The ruins of Kilchurn Castle sit close to the head of Loch Awe in Argyllshire at the foot of Ben Cruachan. The castle was built in the 15th century as the seat of Clan Campbell of Glenorchy – a cadet branch of the main Campbell family (which later became the Dukes of Argyll). In the 18th century, this junior branch of the Campbell family became Earls of Breadalbane and moved to Taymouth Castle in Perthshire and consequently Kilchurn Castle fell into ruins. Today the castle is under the care of Historic Environment Scotland and is open to the public, however the best views are from the south side of Loch Awe.
Location and Parking
Post Code: PA33 1AJ
The A85 runs between Tyndrum and Oban, with the head of Loch Awe being about midway between. Close to the head of Locah Awe, the A819 to Inverary branches off the A82 and follows the south side of the loch. After about 0.5 miles along the A819, the Kilchurn Castle comes into view on the right across the loch, and there are parking spaces on both sides of the road. Park here and walk down to the lochside. Note that the postcode given above is for a car park which is passed earlier on the A819.
Kilchurn Castle
At the viewpoint there is a small beach area with provide a variety of compositions possibilities. At the right side of the beach, there are area of reeds, which can be used for foreground interest. From this spot however the electricity pylons from the Ben Cruachan power station can be quite prominent.
Kilchurn Castle and the Reed Beds
A little further along the beach and a longer focal length excludes the pylons from the view, but still presents the castle backed by Beinn Eunaich, one of the Munros neighbouring Ben Cruachan. As the loch is quite narrow and sheltered at this point, the water can be quite still on calm days, giving good reflections.
Kilchurn Castle Reflections
A little further along and there are some small trees that can be worked into the composition.
Kilchurn Castle
Finally at the left side of the beach there are some rocks that can be used as foreground interest. In the image below, a long exposure has also been used to still the water and bring out the castle reflections.
Kilchurn Castle And Beinn Eunaich