How to Spend 72 Hours in Inveraray, Scotland

Quietly resting on the shore of Loch Fyne is Inveraray, an 18th-century planned town that was once the ancestral home to the Duke of Argyll. In 1745, the Duke of Argyll (head of Clan Campbell) built this traditional county town to distance his newly built castle from local commoners. He also wanted to establish a legal and commercial centre for the region of Argyll. Little has changed in Inveraray, Scotland, as the town continues to sport exquisite Scottish Georgian architecture that’s surrounded by towering snow-capped glens, an expansive waterside setting, rich wildlife and woodlands, alongside great restaurants and pubs. Plus, Inveraray Castle and Inveraray Jail, along with several other heritage sites are open to the public. Inveraray is also an ideal stopping point for travellers en route to Oban.

Continue reading to find out how to spend 72 hours in Inveraray.

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A Brief History of Inveraray, Scotland

As I said, Inveraray was built by Archibald Campbell, the 3rd Duke of Argyll, in the 18th century. It’s perhaps the quaintest town to sit on Loch Fyne – the longest sea loch in Scotland – and we have architects John Adam and Robert Mylne to thank for that. Due to its aristocratic patronage, Inveraray became a royal burgh and later the administrative capital of Argyll county. Its pier (great for herring fishing), townhouses, jail, inns, a woollen mill and Inveraray Castle make Inveraray one of the best examples of an 18th-century designed ‘new town’ in Scotland.

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Where is Inveraray, Scotland?

Inveraray lies on the A83 road which is a major road in the south of Argyll and Bute. It is only 38 miles from Oban and 68 miles from Glasgow, making it an excellent place for a day trip. If you are planning a day trip to Inveraray, you’ll also pass through the scenic Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park, along with the Rest and be Thankful mountain pass from Glasgow. These are worth seeing!

Best time to visit Inveraray, Scotland

Many people will say the best time to visit Inveraray is between May and August as the days are long and the weather is relatively warm (and sometimes dry). However, autumn is an awe-inspiring time to visit Inveraray as the autumnal colours make magical reflections in the Loch Fyne. Alternatively, visiting Inveraray during the winter allows you to view the incredible Scottish countryside with few tourists. We visited during the winter and had spellbinding views of snow-capped mountains, icy lochs, mist hanging over trees and seagulls flying confidently above our heads. Basically, you can visit Inveraray at any time during the year, but please note the castle is only open between April and October.

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Best Things to do in Inveraray, Scotland

1. Climb Dun Na Cuaiche 

For those travelling down the A83 through Argyll, Dun Na Cuaiche is a familiar site. Cuaiche is Gaelic for ‘the hill of the cup, bowl or quaint’ which is named after the hill’s hollowed shape. The hill is 248 metres high with a watchtower overlooking the still waters of Loch Fyne and the bustling town of Inveraray. 

The watchtower was built as a folly in 1748 by the owners of the castle. Unfortunately, there is no mystery behind the building of the watchtower as its purpose was only decorative. Although it has been struck by lightning a few times and is miraculously still standing! There are a few benches by the watchtower from which to catch your breath and marvel at the view. 

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To reach the top, you first have to climb a seriously steep incline. But if you can persevere, the views are endless, and spectacular and truly emphasise why Scotland’s beauty is beloved around the world. You can also see Inveraray Castle from the top of the hill!

The Dun Na Cuaiche hilltop walk begins on the immaculate grounds of Inveraray Castle. Even if you don’t make it all the way up the hill, the view of the castle is striking, a bit foreboding and definitely impressive, making this walk one of the best things to do in Inveraray, Scotland. From the castle, you follow the path over the garden bridge and up through the woodland immediately to the right of the bridge. From here, you basically follow the woodland trail before coming to a field. Walk directly across this field and continue through a second woodland until you reach the top! 

