Caerlaverock Castle

Hubby and I treated ourselves to membership of Historic Scotland, so we are determined that when we go away anywhere for the day, we will visit a nearby historic property.

We went to Dumfries on Saturday and then visited Caerlaverock Castle just south the town on the River Nith off the Solway Firth.  It really is a beautiful and imposing medieval castle which you can read all about here.  It was owned and built by the Maxwell family.

It has a moat around it and the gatehouse range is extremely imposing.  Inside are the usual spiral staircases and impressive stonework.  Being in the border country meant that the castle saw a lot of activity during the wars between Scotland and England. 

I really liked this decorated facade which is called the Nithsdale Lodgings, built in 1634 by Robert First Earl of Nithsdale - to impress, rather than for defence.

On Saturday when we visited, all that could be heard was the calls of swallows as they soared and swooped around us - such beautiful birds, although they were too fast for me to get a photo!

If you are ever in the area, then a visit to Caerlaverock Castle is well worth while.

Love, Liz