Old Castle Lachlan

If you read last week’s blog you’ll know that I paid a visit to Inver last week.  After the wonderful meal and because the sun was shining we decided to head around the little bay to visit Old Castle Lachlan.

Old Castle Lachlan

There is a brilliant path with bridges across the river as well as the wet and boggy bits. If you look down when crossing the bridge you’ll see numerous little metal plates all engraved with people’s names - many of them McLachlans. Perhaps they helped to pay for the path… Just over the bridge we came across a cheerful group who had been swimming.

A bridge over the River Lachlan

Continuing, the path becomes overhung with trees so the first you see of the castle is when you are practically on it.  Just before it some thoughtful person has suspended a tyre – perfect for a leisurely swing.

Walking up to the entrance you can look back and see Inver across the water with the four bothies almost hidden to the left. 

Just inside the castle entrance there are a series of boards which tell you a little about the history of the building.

Inver with the four Bothies on the left

The castle was home to the Chiefs of the McLachlan Clan until 1746.  It was then abandoned following the Jacobite defeat and death of the 17th Chief at the battle of Culloden.  The building actually dates from the 1400s .

The Castle Entrance

Archaeological work shows that there were several dwellings and a walled garden near the castle.  At the end of the courtyard under the arch is a fresh water well.

The whole walk takes around 15 minutes each way unless you stop for a swim or a shot on the swing.