Castle Campbell
Perched above the little village of Dollar, Castle Campbell is an almost gothic site set into the mountains almost reminiscent of great Alpine castles.
Its seeming inacessibility and isolation make Castle Campbell is one of the most beautiful yet undervalued castle ruins in Scotland . Hidden by the surrounding Ochill Hills to the rear, a steep climb through mature woodland to the front and buffered by deep ravines either side make up Castle Campbell's romantic appearance. Though it was originally called Castle Gloom this has nothing to do with its appearance, it lies within the Gaelic word 'glom', meaning chasm - apt given the two beside the castle eminating the sound of fast flowing water rushing down the gorges.
The castle itself dates back to the 1400s and its history is intrinsically linked to that of its owners the Campbells of Argyll a powerful clan thoughout Scotland's history. This was to be their Lowland stronghold and was aquired by the first Earl of Argyll through marriage in 1465 and was kept by them until 1653 when it was ransacked in revenge for the Campbells support for Oliver Cromwell. Famous visitors throughout its history have been Protestant minister John Knox and Mary Queen of Scots .
Much of the ruins remain, the tower house is virtually intact for exploring from the pit prison in the bottom to the top of the tower and sampling the fabulous panoramic views over the hills and into the ravine and along the front the spectacular spread down into dollar and out over the Forth valley and the Clackmannan plain. The East Range of the castle is also in sturdy condition, good enough to house a cafe and accomodate the keepers of the castle, a lofty perk indeed though perhaps cold in winter and spooky with the wind howling off the hills.
The terraced gardens facing Forth Valley make an fabulous place to relax and admire the landscape and are a veritable suntrap in the summer. Also the many trails and paths leading from the castle are great for short explorations into the heather swept hills and forests surrounding Castle Campbell.
This attraction is included in the Great British Heritage Pass.
