How to Visit Hermit’s Castle in the Highlands

Last Updated on 25th February 2025 by Sophie Nadeau

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Found along the coastline of Achmelvich Bay is one of the most intriguing hidden gems of the Highlands, known as Hermit’s Castle. Often referred to as “the smallest castle in Europe”, this little stone structure is actually a bothy of Brutalist architecture, built from concrete. Here’s your guide on how to visit Hermit’s Castle in the Highlands!

Where and what is Hermit’s Castle?

Hermit’s Castle is situated along the shores of Achmelvich Bay, a stunning white-sanded beach in the northwest of Scotland. A hidden Highlands treasure, Hermit’s Castle is often referred to as Europe’s smallest castle.

However, despite its fortress-like appearance, it is instead a tiny bothy. Carefully designed to blend into the rocks surrounding it, this small shelter offers its visitors a respite from Scotland’s fierce and chilly winds.

Bothy – in Scotland, a ‘bothy’ refers to a small hut or cottage, traditionally used for housing farm workers or as a mountain refuge. Today, if you come across an empty bothy on your travels in the hills, they are free to stay in!

While it is indeed technically a bothy, it is not permitted to stay overnight in Hermit’s Castle.

A history of Hermit’s Castle

A tale that dates back to the 1950s, Hermit’s Castle has a history as curious as its remote and secluded location. The bothy was built by an architect from Norwich by the name of David Scott. The reasoning for his location remains a mystery, though it has to be said this is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful corners of Scotland.

Construction of Hermit’s Castle took place over six months, bringing in material by boat, Scott built a one-sized person shelter measuring less than 10 square meters, in the distinct style of Brutalist architecture.

While the concrete structure makes for a force to be reckoned with, the interior itself barely fits one person. This perhaps explains why Scott left the area soon after completion; allegedly staying for just one week, the architect abandoned the bothy and never returned.

Left to the elements, this intriguing miniature castle has become somewhat of a hidden gem of the Highlands, pleasantly surprising those who stumble across it. Although no one knows much about it, it certainly adds charm to the landscape and has become yet another legend of Scotland.

How to visit Hermit’s Castle

Hermit’s Castle is completely free to visit and can be seen at any time, though due to its remote location, it is best visited while there’s still daylight. In order to reach this Highland treasure, visitors must park at the nearby Achmelvich Beach Car Park.

From the car park, it’s a short (and very beautiful) stroll over the headland. Although inconspicuous, if you know what to look for, you’ll be able to see it dotted between the rocks.

Once there, you can enjoy taking a peek inside and soaking up the stunning views overlooking Achmelvich Bay and the turquoise waters that crash against the coastline.

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