Gylen Castle: The Tower House of Fountains on Kerrera Island
Explore the evocative ruins of Gylen Castle, a 16th-century MacDougall tower house with breathtaking views over Scotland’s Firth of Lorne.
Gylen Castle is a striking 16th-century ruined tower house perched on a rocky promontory at the southern tip of Kerrera Island, overlooking the Firth of Lorne near Oban, Scotland. Built in 1582 by the Clan MacDougall, it was besieged and burned in 1647 during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The castle’s dramatic ruins and panoramic coastal views make it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and hikers alike.
A brief summary to Gylen Castle
- Kerrera, Oban, PA34 4SX, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear for the uneven terrain around the castle and the walk from the ferry landing.
- Bring a camera to capture panoramic views of the Firth of Lorne and surrounding islands.
- Visit the nearby Kerrera Tea Garden for refreshments after exploring the castle.
- Check ferry schedules in advance, especially outside the summer season.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Ferry and Walk
Take the passenger ferry from Oban’s North Pier to Kerrera Island, a 10-minute crossing. From the ferry landing, expect a 30 to 45-minute walk over uneven terrain to reach Gylen Castle. The walk offers scenic views but requires good footwear and moderate fitness. Ferry services run regularly in summer; check schedules in advance.
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Car and Ferry Combination
Drive to Oban and park in designated areas away from the ferry terminal. Use the ferry to Kerrera as foot passengers only. The castle is accessible only by foot after disembarking the ferry. Parking in Oban may incur fees; ferry tickets cost approximately £5-£7 return.
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Guided Walking Tour
Join a guided walking tour from Oban that includes ferry transfer and a hike to Gylen Castle. Tours typically last 3 to 4 hours and cost between £25 and £40 per person. This option provides historical insights and ensures safe navigation of the island paths.
Gylen Castle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Gylen Castle
A Tower House Born of Clan MacDougall Ambitions
Gylen Castle, completed in 1582 by Duncan MacDougall, the 16th chief of the clan, stands as a testament to the turbulent history of the Scottish Highlands. Known in Gaelic as *Caisteal nan Geimhlean* or 'castle of the fountains', it was named for the nearby freshwater springs that once sustained its occupants. The castle’s compact L-shaped design features a four-storey main block with an additional storey in the wing, crowned by a corbelled caphouse. Its vaulted cellar and pend passageway, along with an oriel window and machicolation, showcase the architectural sophistication of late 16th-century tower houses in western Scotland.Siege, Fire, and Ruin: The Castle’s Dramatic End
Despite its formidable defenses, Gylen Castle’s occupation was brief. In 1647, during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, the castle was held by Royalist MacDougalls loyal to the crown. General David Leslie led the Covenanter forces in a siege that ended with the castle’s surrender under promises of leniency. Tradition holds that the garrison was massacred except for the young John MacDougall. The castle was then ransacked and set ablaze, leaving it a charred ruin that remains today. The fire damage is still visible on the masonry, and none of the original floors survive, though remnants of spiral staircases remain.Historical Treasures and Clan Legacy
Gylen Castle was once the safe haven for the Brooch of Lorn, a silver brooch with a quartz charm-stone of great symbolic importance to the MacDougalls. Though the brooch was seized during the 1647 siege, it was eventually returned in the 19th century. The castle’s history intertwines with wider Scottish history, including links to Robert the Bruce and the clan rivalries of the era. Its preservation as a scheduled monument since 1931 and a major conservation effort completed in 2006 have helped maintain this evocative ruin for visitors.A Dramatic Setting with Panoramic Views
Situated on a high rocky ridge at Kerrera’s southern tip, Gylen Castle commands sweeping views over the Firth of Lorne and surrounding islands such as Mull, Colonsay, and Jura. The castle’s location on a narrow promontory with cliffs on multiple sides made it a natural fortress. Visitors today can explore the castle’s interior ruins and the surrounding courtyard and outer defenses. The site also includes traces of related buildings and cultivation rigs, offering a glimpse into the life of its former inhabitants.Access and Surrounding Attractions on Kerrera
