This small ruined castle gives a focal point in the stunning landscape and the walk out to it promises spectacular views.
Park near to the Ben Loyal Hotel and follow the signs for the footpath to Castle Varrich. It is a relatively short and easy walk out to the castle. That's to say, it will take about half an hour and there is a purpose made footpath. It is only a bit steep on the final approach to the castle.
At first the walk is downhill and runs along the edge of fields, then there is a footbridge over the river and after that the walk heads uphill on a meandering path through deciduous woodland, dotted with information points that make for a nice reason to stop for a moment to catch your breath.
The castle itself is only small and very much a ruin and is not spectacular in its own right. However, having seen it from afar, a focal point in the breath-taking landscape of sea, sky and mountains, it seems almost necessary to go and see the castle up close.
The castle could be over 1000 years years old, although the remains that still exist and more likely to be from the 15th century. Work in 2017 included the installation of a galvanised staircase within the ruins, allowing visitors to climb up to the top of the ruins and fully appreciate the amazing views.
Enjoy the view down the Kyle of Tongue, to the causeway and out to sea to the north, over to Tongue in the east, towards Ben Loyal in the south and over to Ben Hope in the west. A fabulously sunny day is ideal for this but even on an overcast day, or even a foggy one, there is still a magic to these views.
Notes for visitors with limited mobility:
The footpath to Castle Varrich is unsuitable for visitors with limited mobility. Although the first part of it may be accessible, there are steps up and down either side of the footbridge across the river and beyond that the path becomes more rugged and steeper.