Inchmahome Priory
Step onto a secluded island in Scotland’s only lake to explore the atmospheric ruins of a 13th-century Augustinian priory, once a sanctuary for Robert the Bruce and the young Mary Queen of Scots.
On a small, wooded island in the Lake of Menteith, Inchmahome Priory is a peaceful ruin of a 13th-century Augustinian monastery. Founded around 1238 by the Earl of Menteith, it became a sanctuary for figures like Robert the Bruce and the young Mary Queen of Scots. Today, visitors reach the island by a short boat ride and can explore the atmospheric cloisters, chapter house, and stone memorials amid ancient trees and birdlife. The site is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is open seasonally from spring to autumn.
A brief summary to Inchmahome Priory
- Boatshed, Port of Menteith, By Kippen, Stirling, FK8 3RA, GB
- +441877385294
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Check the weather and site status before your visit, as boat services can be suspended in strong winds and the site may close at short notice due to conservation work or adverse conditions.
- Bring your own water and consider a picnic; there are no food or drink options on the island, but the peaceful glade and waterside setting make it a lovely spot to eat.
- Wear sturdy footwear; the paths on the island are grass and gravel, uneven in places, and can be slippery when wet.
- Look for the boxwood bower said to have been planted by Mary Queen of Scots, and take time to examine the finely carved medieval graveslabs and the rare double effigy in the chapter house.
- Visit early or late in the day to avoid the busiest periods and enjoy the priory at its most tranquil, with fewer visitors and softer light for photography.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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By car
From Glasgow, take the A81 north through Balfron and Aberfoyle to the Lake of Menteith area; from Stirling, follow the A84 to Callander then the A811 and local roads to Port of Menteith. There is a small car park at the mainland boat landing, with rough tarmac and limited spaces. Parking is free, but the site can get busy in peak season, so arriving early is advisable.
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By public transport
Take a train to Stirling or Callander, then a local bus or taxi to Port of Menteith. The nearest major stations are Stirling and Callander; from there, a taxi ride to the boat landing takes about 15–20 minutes. Bus services are limited, so checking timetables in advance is essential, especially outside summer months.
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By boat
From the mainland pier at Port of Menteith, a small motorboat shuttles visitors to Inchmahome Island. The crossing takes about seven minutes and runs regularly during opening hours, with the last outward trip typically around 2.45pm in summer. Tickets are purchased at the boatshed; the service may be suspended in strong winds or rough water for safety.
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On foot
From nearby villages like Port of Menteith or Kippen, the boat landing is reachable on foot via quiet country lanes and paths. The walk from Port of Menteith is short and level, suitable for most walkers, but paths can be muddy in wet weather. From Kippen, the route is about 2–3km along roads with some elevation change.
Inchmahome Priory 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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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Inchmahome Priory
A Monastic Sanctuary on the Water
Inchmahome Priory stands on the largest of three islands in the Lake of Menteith, Scotland’s only true lake. Founded around 1238 by Walter Comyn, the powerful Earl of Menteith, it was established as a house for Augustinian canons seeking a life of prayer and contemplation. The island’s isolation made it an ideal spiritual retreat, far from the turmoil of the mainland. Much of the 13th-century church and cloister remains visible today, with the nave, choir, chapter house, and refectory clearly laid out. Interpretation panels help visitors understand the layout and function of each part of the monastic complex, from the processional doorway to the chapter house where the canons once gathered.Shelter for Kings and Queens
The priory’s remote location also made it a place of safety during times of conflict. Robert the Bruce is recorded as having visited Inchmahome three times during the Wars of Independence, seeking both spiritual solace and strategic refuge. Centuries later, in 1547, the four-year-old Mary Queen of Scots and her mother, Mary of Guise, were brought here for protection after the disastrous Battle of Pinkie Cleugh. The young queen spent several weeks on the island, and local tradition holds that she planted a boxwood bower, remnants of which can still be seen. These royal connections, combined with the Romantic revival of interest in the site by Sir Walter Scott, have cemented Inchmahome’s place in Scottish history.Life Among the Ruins
After the Scottish Reformation in the 1560s, the priory was abandoned and gradually fell into ruin. Over the centuries, the buildings became overgrown, but their outlines remained clear enough to inspire writers and artists. In the 19th century, the ruins were rediscovered as a tourist destination, and today they are carefully conserved by Historic Environment Scotland. Visitors can walk among the cloisters, examine finely carved medieval graveslabs, and enter the chapter house, which now houses a collection of stone memorials, including a rare 13th-century double effigy of a couple embracing. The atmosphere is one of quiet reflection, enhanced by the surrounding woodland and the gentle lap of water against the shore.Island of Nature and Tranquility
Beyond the priory itself, the island is a haven for wildlife and native plants. Spanish chestnuts and other mature trees shade the paths, and the undergrowth supports a variety of flowers and ferns. Birdlife is abundant, with oystercatchers, Canada geese, and, in recent years, ospreys nesting on the island during the summer months. The island’s rewilding during a recent closure has allowed nature to reclaim parts of the site, adding to its wild, secluded character. A short trail circles the shoreline, offering views back to the mainland and across the lake, while the main paths around the priory are grass and gravel, firm in dry weather but uneven in places.Visiting the Island Today
The priory is accessible only by a small motorboat that shuttles visitors from the mainland pier at Port of Menteith. The crossing takes about seven minutes and is included in the admission price. The site is open seasonally, typically from April to October, with longer hours in the summer months. Facilities on the island are minimal: a small shop and toilets are located near the landing point, but there is no drinking water, so visitors are advised to bring their own. The island is well suited for a short visit, but its peaceful atmosphere often encourages people to linger, whether reading in the cloisters, sketching the ruins, or simply enjoying the stillness of this ancient monastic retreat.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Loch Lomond
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Luss View Point
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Robert the Bruce Statue
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Old Town Cemetery
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Stirling Castle
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The Star Pyramid
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The Statues
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Unmissable attractions to see
Lake Of Menteith
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Loch Venachar
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The Scottish Wool Centre
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VisitScotland Aberfoyle iCentre
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The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre
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Three Lochs Forest Drive
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The Highland Cows
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Meet Scotland’s iconic Highland cows at Trossachs Woollen Mill—friendly, photogenic, and steeped in Highland heritage.
Callander Kirk
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Callander Drinks Company
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Callander Visitor Information Centre
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Macmillan Wine
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Callander
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Queen Elizabeth Forest Park
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Trossachs Pier
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Bracklinn Falls Bridge
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Essential places to dine
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Callander Meadows
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The Gargunnock Inn
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Clachan Inn
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Oak Tree Inn
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River House Stirling
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The Clansman Bar Restaurant
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The Gallery Restaurant
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The Crook bar and Bistro
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Nick's
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Nairn's
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Friend Of Mine
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La Cucina
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Colquhoun's Restaurant
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The Portcullis
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Balmaha Village Shop
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Loch Lomond Rocks
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Cotswold Outdoor Stirling
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Lakeland
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Unique
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Nutshell | Homewares & Lifestyle
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Palace Gift Shop
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Courtyard Gift Shop
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Highland Art Studios
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Coach House Coffee Shop and Store
22.6 km
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Luss General Store
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Village Shop
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F&F Clothing
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Vinney’s Bar
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Westerton Arms
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Settle Inn
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Lawsons
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Port Customs Bar
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Anchor Bar
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Inchmurrin Restaurant
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Fubar Nightclub
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Desire Nightclub
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Crams Bar
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Thistle Bar
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Old Brewery
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Seventh Heaven Lap Dancing Club
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The Savoy
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Saint Judes After Dark
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Seasonal Only
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
