Eilean Donan Castle

Situated on the A87 just 9 miles from Kyle of Lochalsh and the Skye Bridge, Eilean Donan Castle is a Scottish icon. The castle itself is not accessible for wheelchair users but if you can manage stairs it is definitely worth a try.

History of Eilean Donan Castle

Located at Dornie, Eilean Donan meaning Island of Donnán, is a small tidal island where the three sea lochs of Loch Duich, Loch Long and Loch Alsh meet. On this island sits Eilean Donan Castle. The name comes from Donnán of Eigg, a Celtic saint martyred in 617. He was thought to have established a church on the island. Evidence has also been found to indicate there may have been an Iron Age or early medieval settlement on the site.

The seat of clan Macrae, Eilean Donan is a very picturesque castle and is, therefore, regularly photographed and often appears on television or film. If you drove up to Skye you may have already noticed it on your left as you approached the island. And you may have felt you had seen it before, and you probably have. The first fortification was built on the site in the 13th century to protect the area from raiding Vikings. During the Jacobite rebellion in the 17th century the castle was a garrison for several Spanish soldiers who were supporting the Jacobites. When they heard of this, the English dispatched ships to deal with the threat.

After a three day siege the English landed on the island and overcame the Spanish. They then discovered 343 barrels of gunpowder stored in the Castle which they detonated. Following this the castle was left a ruin until Lt Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap bought the island in 1911. During the next twenty years the castle was restored using surviving floor plans of the original building. Completed in July 1932 the restoration included connecting the island to the mainland by bridge.

Today’s Castle

Now the castle is a popular tourist attraction with many visitors to the area. There is a car park on the mainland with disabled spaces. Go right as you enter the car park, they are just loch side behind the coach parking. The Visitor’s Centre with toilets, coffee shop, and gift shop is also on the mainland. It was not open when we visited as we had taken our time in the castle and it was getting late. However we will return to investigate this when it is open.

As parking is on the mainland you will need to walk the bridge to the castle. This is not very far and is a tarmac surface but the castle is then surrounded by deep gravel so wheels will struggle. However, the castle is not suitable for wheelchairs due to the many staircases so wheelchair users may not wish to venture this far. There are, however, some fabulous views and photo opportunities to be had if you wish to make the effort.

Inside the Castle

Sarah struggled through the deep gravel with her rollator but had to leave this outside and continued with her sticks. The staff looked after the rollator while we were inside. We have to say the staff were very accommodating and helpful. They offered Sarah seats to rest on in each room we came to. On one occasion they allowed us to take a slightly different route as the staircase was easier. Currently due to Covid restrictions there is a one way system but they just halted foot traffic for us and we went against the arrows – rebels!

The staircases do have hand rails and although the old stone steps are not uniform, some being quite high, some lower and some narrower than others, Sarah managed with a little effort. If you are able to manage stairs it is well worth the effort. Each room is full of interesting items from the castle’s history with guides in every room to tell you about the rich history. Unfortunately photography is not allowed inside so you will just have to take our word for it.

The main floor houses the grander main rooms. Upstairs are the several bedrooms with window seats offering staggering views across the lochs. Downstairs are the kitchens where the mannequins working in the kitchens were wearing their face masks because of Covid.

Sarah and Melanie were surprised to realise that neither of them had ever visited the castle before. This oversight will never happen again as there was so much to see we will be sure to be back.

Food and Drink at Eilean Donan Castle

As well as the coffee shop in the visitor centre there is a takeaway, Heilan Scran in the castle car park. This can be accessed without paying admission for the Castle. Their offering is in the style of Street Food but with a local twist. Wraps, stacks, burgers, loaded fries and then simple sandwiches. All very high quality indeed. There is also a selection of hot and cold drinks and home baking available too.

There are some picnic benches where you can enjoy the fabulous view while you eat. However, when we were there the weather would not allow this so we sat in the car. Sarah had the Hake Wrap and Melanie had the Beef Brisket & Cheese Sauces Loaded Fries. We followed this up with a Chocolate Brownie and a Bakewell Slice. Everything was delicious and the main courses cooked to order. A very handy spot to stop for a bite to eat on your travels in Lochalsh.