• • • • • • Massive blue arrows are dotted around the place to help you navigate your way 
          • The walk covers roughly 3 miles and takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the top 
          • The route map of Dun Na Cuaiche is available to download 

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2. Explore Inveraray Castle 

A mighty castle has been standing on the edge of Loch Fyne in Scotland since the 1400s. Although, the structure we see today was inspired by a sketch by an architect called Sir John Vanbrugh. He was the genius who built Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace in the 1700s. Unfortunately, Vanbrugh died but his sketch became the foundation for the 3rd Duke of Argyll’s rebuilding project which began in 1746. Architects William Adam and Roger Morris were the masterminds behind the building design, which incorporates modern, Palladian, baroque and Gothic styles. It took 43 years to complete and was finished by Adam’s sons Robert and James Adam. It was only after a fire in 1877 that the third floor and conical roofs on the towers – that are the building’s most impressive features – were added. 

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Throughout this history, Inveraray Castle has been the ancestral home of the Duke of Argyll. He is otherwise known as the Chief of the Clan Campbell. The Campbell family still live in the castle, meaning tours (available by booking in advance) take you around the intimate rooms of the present-day Scottish aristocracy. On the tour, you’ll discover the part the Campbells played in Scotland’s rich history and how generations of the family lived. 

• • • • • • • Opening hours: 1st April – 31st October, 10 am – 5 pm, Thursday – Monday.
            • Castle and Gardens: Adults (£14.50), and children (£10.50)
            • Gardens only: Adults (£7)
            • The best view of the Castle: From Aray Bridge 

3. Walk the High Street Shops and Cafes

Most of Inveraray is lined with white-washed buildings within which are independent shops, galleries, and cafes. The Inveraray Woollen Mill is the shop to purchase tartan and tweed products and cashmere. Loch Fyne Whiskies sits on Main Street, featuring a shop and workshop. In the latter, you can try a wee dram of their special blended whiskies, while Sweet Memories is a traditional sweet shop. The George Hotel in Inveraray is an award-winning establishment with award-winning menus. The George’s pub has traditional low ceiling beams, brick walls, a bar full of whiskies and twinkling multi-coloured fairy lights covering the ceilings. The menu is extensive, serving the likes of oysters, Mediterranean vegetable panini, pies and mussels. 

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4. Inveraray Jail

One of the most interesting things to do in Inveraray, Scotland, is to visit Inveraray Jail. This is a 19th-century prison designed by Edinburgh architect, Robert Reid, and adapted by James Gillespie Graham. This new courthouse and prison were built to replace an existing building that was so poorly designed that prisoners kept escaping. Building for the jail began in 1816 and was completed in 1848, featuring 12 individual cells, accommodation for warders, an indoor exercise gallery, a water closet on every floor and a storeroom. This was a model prison for its day which was well heated by gas.

The prison was in operation for nearly 70 years before closing in the latter part of the 19th century and becoming a museum. Today, you can discover the captivating lives of the prisoners (men, women and children) who used to live here, learn about their day’s activities, and brutal punishments like branding with hot iron bars. In the courtroom, meet life-size characters witnessing a convincing trial.

• • • • • • • Opening Hours: 10 am – 5 pm every day. 
            • Entrance fees: Adult (£13.50) and children (£8.25)

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5. Walk over Aray Bridge

After visiting Inveraray Castle or the town centre, walk a little further to the stone-arched bridge. Known as both Aray Bridge and Inveraray Bridge, this overpass was built in the 18th century and designed by Scottish architect, Robert Mylne. Inveraray Bridge stands at the mouth where the river meets the Loch Fyne, and from its apex, you get spectacular views of Inveraray Castle, the pier and waterfront buildings, and the surrounding mountains. 

• • • • • • • The footpath on the bridge is very small, so be careful and wary of the incoming traffic. 

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6. Climb the Steps of Inveraray Bell Tower

Commissioned by the 10th Duke of Argyll, the Bell Tower is a grand, opulent and prominent landmark in Inveraray. It stands 38 metres high, featuring 176 steps that need to be climbed to reach the top, where you’ll enjoy elevated views of Loch Fyne and Inveraray.  

