Knock Castle Ruin, Crieff - Image 1
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Knock Castle Ruin Crieff

4.5
·85 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore the remarkably preserved 17th-century Knock Castle ruins, offering stunning Highland views and a unique, free adventure.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry, clear days

Easier access & better views

CrowdLow
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Knock Castle Ruin, Crieff - Image 1

Knock Castle Ruin Crieff

Best Time

Dry, clear days

Easier access & better views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the remarkably preserved 17th-century Knock Castle ruins, offering stunning Highland views and a unique, free adventure.

4.5
(85 reviews)

"Hidden gem! Beautiful with no one else there!!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive with Caution

The road to Knock Castle is bumpy with potholes. Consider walking if you have a low car. :car:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

You might need to climb fences and walk on uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Well-Preserved Ruins

Well-Preserved Ruins

Castle grounds

Explore the sturdy walls and stairs of this remarkably preserved 17th-century ruin, offering a glimpse into the past.

Scenic Highland Views

Scenic Highland Views

Castle grounds

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding fields and the majestic Highlands as your backdrop.

Encountering Local Wildlife

Encountering Local Wildlife

Fields surrounding the castle

Keep an eye out for friendly cows and their calves grazing in the fields, adding a charming touch to your visit.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the Ruins

Knock Castle is a private residence, and the ruins are not an official tourist site. Access involves crossing fields with livestock, so be prepared for potential detours and always close gates behind you. The road can be rough, so consider walking up if you have a low-clearance vehicle. Reddit

Respecting Private Property

As the castle is on private land, visitors should be mindful of livestock and the property itself. Climbing over fences may be necessary to reach the ruins, so wear appropriate footwear. Enjoy the views and the well-preserved ruins responsibly. Reddit

Best Times

When
Dry, clear days
Why
Easier access & better views
Crowd
Low
When
Late Spring/Early Summer
Why
Calves in fields, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Knock castle 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏰😍 Knock Castle is a private residence on the outskirts of Largs, on the west coast of Scotland. It was built by the boat-building Steele family in 1851, with a further wing added in the early twentieth century. The restored seventeenth century Knock Old Castle is within the grounds. #Scotland #fyp #foryoupage #scottishtiktok #History #castlesofscotland #visitscotland #castles ...
@thisglaswegianguy
26.8K likes • 684K views

🚗 Drive with Caution

The road to Knock Castle is bumpy with potholes. Consider walking if you have a low car. Reddit :car:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

You might need to climb fences and walk on uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🐄 Close All Gates

Livestock are present. Always close gates behind you to keep animals contained. Reddit :cow:

📸 Capture the Views

The surrounding scenery is stunning. Bring your camera for beautiful Highland vistas. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive with Caution

The road to Knock Castle is bumpy with potholes. Consider walking if you have a low car. Reddit :car:

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

You might need to climb fences and walk on uneven terrain. Good footwear is essential. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

🐄 Close All Gates

Livestock are present. Always close gates behind you to keep animals contained. Reddit :cow:

📸 Capture the Views

The surrounding scenery is stunning. Bring your camera for beautiful Highland vistas. Reddit :camerawithflash:

🆓 Free to Visit

No tickets are required for Knock Castle ruins; it's a free exploration experience. Reddit :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(85 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Knock Castle Ruin to be a hidden gem with remarkably preserved structures and stunning Highland views. While access can be challenging due to a rough road and the need to navigate private land with livestock, the free entry and unique exploration opportunities make it a worthwhile, albeit sometimes a 'one-time' visit for many. Reddit

"Not quite the castle adventure we expected – turns out it’s not an official site to visit. Still, we were greeted by some cute cows and their calves, which was a treat.

Crossing the fields wasn’t an option with a bull standing guard, so we detoured up a steep forest path instead… not suitable for every car."

Alex C.

"Hidden gem! Beautiful with no one else there!! Made it up the narrow road in our small car & parked near the barns. If you open the gate, close it behind you as there is livestock in the area."

Carra Straut

"Parked at the abandoned farm, on a narrow country road. Its a bit bumpy, so not the best for very low cars.
The castle itself is standing still, an observer of passing times. You can def still use the stairs, walls are sturdy. One of the best preserved ruins we've ever visited. Normally these places are fenced off."

