This 12th-century castle ruin sits atop a hill overlooking the River Usk in Monmouthshire, Wales. Its crumbling stone walls and towers evoke a sense of history and mystery, with remnants of a once-grand hall, chapel, and battlements. The castle's strategic location allowed it to control the river crossing and surrounding countryside, making it a vital stronghold during medieval times.
You can't get into the ruins, but it's worth the visit. The view is magnificent. You have to take a short walk to get to the castle and on the way you can see some seals on the beach.
Don't listen to websites that tell you to park at Nybster Broch car park. The castle is a long way from here and the road goes through private land. There are several barbed wire fences to cross on the way. Unfortunately some idiot has destroyed the steps over these fences. Therefore, start your journey from the harbour in Keiss, where you can park comfortably and walk to the castle along the coast, where you will also find the Small Fortresses from World War II. The castle itself is not accessible due to its poor condition.
We were aware that the castle was privately owned and, therefore, closed to visitors. We attempted to follow directions to Keiss Harbour, as recommended in some reviews, but couldn't find a way to reach the coast from there. Unfortunately, we had to admire it from the road, but the view was still magnificent.
Great place to see seals on the beach and for a walk. take the farm side to stay less muddy. lovely walk.
Attractive ruin, visible from A99, there's a small layby where it is possible to stop the car but there is no access direct from road. Foot access is along coast from either direction. We stopped in Keiss where there are maybe 3-4 spaces by the harbour pier. There are probably parking options a little further inland in Keiss if it is busy. The walk is an attractive coastal wander past the Sinclair Bay pods and two brochs to the castle ruins. The ruins are barriered off (don't get too close!) but it is more attractive from a little distance anyway. Alternative access is from the carpark to the north near Nybster Broch which is also worth a look. It is a little further from the castle ruins but still a nice walk; there are parking spaces for maybe 5-6 vehicles at that car park.
As part of our NC500 trip we spent a lovely, peaceful, evening watching the seals below and admiring the view
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Good for kids
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You can't get into the ruins, but it's worth the visit. The view is magnificent. You have to take a short walk to get to the castle and on the way you can see some seals on the beach.
Don't listen to websites that tell you to park at Nybster Broch car park. The castle is a long way from here and the road goes through private land. There are several barbed wire fences to cross on the way. Unfortunately some idiot has destroyed the steps over these fences. Therefore, start your journey from the harbour in Keiss, where you can park comfortably and walk to the castle along the coast, where you will also find the Small Fortresses from World War II. The castle itself is not accessible due to its poor condition.
We were aware that the castle was privately owned and, therefore, closed to visitors. We attempted to follow directions to Keiss Harbour, as recommended in some reviews, but couldn't find a way to reach the coast from there. Unfortunately, we had to admire it from the road, but the view was still magnificent.
Great place to see seals on the beach and for a walk. take the farm side to stay less muddy. lovely walk.
Attractive ruin, visible from A99, there's a small layby where it is possible to stop the car but there is no access direct from road. Foot access is along coast from either direction. We stopped in Keiss where there are maybe 3-4 spaces by the harbour pier. There are probably parking options a little further inland in Keiss if it is busy. The walk is an attractive coastal wander past the Sinclair Bay pods and two brochs to the castle ruins. The ruins are barriered off (don't get too close!) but it is more attractive from a little distance anyway. Alternative access is from the carpark to the north near Nybster Broch which is also worth a look. It is a little further from the castle ruins but still a nice walk; there are parking spaces for maybe 5-6 vehicles at that car park.
As part of our NC500 trip we spent a lovely, peaceful, evening watching the seals below and admiring the view
