Castle Campbell

Probably one of the better restored castles that is run by Historic Scotland, with its gorgeous views of Dollar, many accessible levels, including to the top of castle, and plenty of trails off the trek to the castle — you can spend plenty of time exploring the castle and the grounds.
Access to the castle car park is thru a narrow and heavily inclined road, wide enough only to hold one vehicle. For those that may be intimidated by this and don’t mind a thigh burning hike, there is parking at the base of the hill.
Take advantage of the trails that surround the castle, for unique photo opportunities of the castle and it’s grounds. Make sure to visit the waterfall, pictured, that is at the end of a short hike off the main entrance of the castle.

I recently reviewed Hailes Castle near Edinburgh and gave the historic place a 5*.
Well, if this is not enough, for Castle Campbell I would easily give 10 stars.
What an awesome location!
From Dollar village I was able to drive up to Campbell Castle. The road is getting very narrow and you are also driving by residential houses.
There are two car parks. The first car park is 500m lower than the second car park. It is all up hill. You still need to walk for a while until you are able to get to the castle.
You are also able to take the bus to Dollar and then start walking from the village, which might take you around 45 min (according to the Historic Scotland guide).
I parked at the lower car park and found a wood-​walk path, which led me through some dense under and overgrowth. At all times I heard the sounds of a small river nearby. It felt pretty scary at certain points, but I kept going further and further into the woods, over stones and bridges and up the hill, until finally I reached an opening.
The castle itself is a ruin of some sort. It looks fascinating from which ever side you look at it. The Tower House, I think, is the oldest part and might go back to the 13^th century, if not earlier. There is a courtyard, a ruined great hall and the tower house.
The original staircase was destroyed at the upper part, such you need to switch to another stair case. There are 4 floors, each of them similar in size and outlay.
I could not believe how many «Latrines» were in the castle. On each floor at least one.
From the top of the tower you have the most amazing views onto the countryside, towards the town, the woodland and the «hills or mountains». It is seriously an amazing adventure.
On the bottom floor you can find a small tea room where you are able to get a cup and a sachet and make yourself your own tea. One toilet for everybody (clean so).
The castle is not the end of the walk, but might only be the beginning. There are so many footpaths to follow so that it can definitely be another long day out in the hills including a proper hike next time.
I will be back!

I have a new favorite place. From the upper car park you must walk down the trail to the castle. From the trail you can see the most amazing view of the castle. Some would say that the castle looks it’s best in the summer with a bright blue sky, but I disagree. The day I visited I saw fog rolling behind the castle and a grey misty sky. It really helped me day dream that I was a visitor to the castle hundreds of years ago. The entire trip through the caslte was wonderful. I love imagining living in the time and conditions of the historic site I am visiting and it is had to believe that this was the hight of luxury. This visit was worth every pound and shouldn’t be missed.