Ruined castle overlooking Kilchattan Bay. Only a small amount of the ruins remain above ground. Involves a significant walk over rough ground.
Kelspoke Castle is NOT wheelchair accessible. Please consider this before planning a visit if this is a concern.
Castle is a ruin but the position is outstanding
(North) Kelspoke Castle is a ruin - in fact there's barely more than a few piles of stones left poking out of the undergrowth, however its vantage point is incredible - with far-reaching views over Eastern Bute and the Firth of Clyde to Toward in the north and across to the Cumbraes in the east - it's a magical place. Access isn't difficult for a reasonably fit walker with decent boots and protective legwear. The easiest route is to park up in Kilchattan Bay near the tea room/post office, and follow the finger post that points to The Kelspokes which is found a couple of doors away from St Blane's House. It looks like someone's private driveway but the houses soon stop and it becomes an overgrown cart track. Hang a right then a sharp left and begin the long gentle climb. Underfoot can be slippery as it is mainly moss on old cobbles but it's not particularly steep. After a short while (500m or so) there is a kissing gate to navigate, then shortly after is another finger post to the right over a small wooden bridge. You are now in rough grazing land with no particular path. Walk directly up the hill keeping the stone wall to your right, around 200m. This is a steeper climb, perhaps 30 degrees overall. As the ground levels out a little, veer to the left (south-easterly direction) for another 500m or so until you see a fenced reservoir appear to your right. The castle ruins are straight ahead on the highest point.
Single 1.6m leaning stone on agricultural land
Small sheltered shingle and sand bay
Operation Starfish WWII decoy bunker
Independently run natural and historical museum of Bute
Tranquil and inspiring studio for the teaching of art classes for adults
A collection of ancient burial chambers in woodland
Small shingle bay in Rothesay harbour
Single 2m high standing stone close to old tramway route
A single large standing stone with cupmarks
Pair of adjacent Iron Age hill forts
A lovely soft shallow sandy beach ideal for family outings
Beautiful large sandy bay overlooking Inchmarnock and Arran
Bird hide overlooking large sandy bay and adjacent farmland
Perfect solitude and stunning views
Small but beautiful red sandy beach
Popular red sandy beach in this quiet corner of Bute
Ruins of a chambered Neolithic cairn
Ruined chapel and burial ground
Remains of a large stone circle
Bird hide overlooking freshwater loch with extensive reed beds
Bird hide overlooking freshwater loch, woodlands and farm land
Pair of brightly-painted rocks overlooking the Kyles
Psychological Astrologer, I Ching and Reiki practitioner
Gorgeous secluded sandy beach famous for seal-spotting
Extensive ruins of a 12th century Romanesque church with far reaching views
At-risk gothic church in partial ruin
Circle of 8 stones some of significant size
Beautiful 13th century chapel once the Cathedral of the Isles
Ruins of a middle ages chapel
Well-eroded stones in a salt marsh area
Lovely quiet bay with long tidal reach full of shells
A row of three large standing stones in alignment
Secluded sandy beach close to Bute Golf Course
Puppeteers workshop and classroom space
The information presented here is collected from the public domain or has been provided by previous customers, users of or visitors to Kelspoke Castle. It is presented in good faith but is not warranted to be complete or free from errors. E&OE.
