Cruggleton Castle, Medieval castle ruins near Whithorn, Scotland.
Cruggleton Castle consists of ruins located on a cliff edge 130 feet (40 meters) high on the Machars Peninsula in southwest Scotland, with remnants of barrel vaulting and fortification walls still visible. The remains sit along the coast with views across the surrounding landscape and water.
The castle was built between the 13th and 15th centuries on the site of an earlier fortified mound and served as a residence for the Earls of Galloway and Buchan. The location had long been chosen for defense due to its commanding cliff position.
The site shows traces from different periods, ranging from Iron Age settlements to medieval fortifications, reflecting how the region built and defended itself over centuries. Visitors can still see these layers of history in what remains today.
To reach the castle ruins, follow a coastal path starting near Galloway House, and the remains are also visible from the nearby B7063 road. The walk crosses open fields with uneven ground, so sturdy footwear is helpful.
The structure earned the local name 'The Arch' due to its remaining barrel-vaulted section, which stands out as the main surviving element that visitors recognize. This distinctive arch is visible from many directions along the coast.
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