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Visiting Dunscaith Castle
Dunscaith Castle, a 13th-century ruined castle, sits on the coast of Loch Eishort in the parish of Sleat on the Isle of Skye. Visit this legendary castle to learn more about the history of Sleat and its powerful occupants and enjoy picturesque rustic settings and the beautiful Scottish coastline.
Parking
Free parking is available at the trailhead towards the castle. However, it's limited, with room for only 4-5 vehicles in a lay-by beside a cattle pasture.
Price
Free
Opening
You can visit Dunscaith Castle at any reasonable time of the day. Generally, it’s best to visit the castle during daylight hours since it’s only accessible via a beachfront path.
Location and Access
The Castle is located at 42PF+JJ Tokavaig, Isle of Skye, United Kingdom.
Dunscaith Castle sits atop a steep rock on the Sleat peninsula south of the Isle of Skye. To get to the castle from the main entrance, you’ll need to walk along a 1 km (0.6 miles) path that stretches along the coast.
Travelling from Tokavaig, take an unnamed road west for 0.5 km (0.2 miles) to get to the coast. This road is small, and there’s only one lane, so be cautious. You’ll know you’re there when you see a sign that says "Footpath To Castle" posted on an open gate.
From the gate, walk along until you pass two houses on the right. Near the shore, you’ll see the ruins of the castle on a large rock facing the water. You can either stop to get closer to the castle or continue walking straight to climb a hill and get the perfect view of the scenic coast and the picturesque castle.
Know Before You Go
- You’ll need to walk from the parking area to get to the castle. The path isn’t wheelchair-accessible and is uneven, so take care while you hike to Dunscaith.
- The path to the castle is around 1 km (0.6 miles) long, so be prepared for a short walk when you come to Dunscaith.
- The road to Dunscaith is narrow and winding, so you may not want to go to the castle on an icy or snowy day. The route cannot easily accommodate large trucks or campers, either.
Places To Stay Nearby
The Longhouse at Tokavaig
Only 0.8 km (0.5 miles) west of the Dunscaith Castle, stay at The Longhouse, a bed-and-breakfast with scenic views of the coast. The lodge is world-renowned for its stunning architecture. Included in your stay are WiFi, a fully equipped kitchen, access to the living areas and fireplaces, and all of the comforts of home!
Kinloch Lodge and Restaurant
For an unforgettable experience, visit the historic Kinloch Lodge and Restaurant, 18.5 km (11.5 miles) northeast of the Dunscaith Castle. With a Michelin-star rated gourmet restaurant, stunning guest rooms, and fantastic views, this lodge is the perfect place to stay while you’re on the Isle of Skye.
When you stay at Kinloch, you’ll get complimentary WiFi, parking, and breakfast. While you're here, take a walk on one of their many trails or lay by the nearby shore and soak up some sun!
The Inn @ Àird a' Bhàsair
15.7 km (9.8 miles) southeast of Dunscaith Castle lies The Inn @ Àird a' Bhàsair, one of the Isle of Skye's oldest and most well-known hotels. With complimentary breakfast, WiFi, parking, and pet-friendly rooms, this inn has everything you need to make your stay perfect. They also have two bars and a full-service restaurant.
History of Dunscaith Castle
Evidence suggests that there has been a fortress on the site of Dunscaith Castle for thousands of years. However, the structure that’s still visible today was likely built in the late 13th or early 14th century.
Time Line
-1179 - 1181
Sometime between 1179 and 1181, King William the Lion had the original Dunscaith Castle built. This original fortress is traceable in the archaeological record, and it would have had moats and a large towering citadel in the centre.
After the original construction, the land belonged to the Kings of Man.
-1266 (the McAskills and MacLeods Occupy the Castle)
During the early 1200s, the Kings of Man granted the Castle to the MacLeod family. The MacLeods were descendants of the Kings of Man, and they were trusted defenders of the Isle of Skye.
Because the MacLeods were already powerful landholders and close allies to the King of Man, they quickly granted Dunscaith to another family who could keep better watch of the coastline.
In 1266, the MacLeods invited the McAskills, close allies to the MacLeods, to live in Dunscaith castle. In exchange, the McAskills used much of their time to keep watch over the coast for invaders.
-1395
The MacDonald family, powerful lords of the Isle of Skye, attacked Dunscaith Castle, hoping to gain more power. Their attempt to overtake Dunscaith failed.
-1401
The MacDonalds attacked Dunscaith Castle for the second time, failing again.
-1409
The MacDonalds attacked the castle yet again and failed to take it for the third time.
-1431
Dunscaith Castle was briefly requisitioned by King James I during a rebellion led by John Balloch, who was cousin to the MacLeods. Years later, the castle was returned to the MacLeod family, but they never recovered their high position and slowly weakened in status for the next 40 years.
