Loch Awe seems very aptly named to me - it is stunning - though it comes from the Gaelic "Obha" which has no connection with awe. It is the third largest loch in Scotland and home to four castles of which Kilchurn is one.
Kilchurn was built in the 15th century as a five storey tower and enlarged in the 17th century to provide "modern" barracks. It was used as a garrison for government troops during both Jacobite rebellions (1715 and 1745), then in 1760 was badly damaged in a storm.
During all this time Kilchurn was on a small island hardly any bigger than the castle. In 1817 the lake's water level was lowered and now Kilchurn is on the mainland. People still do arrive by boat but you can now walk to visit.
I had heard of Loch Awe but not of Kilchurn Castle. I shall have to find out more about it.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I would love to visit, though probably in warmer months.
ReplyDeleteMysterious and lovely and surely a great place to visit...thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteThat is really beautiful and definitely awe-inspiring despite the lack of formal connection! I can't imagine how severe the storm must have been to create damage like that.
ReplyDeleteIt looks almost like a mirage. Beautiful.
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