Beauty Bar

What People Like

Well-preserved ruins
Beautiful Highland views
Free to visit

What People Dislike

Difficult road access
Private property access

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The castle is located on private land near Crieff. The road leading to it can be rough and full of potholes, making it challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Many visitors opt to park on the roadside and walk up the incline, which can be steep and slippery when wet. Reddit

No, the road is described as bumpy and not ideal for very low cars due to potholes. It's recommended to assess the road conditions or consider walking from a safe parking spot. Reddit

Parking is often found on the narrow country road leading to the castle, sometimes near abandoned farm buildings. Be mindful of where you park to avoid obstructing access. Reddit

While some have managed in small cars, the road conditions can be difficult. It's often safer and more practical to park and walk the rest of the way. Reddit

Public transport options directly to Knock Castle are limited. It's best to plan for private transport or a combination of public transport to Crieff and then a walk or taxi. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Knock Castle ruins are on private land and are free to visit. There are no official tickets or entry fees required. Reddit

As it's not an official site, there are no set opening hours. Visitors can typically access the ruins during daylight hours, but always be respectful of the private property. Reddit

While it's a private residence, the ruins themselves are generally not fenced off, allowing visitors to explore the structure. However, you may need to climb over a fence to access the grounds. Reddit

There is no admission fee to visit the Knock Castle ruins. It's a free attraction for those who can access it. Reddit

It's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the surroundings. Always be mindful of the private nature of the property. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the remarkably well-preserved 17th-century castle ruins, including sturdy walls and stairs. The site also offers beautiful views of the surrounding fields and the Highlands. Reddit

The walls and stairs are described as sturdy, but caution is advised, especially on wet days as rocks can be slippery. Always be aware of your surroundings and any livestock. Reddit

Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear suitable for walking on uneven terrain and potentially climbing over fences. Layers are recommended as Scottish weather can change quickly. Reddit

No, there are no visitor facilities such as restrooms or information centers at Knock Castle ruins as it is not an official tourist attraction. Reddit

Many recommend walking up to the castle for a safer approach and to better appreciate the landscape. Take your time to explore the ruins and enjoy the scenic views. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the impressive stone ruins against the backdrop of the rolling Highlands. The surrounding fields with grazing livestock also offer charming photo opportunities. Reddit

Absolutely! The elevated position of the castle provides excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic landscape shots of the Scottish countryside. Reddit

As the castle is on private land and near a private residence, drone usage may be restricted. It's always best to check local regulations and be respectful of privacy. Reddit

Golden hour, during sunrise or sunset, can offer beautiful lighting for both the ruins and the landscape. Midday can also be good for clear views of the Highlands. Reddit

While general photography is usually fine, be mindful of the private residence aspect and avoid intrusive photography of any occupied areas. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Knock Castle Ruin with children can be an adventure! The main challenge will be the access road; consider parking further down and walking up to avoid damaging your car. Ensure kids wear sturdy shoes as they might need to navigate uneven terrain and potentially climb over small fences. Reddit

The ruins themselves offer a sense of exploration, and the presence of cows and calves in the fields can be a big hit with younger visitors. The open space allows them to move around, but always supervise them closely, especially near the ruins and any livestock. The stunning views also provide a great opportunity to teach kids about the landscape. Reddit

🚶 Hikers and Nature Lovers

For those who enjoy a bit of a trek, Knock Castle offers a rewarding experience. The walk up to the ruins, while potentially steep and slippery, provides a good workout and allows you to soak in the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside. The panoramic views from the castle site are a fantastic payoff for your efforts. Reddit

Keep an eye out for local wildlife, particularly the grazing cattle, which add to the pastoral charm of the area. The relatively untouched nature of the site means you can often enjoy the peace and quiet, making it a great spot for nature photography and quiet contemplation amidst historical remnants. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Approach

Reaching Knock Castle Ruin requires a bit of adventurous spirit. The road leading to the castle is notoriously rough, described as having numerous potholes, making it unsuitable for vehicles with low ground clearance. Many visitors find it safer and more practical to park their cars on the side of the narrow country road and make the trek up to the ruins on foot. This approach also allows for a better appreciation of the surrounding landscape. Reddit

Be prepared for an incline, which can be particularly slippery if the weather has been wet. The path may also involve navigating around or over fences, especially if livestock are present in the fields. It's crucial to remember that this is private land, and visitors are urged to be respectful of the property and its inhabitants, both human and animal. Always ensure you close any gates you open behind you. Reddit

Exploring the Ruins and Surroundings

Despite the challenging access, the Knock Castle ruins themselves are a significant draw. Unlike many historical sites that are heavily cordoned off, these ruins are remarkably well-preserved, with sturdy walls and intact staircases that visitors can still explore. This offers a unique opportunity to get up close with history. Reddit

The appeal of Knock Castle isn't solely within its stone structure. The location itself is a highlight, offering beautiful, expansive views of the surrounding fields and the majestic Highlands in the distance. Visitors often report encountering friendly cows and their calves grazing in the fields, adding a charming, pastoral element to the experience. This combination of historical ruins and scenic natural beauty makes for a memorable visit, even if it's a 'visit once' kind of place for some. Reddit

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