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Sinclair Girnigoe Castle (Scotland) – Visit tips + photos

Last updated on September 23, 2019 By Claire, the Travel Planning Geek

Located in the Caithness region, the Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Scotland is now in ruins but still impressive. Built right over the cliffs, you can still see the work of integration with nature. Below is my guide to help you plan your visit.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Scotland
Quick Navigation
Visiting the castle of Sinclair Girnigoe Scotland - Video
PLANNING TIPS - Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Scotland
Noss Head lighthouse and Sinclair Castle - Carpark and Map
Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Walk
Ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
Inside the ruins of the Girnigoe Castle

Navigate back to the complete Travel Scotland Guide

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Visiting the castle of Sinclair Girnigoe Scotland - Video

Let's start with a short video of the exploration of Sinclair Girnigoe Castle in North Scotland:

Short history of Girnigoe Castle

The Clan Sinclair has occupied this site since at least the late 14th century. Not much is known about the early years of the castle. In the 17th century a lot of the castle was rebuilt. Later a big battle between Glenorchy and Sinclairs left the castle ruined.

The Clan Sinclair trust is trying to investigate and consolidate the site. Learn more about the history of the castle on their website.

This is what the castle used to look like. See how it was build on the cliff / promontory.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle map

Note - Old Wick castle

In the same area (but South of Wick) is the Old Wick Castle. After research the Old Wick had less ruins remaining. This is why I chose to visit the Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.


PLANNING TIPS - Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Scotland

How to get to Girnigoe Castle Location

  • Located in the Caithness region, North East coast of Scotland
  • On the peninsula North of the Town of Wick (15 min drive) at Noss head, not far from the lighthouse
  • 2h30 drive from Inverness
  • It is included in my travel guide that simplifies the planning of your road trip around Scotland:
small Scotland Road Trip Guide ebook cover

Plan your perfect trip to Scotland!

  • 15 maps to easily plan your itinerary
  • 170+ selected locations so you don't miss the most beautiful places
  • GPS + info to make the most of your time
  • 170+ original photos to get inspired

LEARN MORE

Visiting Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Scotland

  • Those are ruins on a cliff so wear good shoes
  • Plan 30min to 1h
  • Parking along the road (on the right), then there is a track on the left - 5 to 10 min walk
  • Picnic tables, no toilets
  • It is normally opened between May and September but may be closed if weather makes the visit dangerous.
  • parking and entrance were free

Where to stay nearby?

The closest town is Wick - Check out the best rated accommodations in Wick


Noss Head lighthouse and Sinclair Castle - Carpark and Map

The Sinclair Girnigoe Castle is located on Noss Head. The Road leads you to the Noss Head lighthouse that you can see on the picture below.

You can park on  the right.

Girnigoe Castle Parking

Sinclair Girnigoe Castle carpark

Below is a map of Noss head the the Girnigoe Castle

Noss head map

Noss head the the Girnigoe Castle - Map


Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Walk

On the left is the beginning of a track with many signs containing a lot of information about the Girnigoe Castle History and architecture.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle INfo

Below is a picture of the track to get to the castle. A 5 to 10 min easy flat walk takes you to the cliffs.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle access

Sinclair Girnigoe Castle walk

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 1

And you reach the amazing cliffs of the Wick peninsula - the layers of rocks are impressive:

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 3

Ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe

After a little bit of walking you finally see some of the ruins. And once you approach you discover how they are set up on the cliffs. It is quite impressive. 

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 5

The site is full of signs with explanation about the architecture, the flora and fauna.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 4

He is a global view of what remain of the castle. Between war and erosion it has lost its grandiose. But it must have been quite a sight.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 6

I love this shot as you can see where it was built. The cliffs have strange shape has the water carved long tongue of rocks.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 7

Inside the ruins of the Girnigoe Castle

A small portion of the ruins can be entered as deemed safe.

A Bridge takes you to the left side of the castle. You can see up close  how it was built with layers of rock that remind you of the cliffs.

Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 8
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 9
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 10
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 11
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 12
Castle Sinclair Girnigoe Castle 13

Want to see more of SCOTLAND?

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SCOTTISH NORTH COAST

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DUNROBIN CASTLE

Travel Scotland Destination Guide

Impressive location, isn't it?

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