Innerleithen And District
Innerleithen And District
Top 4 Castles around Innerleithen And District
Best castles around Innerleithen And District are nestled within the Scottish Borders, an area rich in history and natural landscapes. This region is characterized by its rolling hills and the meandering River Tweed, which historically served as a strategic location for defensive structures. The area offers a glimpse into Scotland's past, with numerous historical sites and castle remnants dotting the landscape. Visitors can explore various fortifications, from ancient Iron Age forts to medieval tower houses.
Best castles around Innerleithen And…
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Hirendean Castle Ruins
Highlight • Viewpoint
Situated on the flattened top of a raised mound beside the Hirenden Burn, it is …
Tip by
Castle Knowe Iron Age Fort
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
View of Elibank Castle
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Newark Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Traquair House
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Innerleithen And District
The Central Belter — Gravel trails of the coast and Cairngorms
Great North Trail — From the Pennine Hills to the tip of Scotland
Southern Upland Way — A wild and undiscovered coast-to-coast challenge
The North Sea Coast Cycle Route part 7 — Scotland
Hike in the footsteps of history – Cross Borders Drove Road
Scotty's Scotland Showcase — A sustainable tour of the country's best trails
The Tweed Valley — Scotty's Scotland Showcase
Innerleithen — World-class 7Stanes MTB in the Tweed Valley
The Trash Free Trails Autumn Litter Watch
Bikepacking the breadth of the Borderlands — Southern Upland Way
Other adventures around Innerleithen And District
Tips from the Community
A Leisurely walk close to Edinburgh with excellent views on a clear day.
0
0
Elibank was formerly known as Eliburn and overlooks the River Tweed from a commanding position high on its steep right bank. The late 16th century fortress is rudely built without any dressings and comprises an oblong main-block, with a square wing attached to the east corner. The remains are in a dilapidated state. In 1511 Elibank, or Eliburn as it was then, was in the hands of the Liddale family. However the ruined building that we see today was probably built by Sir Gideon Murray of Glenpoit who acquired Elibank from John Liddell of Halkerstone in 1594-5. The castle was already a ruin in 1722. Elibank is reputed to be the home of “Muckle Mouth Meg”. In the waning years of the 16th century, the Laird of Eliburn despaired of finding his daughter Meg a husband as she was no beauty and was not called “muckle mouth” without reason. One moonless night towards the turn of the old year the laird and his household were alerted by cries and a shot from the darkness beyond the castle. The laird, careful of his cattle and goods, and being no stranger to the ways of Reivers himself, kept a watch who had surprised a band of rogues that had forced a way into his barnekin and were attempting to drive off his livestock. In the ensuing confusion the laird’s men captured one of the thieves and flung him into the dank dungeon below the castle floor. In the morning the prisoner was brought before the laird, who evidently thought the lad worthwhile, and offered him a choice. He could hang or he could marry Meg. Horrified at the prospect of marrying Meg, for her fame was widespread, the lad chose the gallows. Meg’s father was not to be cheated of a husband for his daughter however, so he returned the unwilling suitor to the evil prison cell to reconsider. The lad, who it turned out, was Walter Scott from nearby Ettrick eventually reconsidered his choice and he and Meg were married. Surprisingly enough it seems that he and Muckle Mouth Meg got along well, she mellowed and he settled down and the marriage was something of a success in the end.
0
0
Traquair House is the oldest continually inhabited house in Scotland. It proudly states on a sign outside that it has been visited by 27 Scottish kings and queens since it was built in 1107. It's a magnificent building with equally magnificent gardens. You can access the house from the road here, but do keep in mind it is only open to the public seasonally, between March and October. You can find information on prices and daily opening times here https://www.traquair.co.uk/visitor-information/
1
0
Newark Castle is a large ruined tower. It was first mentioned in 1423 and was packed back to the Crown in 1445 from the Earls of Douglas, and became one of only two royal castles in the Middle March. In 1645, after the Battle of Philiphaugh, one hundred prisoners were killed in the courtyard here, and Cromwell's troops occupied it in 1650. There's quite a lot of history here!
1
0
The fort sits at the top of Castle Knowe, one of several summits on the ridgeline over the Tweed Valley. With views over Cardrona it is surrounded by coniferous forest. To this date, the fort has never been excavated, so its age is unknown.
1
0
A ruined 16th century Peel Tower south of Gladhouse Reservoir. The castle was in a strong positioned commanding the valley and protected by the burn. You see it from the trail as you run up the valley but to reach the walls you need to cross a couple of fields.
