Venue Description

Conquer over 500 steps to stand atop one of Scotland's greatest strongholds. Dumbarton Castle was the centre of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde, supposedly visited by Merlin. It was later sacked by Vikings. The castle became a cornerstone of medieval royal power and latterly served as a military base and prison. You can explore its many fortifications with our interactive family trail. 1 Apr to 10 May: Daily except Thur & Fri, 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.15pm). 11 May to 30 Sept: Daily, 9.30am to 5pm (last entry 4.15pm). 1 Oct to 31 Mar: Daily except Thur & Fri, 10am to 4pm (last entry 3pm).

Accessibility

Approach to site The approach to the site is along a short path on a slight incline. There are 41 steps to the King George Battery, the first 14 of which have no handrail. Visitor centre The shop and artefact display are in the Governor’s House. There is a threshold at the door. Monument The castle site is very large, steep and rocky. All areas are reached by several narrow stairways, many historic. The Governor’s House (shop and artefact display) is up the first set of stairs at the entrance to the site at King George’s Battery. The Spur, Spanish and Bower Batteries are on a long loose gravel path with several steps on it that runs along the south west wall. It finishes in a dead end. The Guard House (exhibition on the history of the castle) and Portcullis Arch are reached up a very long, steep, narrow and historic set of stairs between the two rock peaks of the site. Further on, the remains of the White Tower are on the top of the highest point of the site, reached by another very long, narrow set of stairs. This route is exposed and can be extremely windy. The French Prison, Wallace Tower, One Gun and Duke of York’s Batteries are reached along a loose gravel path with a slight incline from the top of the stairs just after the Portcullis Arch. The Duke of Argyll’s and Prince Regent’s Batteries are up another set of steep steps from just after the Portcullis Arch. The Magazine, at the top of the second peak, is reached by a steeply inclined loose gravel path.

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: http://www.historicenvironment.scot/access

Toilets

Nearest adapted toilet is about 1/3 mile away at Asda, St James Retail Park, G82 1RB.

Staff

Information about the staff has not been added for this venue.