-1469 (The MacDonalds Gain Dunscaith Castle)
Hugh MacDonald was granted Dunscaith Castle by his brother John MacDonald, 10th Lord of Isles. Hugh used Dunscaith Castle as his primary residence, and when he died in 1498, his son John MacDonald inherited the lands.
-1501
After John MacDonald died, his half-brothers violently feuded over the possession of the family's lands in Sleat, including Dunscaith Castle. Many of them were killed in contests, tournaments, and assassinations, leaving only Gillespic Dubh, one of John's half-brothers, alive to inherit the lands.
However, Gillespic, who murdered two of his half-brothers to inherit the land, had no heir. So, he took his nephew, Donald Gallach, as his ward.
-1518
Donald Gallach murdered his Uncle Gillespic to avenge his father. Consequently, Gallach took Dunscaith and the surrounding territories. After Gallach died in 1534, his son Donald Gorm, the 1st Baronet of Sleat, inherited the Dunscaith Castle.
-1618 (The Castle is Abandoned)
The Gorms moved out of Dunscaith, leaving the castle uninhabited. It would remain unoccupied for centuries until it was finally recognized as a National Historic Site.
Dunscaith Castle Occupants
Dunscaith Castle, as the seat of the most influential families in the Isle of Skye, was always highly contested and passed from the MacLeod family to the MacDonald family through turbulent disputes.
13th Century
- 1201- 1266: Donald Dubh MacAskill, Black Donald MacAskill
- 1266- 1469: MacLeod Family
15th Century
- 1469- 1498: Hugh MacDonald
- 1498- 1501: John MacDonald
16th Century
- 1501- 1518: Gillespic Dubh
- 1518- 1534: Donald Gallach
- 1534- 1618: Donald Gorm, 8th Chief and 1st Baronet of Sleat
Images of Dunscaith Castle



Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package
Dunscaith Castle Facts
- The name Dunscaith comes from the Gaelic "Dun Sgàthaich," which means "the Castle of Shadow." However, according to legend, a warrior maiden named Sgàthaich once lived in the castle, and it was there that she trained many Scottish and Irish warriors in the art of combat.
- No one knows who built the castle that still stands today. Some historians and archaeologists believe that the MacAskills built it, but others believe that the MacLeods or MacDonalds constructed it.
- No one knows who built the castle that still stands today. Some historians and archaeologists believe that the MacAskills built it, but others believe that the MacLeods or MacDonalds constructed it.
Dunscaith Castle Q&A
What Parts of the Castle Still Stand Today?
Ramparts of the castle and the bridge over the original moat still stand today, although most of the castle is in pieces. The steep defensive cliffs to each side of the castle are significantly steeper than they once were thanks to erosion, but you can still see where the castle faces the coast.
Much of the castle's foundation remains, though, and you can see where the original floor plan extended. You can also see the original well.
Are Pets Allowed at the Castle?
All pets are welcome, but you may want to keep them on a leash during your visit. Many sheep herds in the area wander the castle grounds, so if your dog likes to herd sheep, you’ll need to keep it on a lead.
Location of Dunscaith Castle
The ruins of Dunscaith Castle sit upon a cliff overlooking Loch Eishort Sleat on the Isle of Skye.
Dunscaith Castle is located at 42PF+JJ Tokavaig, Isle of Skye, United Kingdom.
Other Places To Visit Near Dunscaith Castle
While you’re in the Isle of Skye, take advantage of the beautiful rustic countryside and visit some of these other popular attractions in Sleat. Whether you’re looking for some exercise, a quiet day at the beach, or more historical sites, you'll never be bored on the Isle of Skye!
Armadale Castle, Gardens, and Museum
If you want to add more history to your stay in Sleat, be sure to visit the Armadale Castle, Gardens, and Museum only 14.8 km (9.2 miles) southeast of Dunscaith Castle. Once owned and inhabited by the MacDonald clan, luxurious and vibrant gardens surround the castle ruins now.
While you’re here, visit the castle, stroll through the gardens, and walk through their excellent museum based on the history of Sleat and the MacDonald family.
The Point of Sleat
24.4 km (15.2 miles) south of Dunscaith castle, walk along the trails at the Point of Sleat to enjoy the rustic coastline and Camas Daraich beach. Whether you're in the mood for hiking, swimming, or a picnic, the point of Sleat is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy all that the Isle of Skye has to offer.
Sources
- Kinloch Hotel & Restaurant: Home.
- The Longhouse: Home.
- The Inn @ Àird a' Bhàsair: About
- Canmore: Dunskeath Castle.
- CMSSA: MacAskills and their connection to McLeods
- Hidden Scotland: Dunscaith Castle, Isle of Skye
- Castle Finders: Dunscaith Castle.
- Castles Today: History of Dunscaith Castle.
- Armadale Castle, Gardens & Museum Of The Isles: Home
- Isle of Skye: The Point of Sleat Walk on the Isle of Skye in Scotland.