0
0
Hirendean Castle is a ruined 16th century peel tower.
0
0
Take a short walk off the rpute and have a look around the enclosure containing the settlement.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most historically significant castles in the Innerleithen and District area?
The region boasts several sites of historical importance. Newark Castle Ruins, first mentioned in 1423, was one of only two royal castles in the Middle March. Traquair House, though not in the immediate guide data, is Scotland's oldest continually inhabited house, with a history spanning over 900 years and connections to Mary Queen of Scots. Neidpath Castle, near Peebles, is an impressively preserved L-plan tower house dating back to the 14th century, also visited by Mary Queen of Scots.
Are there any family-friendly castle experiences in the area?
Yes, Traquair House offers a great family day out. Beyond exploring the historic house, children can enjoy a challenging maze, ancient woodlands, and craft shops. While other sites like Castle Knowe Iron Age Fort are more about exploration and views, Traquair provides interactive elements for younger visitors.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The Innerleithen and District area is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy options like the Tall Trees in Cardrona Forest – Castle Knowe Iron Age Fort loop. For more challenging hikes, consider routes like the Cardrona Forest loop. The region is also popular for gravel biking, with routes like the Tweed Valley Near Innerleithen – Tweed Valley Railway Path loop.
Can I visit castles that are less crowded in the Scottish Borders?
For a less crowded experience focusing on historical ruins and natural settings, consider sites like Hirendean Castle Ruins, a 16th-century peel tower, or the View of Elibank Castle, a late 16th-century fortress in a dilapidated state. These offer a more solitary exploration compared to larger, more developed attractions.
Are there any circular walks that include castle ruins?
Yes, you can combine walks with visits to historical sites. For instance, the Tall Trees in Cardrona Forest – Castle Knowe Iron Age Fort loop is an easy hike that takes you to Castle Knowe Iron Age Fort, offering both natural beauty and historical exploration.
What is the best time of year to visit castles in the Scottish Borders?
The best time to visit is generally during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is milder and the landscapes are particularly scenic for outdoor activities. Summer (June-August) is also popular, though it can be busier. Some sites, like Traquair House, may have seasonal opening hours, so it's always best to check in advance.
Are there any dog-friendly walks or castle grounds in the area?
Many of the outdoor historical sites and surrounding trails in the Innerleithen and District area are dog-friendly, especially those that are more ruinous or open-air, like Castle Knowe Iron Age Fort. For specific castle grounds like Traquair House, it's advisable to check their official website for their current dog policy, as rules can vary for indoor access.
What should I wear when visiting castles in the Scottish Borders?
Given the often unpredictable Scottish weather and the nature of exploring ruins or outdoor sites, it's recommended to wear layers. Waterproof and windproof outerwear is advisable, along with sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or boots, especially if you plan to explore the grounds or nearby trails.
How long should I allocate for visiting castles near Innerleithen?
The time needed varies significantly by site. For extensive sites like Traquair House, you could easily spend half a day to a full day exploring the house, grounds, brewery, and maze. For ruins such as Hirendean Castle Ruins or Castle Knowe Iron Age Fort, an hour or two might suffice, depending on how much you wish to explore the immediate surroundings and views.
Are there cafes or pubs near the castles in Innerleithen and District?
Innerleithen itself offers various cafes and pubs. Traquair House has its own cafe and brewery on-site. For other more remote ruins, you'll likely need to head back to Innerleithen or nearby towns like Peebles for refreshment options.
What are the parking facilities like for castles around Innerleithen?
Parking availability varies. Traquair House has dedicated visitor parking. For more remote ruins like Hirendean Castle Ruins, you might find limited parking near trailheads or need to walk from a nearby village. It's always best to research specific parking options for each site before your visit.
Are there any castles that are wheelchair accessible?
Accessibility can be challenging for older historical sites, especially ruins. Traquair House may offer some accessible areas, but it's best to contact them directly for detailed information on wheelchair access. Sites like Castle Knowe Iron Age Fort or Hirendean Castle Ruins, being largely outdoor and often on uneven terrain, are generally not wheelchair accessible.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in Innerleithen and District?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and the stunning natural settings. The opportunity to explore ancient ruins like Castle Knowe Iron Age Fort, which offers panoramic views over the Tweed Valley, is highly valued. The blend of historical exploration with beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities like hiking and biking makes the area particularly appealing.
Most popular routes around Innerleithen And District
Most popular attractions around Innerleithen And District
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Innerleithen And District:
