Lochwood Castle, The Mount, Motte and Tower House Complex

Lochwood Castle is a medieval stone tower house in Dumfries and Galloway with a vaulted basement, main hall on the first floor, and private chambers throughout. A wide spiral staircase in a wing connects the different levels of the structure.

The castle was founded in the 12th century by the Johnstone family and remained in their hands for over 600 years. It was abandoned in 1724 after enduring the prolonged conflicts that defined this border region.

The name Lochwood links the nearby loch with the wooded landscape surrounding the site. The stronghold served for centuries as the power base of the Johnstone family, whose presence shaped the identity of this remote border region.

The ruins sit in a remote location south of Beattock and can be reached by road via the route connecting Lochmaben to Beattock. Sturdy footwear is needed, as the site is an open ruin without facilities or modern infrastructure.

North of the stone tower stands The Mount, a circular double-terraced mound from the Norman period that marks an earlier fortification on the site. This older defense work reveals how military architecture adapted over time at this location.

Location: Dumfries and Galloway

Location: Johnstone

GPS coordinates: 55.25707,-3.44171

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06