This bell tower was built by the Duke as a memorial to the fallen soldiers of Clan Campbell in World War One. It now has ten bells, each one named after a Celtic saint, and an exhibition explaining the history of the bells and the tower. You’ll also get to see the ringing chamber and the bell chamber. If you’ve got time, pop inside the adjacent All Saints’ Church.

• • • • • • • The Bell Tower is only open to visitors on select days during the summer

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7. View the Inveraray War Memorial

Situated near Front Street and opposite the Inveraray Inn, is a statue of a kilted Scottish Highlands soldier holding a rifle. He stands proudly over Loch Fyne and is there to commemorate the town residents who died during the First and Second World Wars. A few yards right of this statue is a late medieval cross with carved interwoven vine stems. It is believed to be a 15th-century market cross with an inscription honouring those who had the monument made.

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8. Old Castle Lachlan

One of the best places to visit in Scotland is Old Castle Lachlan for the simple reason that it’s rarely visited by tourists. On top of this, the path leading to the castle takes you past Loch Fyne, Lachlan Bay, New Castle Lachlan, Strathlachlan church and Kilmorie Chapel. The latter is the final resting place of the chiefs of Clan Maclachlan and one of only a few medieval church buildings to survive in West Scotland. In the graveyard, you’ll find a gravestone remembering Marjorie Maclachlan who was the 24th chief, and the only woman ever to lead the Maclachlan clan. Old Castle Lachlan was built in the 15th century with an unusual design. There is only one door leading inside to a courtyard and on two sides is a tower house for living and cooking. The Maclachlan’s were Jacobites who supported Bonnie Prince Charlie against Clan Campbell. The 17th chief led his men into battle at Culloden and was killed. The castle was then abandoned and deteriorated over the years.

• • • • • • • The trail is free to access 
            • The walk to the Old Castle takes 10 minutes from the car park
            • The route map of Old Castle Lachlan is available to download 

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9. Photograph Kilchurn Castle 

I have no doubt in my mind that Kilchurn Castle is one of the best places in Scotland. It lies only 15 miles north of Inveraray and its location on the Loch Awe is magnificent, yielding views of undulating hills and snow-capped mountains reflected into the water alongside the castle ruins. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the most photographed castles in Scotland.

Kilchurn Castle was built by the Campbells of Glenorchy in the 15th century as a five-storied tower house. For over 150 years, this castle was the power base of the Campbells. After the first Jacobite Rising of 1689, Kilchurn was transformed into a garrison stronghold and was then abandoned by the latter part of the 1700s. The ruins contain the oldest surviving barracks on mainland Britain!

• • • • • • For this view, travel along the A819 and pull off directly opposite the loch
          • There is a small parking spot on the road and a footpath leading to the edge of the loch

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10. Visit the Seaside Town of Oban

Only 38 miles from Inveraray, Oban is a bustling seaside town known as the “gateway of the Scottish Isles”. It is also known for being the “seafood capital of Scotland” and overlooking the sea is Cuan Mór, a cute restaurant serving Scottish cuisine like the local salmon fillet, wild Argyll venison burger, and haggis pakora. There are many shops to explore, but the two best things to do in Oban are to visit the Oban Distillery and McCaig’s Tower. The Oban Distillery offers whisky tours and tasting options, while McCaig’s Tower, which looks a bit like an amphitheatre, was built by John Stuart McCaig in 1897. The aim of the tower was to provide work for local stonemasons and to commemorate the McCaig family.

• • • • • • • The distillery tours start from £22
            • The McCaig’s Tower is free to visit

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Final Thoughts on Inveraray, Scotland

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Inveraray as it felt like a little piece of Scotland that had been forgotten by tourism. The castles and the mountainous scenery were of unparalleled beauty and will prove to be a delight for hikers, history lovers and photographers.

Have you been to Inveraray? If so, what did you enjoy? If not, will you go in the future?

If you liked the castles mentioned in this article, you should check out my guide to the best castles in South Wales.