History
Originally built in the 13th century, then damaged and rebuilt in the late 14th century in its current form. The castle passed to the crown in 1425, and used as a royal hunting lodge. During the next few centuries, Doune Castle saw a great amount of military action, and by 1800 the castle was ruined.
Restoration works began in the 1880s, before it’s ownership passed into state care in the 20th century.
It is now owned and maintained by Historic Environment Scotland, and is open to the public daily.
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We visited in the evening when the castle is closed to the public. But there were still a fair few brief visits by tourists or walkers who quickly disappeared down onto the many woodland footpaths.
The castle is evidently well-maintained by Historic Environment Scotland, and a large portion around the back of the fortress is currently covered in scaffolding and fenced off. And this is why we are here this evening
Gaining entry to the scaffolding was easy, and the ascent up level by level was thrilling and allowed us to appreciate details of the castle which people currently can’t.
We got a good view of the inner courtyard, which we realised was also undergoing quite a bit of maintenance too.
But the evening sky and the panoramic views of medieval castle and Scottish countryside was well worth the sneaky ascent.
All in all, this was a lovely little visit especially when there is a good evening sky to chase. Not too high a climb (and I was accompanied by somebody with a fear of heights!) but the general movement and creaking of scaffolding can be unnerving to those with the fear.
It it well worth it though for a chance to get up close and personal to this historical beauty while avoiding the mainstream crowds.
Originally built in the 13th century, then damaged and rebuilt in the late 14th century in its current form. The castle passed to the crown in 1425, and used as a royal hunting lodge. During the next few centuries, Doune Castle saw a great amount of military action, and by 1800 the castle was ruined.
Restoration works began in the 1880s, before it’s ownership passed into state care in the 20th century.
It is now owned and maintained by Historic Environment Scotland, and is open to the public daily.
Report
We visited in the evening when the castle is closed to the public. But there were still a fair few brief visits by tourists or walkers who quickly disappeared down onto the many woodland footpaths.
The castle is evidently well-maintained by Historic Environment Scotland, and a large portion around the back of the fortress is currently covered in scaffolding and fenced off. And this is why we are here this evening
Gaining entry to the scaffolding was easy, and the ascent up level by level was thrilling and allowed us to appreciate details of the castle which people currently can’t.
We got a good view of the inner courtyard, which we realised was also undergoing quite a bit of maintenance too.
But the evening sky and the panoramic views of medieval castle and Scottish countryside was well worth the sneaky ascent.
All in all, this was a lovely little visit especially when there is a good evening sky to chase. Not too high a climb (and I was accompanied by somebody with a fear of heights!) but the general movement and creaking of scaffolding can be unnerving to those with the fear.
It it well worth it though for a chance to get up close and personal to this historical beauty while avoiding the mainstream crowds.
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