Ardgowan Castle

Ardgowan Castle is a tower house in Inverclyde that stands on a coastal promontory and rises roughly 60 feet (18 m) above the surrounding flats. The three-story structure shows significant decay and is surrounded by steep slopes on both sides.

The structure was built in medieval times and served as a stronghold during Scotland's wars for independence, enduring multiple attacks. Although its exact founding date is unclear, the ruins show it remained in use as a military position for centuries.

The structure shows medieval Scottish military architecture with remains of an earlier fortress originally built to control the waters and protect trading routes. You can see how the location shaped defensive needs of the time.

The interior remains closed to visitors as it sits within private grounds, but you can view the ruins from a public path that runs directly below the structure. This footway provides a good vantage point and requires minimal effort to access.

Its position on the Firth of Clyde made it a key point for controlling ship traffic, leading to numerous naval escapes during conflicts. This maritime importance is still felt today when you see how the ruin faces the open water.