Strome Castle is a ruined 15th-century castle on a rocky promontory overlooking Loch Carron in Wester Ross, Highland, Scotland. This guide covers opening hours, access, transport, parking, accessibility and practical tips for visiting.
This Scottish castle is a photo stop on a one day Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle tour from Inverness.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open 24 hours daily year-round |
| Admission | Free (voluntary donation box for National Trust for Scotland) |
| Address | North Strome, Lochcarron, Wester Ross, Scotland, IV54 8YJ |
| Nearest public transport | Stagecoach bus 704 from Achnasheen to Lochcarron; then 3.5-mile walk or taxi |
| Time needed | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| Property type | Ruined medieval castle with coastal views, managed by National Trust for Scotland |
Strome Castle opening hours
Strome Castle is an open heritage site accessible 24 hours daily throughout the year. The ruins have no gates, staffing or facilities. Access is unrestricted and free at all times.
Why book the Isle of Skye Explorer day tour from Inverness?
- Full-day Highlands adventure: Travel from Inverness through dramatic mountain scenery, lochs and coastal landscapes on a comprehensive Isle of Skye day trip.
- Eilean Donan Castle photo stop: Pause at one of Scotland’s most photographed castles, set where three sea lochs meet.
- Explore Portree: Enjoy free time in Skye’s colourful harbour town, with cafés, shops and coastal views.
- Natural highlights of Skye: See landmarks such as Kilt Rock and sweeping sea cliffs, with multiple scenic stops built into the route.
- Driver-guide and transport included: Learn about Highland history and folklore while travelling comfortably by coach from central Inverness.
Strome Castle admission
Unlike other Scottish castles such as Urquhart Castle, Dunrobin Castle and Eilean Donan Castle, access to Strome Castle is free. A voluntary donation box is located at the entrance, with contributions supporting the National Trust for Scotland‘s maintenance of the site. No advance booking is required or available. Opening hours and ticket prices were checked and updated in January 2026.
How to get to Strome Castle
By car: From Lochcarron village, follow the A896 south-west. Turn left onto an unnamed minor road signposted for Strome Castle. Continue 3.5 miles to the castle. The road is single-track in sections. From Inverness (50 miles), take the A9 north, then A832 and A890 to Lochcarron. The drive from Inverness takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
By bus: Stagecoach bus route 704 operates between Achnasheen and Toscaig, stopping at Lochcarron Post Office. Services run Monday to Saturday only with limited frequency. From Lochcarron village, Strome Castle is a 3.5-mile walk (approximately 1 hour) along the minor road, or a 5-minute taxi journey costing approximately £9-12.
By taxi: Taxis from Lochcarron village to Strome Castle take 5 minutes and cost £9-12. Pre-booking is essential due to limited taxi availability in the area. From Inverness, taxis cost £55-75 and take 1 hour 30 minutes.
On foot: From Lochcarron village, the 3.5-mile walk along the minor road to Strome Castle takes approximately 1 hour. The route follows the shore of Loch Carron and is relatively flat with some gentle inclines.
Parking at Strome Castle
Limited free on-street parking is available on the narrow road near the castle entrance. Approximately 4-6 vehicles can park on verges alongside the road. Visitors must park carefully to avoid blocking the road, as local residents require access. The site is remote and typically has few visitors, making parking generally available throughout the day. Do not block field gates or obstruct the single-track road.
How long to spend at Strome Castle
Most visitors spend 30 minutes to 1 hour at Strome Castle. This allows time to explore the ruins, walk through the remaining walls and courtyard, view the informative sign explaining the castle’s history, and take photographs from the rocky outcrop overlooking Loch Carron. The ruins are not extensive. Visitors combining the castle with a picnic on the small beach below or walks in the surrounding area may extend their stay to 1-2 hours.
If you just want a quick photo, you can visit on a one day tour to Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye from Inverness. This tour also takes in sights such as the Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock.
