Kilchurn Castle, Scotland

Standing on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe are the ruins of Kilchurn Castle. Seen here from the “panorama viewpoint” off the A819 road to the south of the Loch. It was an overcast day but the sun did come out for this photograph. You can see the tower house battlements and the jetty from this angle. Built in the mid-15th century for the Campbells of Glenorchy. It fell out of use and was in ruins by 1770.

Tower of London from the River Thames

Tower of London from the River Thames

Officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. There’s been a castle here since the year 1078 AD. I remember going on a tour as a child, something I would like to do again as an adult one day. The best views of the Tower of London are from a boat, as this was taken. There are also good views from Tower Bridge or the South Bank of the Thames. This is the view many prisoners of the Tudors may have seen as they entered through the Traitors’ Gate.

Dunstanburgh Castle on the Coast

Dunstanburgh Castle on the Coast

The walk between Craster Harbour along the coast to Dunstanburgh Castle in Northumberland is one I have done many times, but it doesn’t get old. That said I have usually but very fortunate with the weather as I was on my recent visit. Exploring the rocky beach I waited patiently for a large wave to sweep in and spray up. I must have taken the best part of thirty images, some with very little spray and some with so much you couldn’t even make out the castle in the background. The above was my favourite.

Eilean Donan Castle

Eilean Donan Castle

Found on a small island in Loch Duich in the western Highlands of Scotland is the wonderfully photogenic Eilean Donan Castle. Although restored in the early 20th century there has been a fort on this island since the 13th century. Aside from Edinburgh Castle it is arguably the most famous castle in the Highlands. Sadly I have only visited it once but hope to revisit one day.