Carleton Castle

Carleton Castle is a five-storey stone structure standing on elevated ground above Carleton Bay with traces of interior plaster and old toilet features still visible. The building dates from the 15th century and is accompanied by an older earth mound called Little Carleton Fort, which features a circular ditch suggesting earlier defenses.

The building was constructed in the 15th century by the Cathcart family of Killochan and controlled a strategic mountain pass along the old Portpatrick road. The older earth mound Little Carleton Fort shows that this site held military importance long before the stone structure was built.

The ruins are linked to the figure of Sir John Cathcart, whose name is woven into local folklore and dark tales still recounted in the area today. Visitors recognize in the castle's position above the bay a place that has always drawn human interest.

The ruins are located near the village of Lendalfoot, roughly ten kilometers south of Girvan, and are easily reached. The architectural features from different periods are visible on site and allow a direct sense of the structure.

Visitors often overlook that the ruins sit directly above Games Loup cliffs, a striking cliff formation connected to local legends. This close geographic link makes the place particularly significant for storytellers.

Location: South Ayrshire

Location: Colmonell

GPS coordinates: 55.16470,-4.93250

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:24