Accessibility at Strome Castle
Strome Castle has limited accessibility due to its remote location and historic structure. Access from the parking area involves walking across uneven grassy terrain and potentially sheep-grazed land. The ground is hilly with loose stones, sheep droppings, and uneven surfaces. Sturdy footwear is essential. The castle sits on a rocky promontory with steep drops to Loch Carron below. Handrails, safety barriers and accessible paths are not provided. The site is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with significant mobility restrictions. No toilet facilities are available on-site or nearby.
What to see at Strome Castle
The ruins consist of a rectangular hall-house measuring approximately 100 feet by 30 feet, with a late cross-wall dividing the structure. East of the cross-wall, walls stand approximately 20 feet high with gaps. West of the cross-wall, only foundation remains survive, with a garderobe (toilet) chute visible from the rocks below at the north-west corner. A mound of rubble at the east end marks the remains of a tower, partially excavated in 1994. Walls are approximately 4 feet thick.
An information board near the entrance provides historical context, including the castle’s construction in the 15th century, ownership by the MacDonald Lords of the Isles, and its destruction in 1602 during a siege by Kenneth Mackenzie, Lord of Kintail. The castle was blown up after MacDonald women accidentally poured water into the gunpowder barrel instead of the water barrel, rendering the garrison defenceless.
Views from the castle extend across Loch Carron to Stromeferry on the opposite shore, west toward the Isle of Skye, and along the surrounding Highland landscape. The strategic position guarding the Strome Narrows is evident from the viewpoint. A small rocky beach is accessible via steps below the castle, suitable for picnics or coastal exploration.
The site retains a remote, atmospheric quality due to its location on a minor road that formerly led to a ferry crossing (discontinued in 1970). Wildlife including sheep grazing the ruins, seabirds and potentially otters may be observed.
Practical tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Wear sturdy waterproof hiking boots as the ground is uneven, rocky and often muddy with sheep droppings throughout the site. |
| Exercise extreme caution near cliff edges, particularly when exploring the ruins, as there are steep drops to Loch Carron with no safety barriers. |
| Bring waterproof clothing as the exposed coastal location is frequently windy and wet regardless of forecast. |
| Supervise children closely due to steep drops, uneven terrain and absence of safety barriers. |
| Carry food, water and other necessities as no facilities exist at the site or within several miles. |
| Park carefully on the narrow road without blocking access for local residents or farm vehicles. |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Strome Castle suitable for children? | The ruins are accessible to children, but close supervision is essential due to steep drops to the loch, uneven terrain and absence of safety barriers. |
| Do you need to book in advance? | No. The site is an open ruin with free access at all times and no booking system. |
| Is Strome Castle open on Sundays? | Yes. The ruins are accessible 24 hours daily including Sundays throughout the year. |
| Are there toilets? | No. The nearest public toilets are in Lochcarron village, 3.5 miles away, or Plockton, 3 miles in the opposite direction. |
| Are dogs allowed? | Dogs are generally permitted but should be kept under close control due to sheep grazing on and around the site. |
| Can you swim from the beach? | A small rocky beach is accessible below the castle. Swimming is possible but water is cold year-round and currents may be present. |
Things to do near Strome Castle
Plockton (3 miles): Picturesque coastal village with palm trees, harbour, seal-watching boat trips, cafés and restaurants.
Eilean Donan Castle (11 miles): One of Scotland’s most photographed castles on a small island at the junction of three sea lochs. Featured in films including Highlander and James Bond.
Bealach na Bà (Pass of the Cattle) (15 miles via Lochcarron): One of Britain’s highest and most dramatic roads, climbing to 2,054 feet with hairpin bends and panoramic views across to Skye.
Applecross (20 miles): Remote peninsula village accessible via Bealach na Bà, with Applecross Inn, beaches and coastal scenery.
Attadale Gardens (8 miles): 20-acre garden with woodland walks, waterfalls, kitchen garden and sculptures. Tickets required, open April-October.
More Scottish Highlands travel
Other Scottish Highlands travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Live out your Outlander fantasies at Beauly Priory and the Clava Cairns.
- Explore Scottish history at Fort George and Culloden Battlefield.
- How – and why – to get to the Commando Memorial in the Scottish Highlands.
- The logistics of stopping at the Loch Tulla Viewpoint.
- What to expect at the Falls of Shin near Lairg.