The castle is accessible by a ferry from Oban to Kerrera, followed by a scenic walk of a few kilometers across the island’s rugged terrain. Nearby, the Kerrera Tea Garden and local farms offer refreshments and local produce. The island’s walking routes provide stunning coastal views and opportunities to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the region. Gylen Castle’s dramatic ruins and setting make it a highlight for hikers and history lovers visiting the west coast of Scotland.Preservation and Visitor Experience Today
Though a ruin, Gylen Castle has been consolidated to ensure visitor safety and accessibility. The castle is open year-round at reasonable times and free to visit. The site’s historical importance and evocative atmosphere offer a powerful connection to Scotland’s clan past and the conflicts that shaped the Highlands. Its dramatic silhouette against the coastal landscape continues to inspire artists and visitors alike, including the famed painter J.M.W. Turner who captured it in the 19th century.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
St John's Scottish Episcopal Cathedral : Oban
6.6 km
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McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill
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Explore Oban’s iconic McCaig's Tower, a Colosseum-inspired folly with stunning views and tranquil gardens atop Battery Hill.
Barcaldine Castle
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Kilmartin Museum
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Discover 12,000 years of history at Kilmartin Museum, where ancient artefacts meet the stunning prehistoric landscape of Kilmartin Glen.
Nether Largie Mid Cairn
28.2 km
Bronze Age burial cairn at the heart of Scotland's most significant prehistoric landscape, carved with rare axehead symbols.
The Argyll Papers, Inveraray Castle
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Explore over 700 years of Scottish history through the Campbell family’s extensive archive at Inveraray Castle.
About Argyll Walking Holidays
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Explore Argyll’s stunning landscapes with expert guided walking holidays from Cairndow’s trusted outdoor activity organizer.
The Tinkers Heart
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A heart-shaped quartz monument near Cairndow honoring the Scottish Traveller community’s heritage with stunning views over Loch Fyne.
Tobermory Clock Tower
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Memorial to Robert John Brown
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Tobermory Lighthouse
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Wild About Argyll
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Jubilee Point
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Tioram Castle
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Colonsay Whale
48.1 km
A wild coastal formation where Scotland's seabirds and marine life meet rugged Atlantic beauty.
Unmissable attractions to see
Rudh-a-Chruidh
6.2 km
Discover Rudh-a-Chruidh, a tidal island sanctuary near Oban with stunning coastal views, rich wildlife, and a sleek modern home blending nature and luxury.
Argyll Square
6.3 km
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VisitScotland Oban iCentre
6.4 km
Your essential gateway to exploring Oban and the Scottish Highlands with expert advice and local insights.
The View Oban
6.5 km
Discover the perfect blend of stunning views and delectable Scottish cuisine at The View Oban, a must-visit restaurant in Oban, Scotland.
Oban War & Peace Museum
6.5 km
Explore Oban’s rich wartime heritage and maritime history in this free, volunteer-run museum on the scenic Corran Esplanade.
Old Oban Times Bldg
6.5 km
Step into Oban’s past at this volunteer-run museum in the historic Old Oban Times Building, where wartime stories meet island life and engineering marvels.
St. Columba’s Cathedral
6.5 km
A majestic Neo-Gothic cathedral on Oban’s seafront, blending rich history, stunning granite architecture, and spiritual sanctuary.
Diocese of Argyll & The Isles
6.5 km
Historic Catholic diocese in Scotland’s West Highlands, centered on the neo-Gothic St Columba’s Cathedral overlooking Oban Bay.
Ardconnel Terrace
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Dunollie Museum, Castle and Grounds
7.0 km
Explore Dunollie’s rich history, stunning castle ruins, and enchanting woodland gardens overlooking Oban Bay in a captivating heritage experience.
Ganavan Sands
8.4 km
Peaceful sandy beach near Oban with scenic views, easy access, and family-friendly facilities for a relaxing coastal escape.
