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Caerlaverock

Caerlaverock Castle (Historic Scotland) meets everyone’s idea of a medieval fortress with its moat and mighty gatehouse flanked by blank-walled towers. In fact, Caerlaverock’s ground plan is untypical of castles of the period since the design is triangular. Two sides are protected by the sea; the third by the moat. Edward I made a ferocious attack on the castle in 1300 and held it for 11 years. The king’s balladeer, Walter of Exeter, proclaimed that “You will never see a more finely situated castle”. Parts of the original structure of 1270 have survived but most of the present building dates from the 15th century, with Renaissance additions by the 1st Earl of Nithsdale in 1634.

Caerlaverock Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust is about three miles west of the castle, and is situated in a 1400-acre nature reserve. Here a wide variety of wildlife can be observed, including swans and barnacle geese. If you’re lucky, you may also come across the extremely rare natterjack toad. There are three observation towers, 20 hides and a wild swan observatory linked by nature trails and screen approaches. There are also picnic areas, a gift shop, refreshments and binocular hire. Some facilities are wheelchair friendly.

The place is on the well-signposted Solway Coast Heritage Trail, which stretches from Gretna in the east to Stranraer in the west.