Mugdock Castle, Medieval castle ruins in Strathblane, Scotland
Mugdock Castle is a medieval castle ruin in Strathblane whose remaining tower stands within a 270-hectare country park. Woodlands, moorland, and heathland surround the site, with multiple walking paths connecting different parts of the landscape.
The Graham family acquired the Mugdock lands from the Earl of Lennox in the mid-13th century and built the castle as their fortress. Over centuries, the site underwent changes until it eventually transformed into the public park visitors see today.
The castle grounds feature a terraced walled garden from the 1820s, revealing how Scottish landowners shaped their estates with formal designs. Visitors can still see the structured beds and stone walls that reflect the tastes of those who lived here long ago.
The castle ruins are accessible through several walking trails in Mugdock Country Park, located roughly 10 miles north of Glasgow. The park remains open year-round and offers paths of varying difficulty for different visitors.
During World War II, the government seized the castle, and in 1945 Hugh Fraser purchased it to protect the site. His acquisition marked the beginning of plans that would eventually open this place to the public.
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