Dunnideer Castle

Dunnideer Castle is a very ruinous medieval castle set atop the Hill of Dunnideer, not far from the town of Insch. As a student, I used to commute past this castle multiple times a week on the Inverness to Aberdeen railway line, which passes near the ruin. Since then, I have always wanted to visit this enigmatic ruin and experience the panoramic view from its walls. The castle looks very odd with its single remaining high wall with a large hole through the middle.

After a great visit to Leith Hall, my wife Janette and I made our way to Dunnideer Castle as part of a long weekend travelling around Aberdeenshire. I was excited to visit finally, not realising the challenging walk ahead of us!

Dunnideer Castle Car Park

There is a very small car park on Western Road, only a 4-minute drive west from Insch. It has space for about 3 or 4 cars, max. Parking is free of charge. Google Maps shows the wrong directions to get to the car park; you need to head to this point instead.

A nice Dunnideer Hillfort sign marks the car park, and an information board can be seen at the entrance to the main path to the castle.

 

 

The short walk to Dunnideer Castle

Walking to the castle up the well-trodden path doesn't take long, but it is very steep! The first part of the walk is long and straight and moderately steep, with the path disappearing at the halfway point, where there's a gate to reach the castle grounds. The steep ascent only worsens here, and the path disappears in favour of rabbit warrens dug into the hillside. We just kept heading in the general direction of the castle.

 

 

 

 

 

Arriving at the Castle

We were absolutely shattered by the time we reached the top—my heart was going like the clappers! The castle definitely has a unique feel; it looks more like a druidic temple than a medieval castle.

The prominate hole through the largest remaining section is actually where a large lancet window once existed, now reduced to a rough gap by time. There isn't a great deal to see of the castle itself; only three sides still exist, with various parts that have fallen partially down the hill scattered everywhere. The remaining sections do look stable and safe.

Dunnideer Castle has a fairly modest, simple rectangular design, but the walls are impressive, two meters thick! This castle is one of the earliest tower house examples in Scotland.

There is no information board or facilities at the summit besides a couple of well-placed benches to take in the fantastic 360-degree panoramic views. Rolling hills can be seen to the horizon in every direction, as can the settlement of Insch itself, looking back toward the car park. What a great place for a castle!

 

 

Dunnideer Stone Circle

Not far from the castle are the remains of a recumbent stone circle. These types of stone circles can be found all over Aberdeenshire, with over 70 known sites. The one on Dunnideer Hill is in poor condition, but vastly outdates the castle by thousands of years.

The History of Dunnideer Castle

The Hill of Dunnideer was inhabited by humans long before the castle existed, with the first traces dating from the Iron Age. Around the perimeter, traces of an earlier prehistoric fort (possibly built by the Picts/Gregory the Great in 890) can be seen.

The current castle was built from the remains of the hill fort and completed in 1178. The castle builder is said to be David, Earl of Huntingdon and Garioch. It is one of the earliest examples of tower houses in Scotland.

The first "Lord of Dunnideer" is said to have been Sir Josceline de Balliol or Sir John de Balliol. Written evidence shows he granted access to his lands to the Abbey of Lindores in 1260.

FAQs on Dunnideer Castle

Here are a few frequently asked questions on Dunnideer Castle:

Where do you park for Dunnideer Castle?

A short distance from Insch, there is a small car park accessed directly from Western Road. The car park includes an information board and a gate to access the 1 km-ish walk to the castle.

How difficult is the walk to Dunnideer Castle?

I would say it is pretty challenging, the first part isn't too bad, but gets much steeper after the 2nd gate/halfway point. If you take it in short sections instead of powering up all in one go, it wouldn't be too bad.

What can be seen at Dunnideer Castle?

There are just the ruins of the castle itself, parts of the ancient hill fort, some large wall sections of the castle that have slipped down the hill, and, of course, the beautiful countryside views. There are also remains of an ancient recumbent stone circle close by.

Key information on Dunnideer Castle

• Dunnideer Castle is a ruined medieval castle a short distance from the town of Insch in northeast Scotland.

• There is a small car park suitable for three or four cars.

• Free parking and entry.

• An information board exists at the beginning of the castle walk.

• The walk is short but challenging; the ascent is very steep, particularly past the gate/halfway point.

• Dunnideer Castle is considered the earliest authenticated example of a tower house in Scotland.

• An ancient hill fort existed in the same location.

Conclusion

Our quick visit to Dunnideer Castle was short but fun. It's an excellent ruin with fantastic views. If your fitness levels aren't great, just factor in the steep hike.

Next up, we decided to check out some nearby standing stones, namely the Stonehead Recumbent Stone, the Picardy Stone and the Maiden Stone.