Duart Castle
10.5 km
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Dunstaffnage Castle and Chapel
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Forest & River Walk
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A tranquil forest and river trail on the Isle of Mull, blending waterfalls, wildlife, and scenic views for a refreshing nature escape.
Waterfalls Scenic Walk
15.2 km
Discover tranquil waterfalls and rugged natural beauty on the Isle of Mull’s scenic hiking trail at Scallastle Farm.
Essential places to dine
The Barn Bar
4.9 km
A rustic country pub at Cologin offering seasonal Scottish fare, cozy log fires, and lively local music near Oban.
Food From Argyll at the Pier
6.2 km
A vibrant café at Oban’s ferry terminal serving fresh, locally sourced Argyll produce with stunning waterfront views.
EE-USK
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Taste of Argyll Kitchen
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Tigh An Truish
7.1 km
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Restaurant at Loch Melfort Hotel
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Restaurant at the Isle of Eriska
19.2 km
Experience Michelin-starred dining on a private Scottish island, where local flavours and historic charm meet breathtaking Highland views.
The Whitehouse Restaurant
22.1 km
An intimate fine dining haven in Lochaline serving innovative Scottish cuisine with fresh, local, and foraged ingredients in a historic coastal setting.
Kilchrenan Inn
23.6 km
A cozy Highland inn blending rustic charm, hearty cuisine, and warm hospitality in peaceful Kilchrenan.
Cottage Restaurant
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Samphire
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Ocho Inveraray
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Inver Restaurant & Rooms
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The Smiddy Bistro
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A cozy bistro in Lochgilphead serving homemade cakes, hearty lunches, and excellent coffee with vegan and gluten-free options in a friendly atmosphere.
The Tayvallich Inn
39.4 km
A charming seafood inn nestled on Loch Sween’s shores, blending local flavors with stunning harbour views and warm Scottish hospitality.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Made in Argyll
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McCaig's Warehouse
6.3 km
Discover quality Scottish clothing and unique gifts at McCaig's Warehouse, a welcoming boutique nestled in Oban’s Heritage Centre.
Highland Experience
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Explore Highland Experience in Oban for unique Scottish clothing and accessories that reflect the rich culture and craftsmanship of the Highlands.
The Modern Croft
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Bolliwood to the Smiddy
6.6 km
A warm, welcoming gift shop in Oban filled with handcrafted Scottish souvenirs and local crafts – perfect for meaningful keepsakes after exploring the coast.
Fancy That & Sci-Fi Planet
6.6 km
Discover a unique blend of local souvenirs and sci-fi collectibles at Fancy That & Sci-Fi Planet in the heart of Oban.
M E S S Charity Shop
12.8 km
Discover unique pre-loved treasures and support local sustainability at M E S S Charity Shop in Craignure’s community hub.
Island Castaways Within An Roth Community Centre
13.6 km
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Craignure SPAR and Post Office
13.8 km
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Ardfern Village Store
22.0 km
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Bonnie Argyll - Bespoke gifts and crafts from Scotland
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Discover authentic Scottish craftsmanship and bespoke gifts in the heart of historic Inveraray at Bonnie Argyll.
The House Of Scotland
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Sid’s Vintage
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Bluestone Gift Shop
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The Square Peg Gift Shops
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Lorne Bar
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Cellar Bar
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The Tartan Tavern
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Markie Dans
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The Oyster Bar
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Craignure Inn
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Isle of Mull Hotel & Spa
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The Anderson Lounge
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The Clachan Bar
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The Argyll Inn
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Western Isles Hotel
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Mishnish
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Auld Mull Bar
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Experience warm island hospitality and local flavors at Auld Mull Bar, a cozy family-run retreat in Tobermory’s charming harbor village.
The Tobermory Hotel
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Historic boutique hotel with stunning Tobermory Bay views, local cuisine, and warm Highland hospitality on the Isle of Mull’s vibrant waterfront.
Bunessan Inn
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
