk from Lochwinnoch Train Station.
They even have a Ranger Service that puts on family-friendly events and volunteer programs throughout the year. And if you're feeling adventurous, their Outdoor Activity team is top-notch and can guide you through things like sailing, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating, archery – the works.
What's really brilliant is that the Centre is fully accessible to everyone. It was even Scotland's first Centre of Excellence for disability sailing back in 2012.
How to locate Castle Semple Country Park?
Castle Semple Visitor Centre,
Lochlip Road,
Lochwinnoch,
Renfrewshire,
PA12 4EA
And for accessibility, Castle Semple has ramps leading into the main Visitor Centre & Café, and it's a short, level walk from the car park. You can also get to the loch and watersports via their pontoon hoist, but it's best to give them a bell to check when it's available.
The toilets all have step-free access, and the disabled cubicles have wide doors and handrails.
And the staff? Especially the outdoor activities team, which are really experienced in helping folks with disabilities get out on the water.
So there you have it! Castle Semple Country Park sounds like a fantastic place to spend a day. I and my partner spent some time having a meal at the park close to the river. We also enjoyed the view and wanted to explore even more, but it was getting a bit chilly, and I only picked two stones at this location. When I share photos of our trip to Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, you will know why, and you will have a more fun read about our adventure. I will take you through the whole day we spent at Lochwinnoch and after reading, you will be surprised at how the day ended.
Largs is a seaside town on the Clyde coast, about 40 minutes from Glasgow. Its old Gaelic name means "the slopes." It’s a popular spot with a pier and takes pride in its Viking history, celebrated with a festival every September. The town is also historically significant as the site of the Battle of Largs in 1263, where the Scots faced the Norwegians.
1. Kelburn Castle and Estate
A popular attraction for children is the Secret Forest—a fairy tale-themed maze featuring a witch’s cottage and a giant’s castle. There are also the Adventure Course and Saloon play areas, equipped with wooden walkways, stepping stones, tunnels, swings, and a scramble net.
Kelburn’s stunning woodland glen has a network of winding trails to explore, with various creative surprises along the way. Reaching the top of the glen rewards visitors with impressive views across the Firth of Clyde to the Isle of Arran.
In 2007, Kelburn’s castle was painted in a unique style and is now recognized by author and designer Tristan Manco as one of the world’s top 10 examples of street art—comparable to the work of Banksy in Los Angeles and the Favela Morro da Providência in Rio de Janeiro.
The estate hosts events throughout the year, so it’s worth checking their website or social media for updates. Accommodation is available in the form of hillside yurts for glamping, and there are also areas for pitching tents if you prefer to bring your own.
Entry to the grounds, glen, and the Saloon and Adventure Course play areas is free, with a £5 parking charge per car. There is a separate £3 per person entry fee for the Secret Forest. Kelburn Estate and Country Centre is located off the A78, about two miles from Largs, between Largs and Fairlie, and there's a bus stop right outside the entrance. A general entrance fee applies to the estate, with reduced rates in the off-season. The estate also features several walking trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Ranger Services, including guided walks, are available. More details can be found on their website at www.kelburnestate.com. West Kilbride Golf Links borders the northern end of the beach in the vicinity.
The castle wasn’t open when we visited, but we were told that it would be open in June and July. We still enjoyed taking photos around the outside, even though we couldn’t go in.
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2. Waterfall and rock pool at Kelburn Castle and Estate
The Waterfall Pool, set within a striking sandstone grotto, is just 250 yards from the brightly painted castle. The waterfall felt almost unreal—I actually let out a lovely scream near it because I was so excited. It was such a beautiful sight to see in person. Thereafter, we wandered around the estate toward the castle area, strolled through the flower section, and then had some Easter bread before heading to Largs Yacht Haven.
