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.

References:

Inverlochy Castle

User Reviews

Wiesław T (20 months ago)
Nice ruins but notmuch more apart from that, good if you just want to go for a walk...

Sam Donnan (20 months ago)
Interesting castle ruins but not much there other than a walk round. Nice location next to the water.

Lynn Fraser (20 months ago)
Beautiful Castle Ruins especially today in the snow. Plenty of photos ops. Beautiful location with the river flowing behind.

Barbara Van Eck (21 months ago)
This old ruin is very worthwile to visit. It has a lot of information all around how the place used to be. Very historical. Also a very nice garden with beautiful treas. Don't forget your Smidge because there are a lot of midges in the summer and they eat you alive. There is a beautiful walking route from the centre to the castle. Then you also pass the old railroad and The soldiers bridge.

Lorna McLean (2 years ago)
Worth a quick visit. Information boards there were good, but there could be more. Stop off if you're passing or include in a day exploring Fort William!

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Makser

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