Balvaird Castle, Glenfarg, Pertshire

September 27, 2008

Balvaird Castle is in Perthshire around 10 miles south of the city of Perth. The castle started off in the late 15th century as an L shaped tower house, home to the Murray family but was given a makeover in the 16th century with the addition of courtyard buildings, a garden and flushing latrines. The tower house and residence are still fairly intact.

Balvaird Castle

It’s only possible to gain access to the interior of the castle by prior arrangement, although you can visit the exterior all year round. I planned my visit during the Doors Open Day on Sunday 21 September 2008. The Castle interior used to be open to the public during Summer weekends but didn’t receive enough visitors to justify the required staffing.

View towards Lomond Hills from Balvaird Castle Tower

The views from the top of the tower toward the Lomond hills were lovely. It should have been peaceful but there were several motor cyclists racing around the country roads.

The castle lies just off the A913 between Gateshead and Bridge of Earn. It’s a half mile walk on a gradual slope up a pathway from the car park. I stayed at the nearby Glenfarg Hotel when I visited the area.

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