Caerlaverock Castle and Nature Reserve, Dumfries and Galloway

Caerlaverock Castle is a unique castle located on the coast of Dumfries and Galloway in the far southwest of Scotland. It has been a fortification since Roman times but the current castle was built in the 1200’s. It has a unique triangular design and sits on the edge of a nature reserve.

gatehouse to the triangular castle at Caerlaverock near Dumfries

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History of Caerlaverock

Red, deep red sandstone walls with carvings of hearts and family coats of arms are softened by the weathering.  Exposed for 400years to the Scottish elements, seeing the fall of the Maxwell clan, and the destruction of the harsh stone castle walls, Caerlaverock Castle sits surrounded by water.  Built to defend the Solway Firth this unique castle was built on the remains of an earlier Roman fort of Karlauerock and an even earlier Iron Age Hill Fort.  Its unique structure is endearing. Coated in moss and lichen, harsh and triangular on the outside but dreamlike and softened on the inside. 

Even the interpretation of the name ‘Land of the Lark’ conjures up images of fairy tales and a gentle land.  However, this could not be further from the truth.  Two sieges have resulted in the fall of this castle, the final to Charles I ensuring that the fortifications could never be used for defence again.  Now a remnant of the past, ruinous and rambling the castle and its estate provide a unique landscape and habitat that only time can provide.

The castle is one of only a few triangular castles in the world but its design is perfect for defence. The outer curtain walls form a protective double layer. On each corner of the triangle is a tower which makes the walls stronger and acts as a lookout. The main point of the triangle has a double tower which forms the gatehouse and faces north towards Scotland.

Today, the castle is in ruins but the moat along with the gatehouse and towers remain. The ornate carvings over the doors and around the fireplaces can be seen and an insight into the grandeur of this fortified home can really be appreciated.

ornate carvings at Caerlaverock castle over the door
the ruins of Caerlaverock castle from the moat
Caerlaverock Castle with its triangular moat
doors and windows at Caerlaverock castle
ornate carved fireplace at Caerlaverock castle in Dumfries and Galloway
Caerlaverock castle through the trees

Caerlaverock Nature Reserve

Next to the castle is Caerlaverock Nature Reserve.  This is where the River Nith enters the Solway Firth.  With tidal mudflats and sandbanks, this landscape has not changed from before the castle was even built. 

Now protected and home to waders and wildfowl this special landscape provides another reason to visit Caerlaverock.  It is one of only two homes in the UK for the rare tadpole shrimp, has resident natterjack toads and is sometimes the home for most of the Barnacle Geese who leave in the summer months to breed in Svalbard.

The nature reserve also has stunning views across the Solway Firth to the English Lake District.  With a coloured sky at sunset, this is the perfect landscape to watch another day’s end.

Caerlaverock nature reserve in Dumfries and Galloway
Mike Lane45 \ CanvaPro

Visiting Caerlaverock Castle

Caerlaverock Castle and Nature Reserve are located on the Solway Firth just outside the town of Dumfries.  It is a pretty drive to the castle down country roads before the castle finally comes into view.  Always check before visiting as it can be closed in bad weather and for private events.

There is plenty of parking at the castle as well as a small cafe and shop.

I'm Suzanne the traveller and photographer behind Meandering Wild. With over 30 years of experience travelling to different corners of the world in search of wildlife and remote locations nearly all of the advice on this website is from my own exploring.