Kinloch Castle Visitor Information
The Kinloch Castle offers plenty to see and to experience, while most visitors of the castle are impressed by the fact that it creates an impression as the time would be frozen there. This is due to the fact that it was in use for a very short period of time as well as due to the fact that Lady Monica, the widow of its builder sold it to the Nature Conservancy (today’s Scottish Natural Heritage) together with its contents. It is impossible to ignore the poor condition of the castle which is related to inability of its owner and manager to raise the necessary funds for restoration, however, it offers a unique experience for the entire family and is an absolute must-see for visitors of the Isle of Rum.
People who are planning a visit to the Isle of Rum and would also like to visit this amazing castle will be pleased to hear that guided tours in the main wing of the castle are provided on a daily basis from the 2nd April to late October and courtesy luxury coach travel is included. They coincide with the arrival of the ferries from Mallaig (Calmac) and from Arisaig (Shearwater) allowing everyone who are interested in the Kinloch Castle to catch the guided tours. However, the guides do not wait with the tour if there are delays of the ferry for instance and it is not possible to join the tour if it has already started. Just as important is to keep in mind that it takes about 20 minutes (by foot) from the ferry terminal to the Kinloch Castle.
Kinloch Castle guided tours schedule for the 2012 season:
Monday – 1:15 pm
Tuesday – 2:00 pm
Wednesday – 1:30 pm
Thursday – 2:00 pm
Friday – 2:30 pm
Saturday – 2:00 pm
Sunday – 2:00 pm
Reservations are not necessary but it is recommended to check with the Kinloch Castle reception if the tour is taking place according to the schedule. It is also possible to arrange private tours and group tours but it is necessary to contact the reception a few days in advance to make sure that the wanted schedule is not already taken because the interest in the castle increased dramatically after it appeared on the BBC Restoration series in 2003.
Visitors who would also like to see the Bullough mausoleum, however, will either have to extend their visit to the Isle of Rum or hire a car because it is located on the opposite side of the island about 8 miles from the Kinloch village. It is a nice walk but it takes about 4 hours to get there and then another 4 hours to return.
Those who would like to spend more than one day on the Isle of Rum may be interested in staying at the Kinloch Castle Hostel. It offers 42 beds in 4-6 bed dormitories, and twin and double rooms. However, it is recommended to check with the castle’s reception because the hostel is planned to be closed in 2012.