Here’s a super condensed History of Caerlaverock Castle for you. A MOATED (!!!) triangular castle built in the 13th century to control trade during this time, Caerlaverock was besieged by the English during the Wars of Scottish Independence and was abandoned in the 17th Century. Caerlavelrock means “fort of the skylark”, and is easily one of my favourite castles so far!

What a day! 12 hours of driving from Edinburgh to the southern tip of Scotland and back again.  This was a great journey, but I also had a LOT of learns from this road trip. Number 1 being to check the opening hours of Castles. I missed out on 2 castles, 2 of the 3 reasons I wanted to take this trip in the first place! I headed down to Caeveralock (post about this beauty later) and drove on up to Drumlanrig Castle. A long driveway winds its way up to the imposing Castle and I was met by a lady in a little booth just before I hit the carpark. She informs me that the castle is closed after August but the gardens are open. OMG ARE YOU SERIOUS. So I got back in the car and drove to Abbortsford House, a good 2 hours drive away and I miss the final entry time of 3.15. I arrive at 3.30, half an hour before closing time, but as with many castles throughout Scotland (as I now know), there are specific last entry closing times as well. So I drove back to the road between Selkirk and Moffat which I read somewhere was one of the most beautiful drives in Scotland (and it was) and headed to Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfall. I was excepting and hoping for a long walk to the waterfall particularly after hours sittting in a car, but it was about a 5 minute walk from the carpark. Next time I’ll do some proper research!