Overview

This is a beautiful Castle, which would not look out of place in Game of Thones. It is situated on the edge of Blackness with a beautiful golden beech and stunning views of over to the three Forth bridges. The castle was built in the the 1400s and on rocks so access is a bit tricky and yet again I am writing this as a person with unsteady balance and who communicates differently.

Transport & Parking

The Castle is a bit of the way, I am really glad my friend drove out, it is about a hours drive from Edinburgh City and 15 minutes from Linlithgow. I had planned on using a mixture trains and buses but knew I had to be very time reliant on buses etc. There is a car park in the castle grounds, spaces are not marked out and there was no designated disabled space.

Access

The access was safe, in places there was handrails in appropriate places. The spiralling staircase was a bit scary, but it was ok if you take it slow and if theres only one direction of traffic. There is a huge viewing platform from the drawbridge which hosts beautiful views and there is a ramp up to it but it would be impossible for a wheelchair user to reach it. It would benefit from a series of small ramps that would lead you there so at least wheelchairs can experience the atmosphere and views. My friend and I went up some rocks as we thought it was the only way to get to some rooms and the outer viewing platform - there was a much easier route as we found out and maybe a sign would had been good. There is three larger steps up to the visitor centre. Information boards where interesting and useful.

Toilets

No disabled toilet. Non disabled gents and ladies loos in visitor centre - you need to get up the three larger steps to reach them.

Staff

My friend did say the lady was talking at me a bit too loud, this is a common thing that happens to me. But at least she was making an effort, she also assumed that my friend was my career. But she did tell me about the membership when I asked her about it and explained it fully.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

This is a bit of a hidden gem but I have visited other similar castle with better access or had thought a little more of how to be inclusive.

Photos