Details
Region: Argyll & Bute
Location: Stalker Island (Eilean an Stalcairn) in Loch Linnhe / Loch Laich near Appin
DEN Rating: 8/10
Trail Length: 2.25 miles total (2.6 with extension)
Trail Type: out and back
Hike Time: 60 – 90 minutes
Trail Difficulty: very easy 2/10 (4/10 with extension)
Elevation Gain: 20 feet (100 feet with extension)
Trail Surface: paved, wooden bridge, gravel, dirt, rocky beach
Popularity: 2/10 (Cafe & Gift Shop 8/10)
Family friendly: yes
Pet friendly: yes
Handicapped Accessible: partially
Swimming: no
Camping: no
Restroom: yes at Cafe & Gift Shop
Open Hours:
- trail open 24 hours
- Cafe & Gift Shop open daily 10AM – 4PM
Season: year-round
Pass or Permit: none required
Managed By: Privately owned
Castle Stalker, set on an islet in Loch Linnhe at the mouth of little Loch Laich near the village of Appin, is one of the more iconic Medieval castles in Scotland. Monty Python fans will surely recognize it as “Castle Aargh!”, the setting for the final scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. This privately-owned castle dates from the 14th century and today stands in a state of partial ruin – it has a roof but no windows. While, apparently, very limited private tours can be arranged, most people check out the castle by viewing it from the distance, which can be achieved in one of two ways.
Castle Stalker seems to be the most visited location along A828 which connects A82/Glencoe to A85/Oban as it travels along Loch Linnhe. You’ll catch glimpses of the castle as you drive along this pretty, winding lochside highway, but the best views are found by getting out of your vehicle and taking a stroll along the paved lochside trail and the shoreline, with a gravel trail extension leading up to Castle Stalker View Cafe & Gift Shop.
If you’re looking for a quick stop with the works (coffee & tea, goodies, restroom, gift shop, viewpoint, everything wheelchair accessible) then Castle Stalker View Cafe & Gift Shop is the spot. It gets busy, especially when tour buses makes a stop, so be prepared. The owners have built a solid, moderately steep trail down the wooded slope and through the field to the paved shoreline path. This is the shortest route to get to the pebbly beach closest to the castle – it’s around 2/10 mile each way to the shore and takes 5-7 minutes to reach the beach. Please close the gates that you pass through en route! I reference this short hike as the “trail extension” below. The Cafe & Gift Shop are a perfect turn-around point if you’re doing the longer 2+ mile walk. Reaching the cycle path & beach from the gift shop in a wheelchair is not really possible as it is too steep.
It had been raining off an on all morning when we visited Castle Stalker. After enjoying a coffee and some goodies in the cafe we headed down the beach when the rain stopped. Of course it started again as soon as we got to the beach, a misty drizzle that blew in sideways off the loch. But I love how the water in the air softens the view, obscuring the castle a bit. So Scottish!
Mist of Time
Castle Stalker sulks all alone on its little island in Loch Linnhe as a cool summer shower passes through. It was a misty rain that was coming in sideways with the breeze, making it quite difficult to keep the lens clear long enough to get a shot. The ruins felt especially sad at that moment, … Read more
I discovered the lovely, full walk I’m about to describe by asking at the gift shop. The woman who was working was just delightful – we chatted for some time and she even gave me a big hug as I was leaving! BTW the coffee and baked goodies were very good and hit the spot on the cold and cloudy morning of our visit. If you want to visit the viewpoint and take the trail down after business hours you can, just please park up above near the road and walk down the short driveway and through the parking lot.
The longer walk crosses Jubilee Bridge over the tidal flats at the back of Loch Laich. This wooden footbridge has become a bit rickety over the 126 years since its construction in 1898.
A very nice, paved, fairly flat walking and bicycle path begins at a lochside parking area, crosses the bridge, and continues along the shoreline to the pebble beach close the castle and beyond. Continuing up the trail extension to the Cafe & Gift Shop is highly recommended! This stroll is pretty much one big long view of Castle Stalker. Be aware that the north end of the bridge is occasionally submerged during very high tides. Overall this is a quite easy and lovely walk!
We spent about two hours total exploring around Castle Stalker and we really enjoyed it. If your travels take you along A828 I very strongly suggest a stop here!
The sun finds a hole in the clouds, illuminating Castle Stalker as seen from near the south end of Jubilee Bridge.
The Lonely Castle – Limited Edition
The sun finds a momentary hole in the clouds, illuminating Castle Stalker as seen from near the south end of Jubilee Bridge during a low tide. I searched for the clearest, largest reflection I could find in that moment and snapped this fantastic shot just before the light passed on. One thing that was so … Read more
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Cautions
Overall there are very few safety concerns, other than the possible submersion of the bridge during high tide and maybe having difficulty traversing the rocks and pebbles on the beach if you choose to go down onto it. Similarly the slope between the beach and the Cafe & Gift Shop is somewhat steep, although only for a fairly short distance.
Getting There
Castle Stalker Gift Shop & Cafe are located on the west side of A828 near the little communities of Portnachoish and Appin, south of the Linnhe Marina. To reach the Jubilee Bridge parking area, turn west onto Tyneribbie / the Appin – Port Appin road, signed for Lismore Ferry. Proceed for about 1/2 mile to the parking area on the right. It’s signed Private Parking but it is the dedicated parking area for Jubilee Bridge and is fine to park there if you’re embarking across the bridge.
Photographer’s Tip
While the view from the beach is the closest you’ll get, I found the views from Jubilee Bridge quite nice and definitely worth it. I used a zoom lens at every location I shot from.
Trail Links
https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/argyll/castlestalker.shtml
Cafe & Gift Shop Link
https://www.castlestalkerview.co.uk/Pi
