Invermark Castle

Visited in January 2020, Invermark Castle sits at the head of Glen Esk, most easily reached by taking the Edzell turn off from the A90. The roads are windy and the drive from the dual carriageway to the closest car park (marked by a red pointer on the map) is around 40 minutes. The walk from the car park to the castle takes less than 10 minutes.

A castle has been on the site since the 14th century, with the current building erected in the 16th century and abandoned in 1803. Designed as a three storey tower, there were also outbuildings surrounding, the foundations of which can still be seen. Stone from these buildings was apparently pilfered to construct the nearby parish church.

Privately owned, it is not possible to enter the castle. However, the land roundabout is well-maintained and there are no restrictions in place to stop those interested having a close look.

It is well worth walking beyond the castle; further journeying down a well maintained road eventually leads to some friendly ponies, past some buildings associated with the nearby hunting lodge, alongside a ruined church and culminates at Loch Lee, which is both expansive and atmospheric. Although we stopped at the loch shore, the map indicates a path that disappears far into the glens.