Torthorwald Castle
Ruined 14th century castle sacked in 1544 and occupied until about 1715
Torthorwald Castle is a large ruined rectangular tower at the center of the village of Torthorwald just outside Dumfries.
The first castle on the site was probably an earthwork motte-and-bailey built sometime in the 12th century. The earliest building which forms part of the current ruins was built in the 14th century.
Torthorwald Castle was originally owned by Sir David Torthorwald in the 13th Century. The castle served as a stronghold for the Kirkpatrick and Carlyle families. It was first handed to the Kirkpatricks and then in 1418 to the Carlyles. In 1544 it was attacked by Lord Carlyle and sacked, in a raid against his sister-in-law - things were different then. In 1609 the castle passed by marriage to the Douglases of Parkhead.
The basement and first floor hall of this tower are vaulted and in one corner is a turnpike stair that leads to the upper floors. It appears that the original entrance was on the first floor.
The castle sits beside the road and is accessible to walk up visitors.
Opening Times
Accessible from the road (see map below). Take care of masonry and loose structure.
Nearby Castles
-
Dumfries House
Originally a Palladian Country House, the ‘Dumfries House’ is quoted to be one among Britain’s beautiful, stately homes.
-
Caerlaverock Castle
This moated castle has been witness to two famous sieges and although ruined, it is still spectacular...
Torthorwald Castle Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
Featured Advertisers
-
Glen Auchie cottage Dumfries sleeps 4
Situated in the south west corner of Dumfries and Galloway, the self catering cottage of Glen Auchie is on the road to the Mull of Galloway.
- Sleeps: 4
-
Allanton Mill Dumfries Holiday Home sleeps 4-5
Allanton Mill is a high quality self catering holiday cottage in a converted former water mill dating back to 1739 near Auldgirth, Dumfries, which originally housed the grain drying ovens, mill stones and mechanics for the milling of local crops.
- Sleeps: 4-5
Cottages Nearby
-
Derwent Apartment, Annan, sleeps 6
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
The Glen Farmhouse, Shawhead, Dumfries, sleeps 6
Situated on the 6000-acre Lincluden Estate, these three detached properties have been refurbished to the highest standards. They are located in remote settings on the edge of the moors with delightful wood... -
Nith House, Annan, sleeps 4
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Lapstone Cottage,Mouswald, nr. Dumfries, sleeps 4
This delightful detached single storey holiday cottage, furnished and decorated to a good standard, with magnificent views across the fields to the Galloway Hills and Solway Firth, is situated on the edge ... -
Arkland Mill, Crocketford, nr. Dumfries, sleeps 6
Enjoying an idyllic situation on the 3000-acre Crofts Estate, surrounded by the Galloway Hills, these cottages have enviable dramatic views towards the Solway Firth and Cumbrian hills beyond. Accessed alon... -
Glen View, Nr Dumfries, sleeps 6
Peacefully situated within Dunscore Glen, these two detached properties, both furnished and equipped to an excellent standard, offer panoramic views over open countryside. Nestling in the heart of the Dumf... -
Esk Apartment,Annan, Dumfries, sleeps 4
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Cree House, Annan, sleeps 6
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Foxwood,nr. Dumfries, sleeps 8
Peacefully situated within Dunscore Glen, these two detached properties, both furnished and equipped to an excellent standard, offer panoramic views over open countryside. Nestling in the heart of the Dumf... -
Sea Rise, Dumfries sleeps 10
Situated in the seaside village of Southerness this detached property is a mere 500 yards from the sandy beach and provides spacious accommodation from which to explore South West Scotland. Sea Rise enjoys... -
Annan House, Annan sleeps 4
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Liddle Apartment,Annan, sleeps 4
"Shimmering lakes, wooded walks and views to Lakeland across the Firth . . . superb cottages in a spectacular setting . . .’’ In three acres of glorious garden grounds, surrounded by lakes of water ... -
Driftwood, Southerness, Dumfries, sleeps 10
This delightful detached single storey beach house stands in a magnificent position with direct access onto two miles of sandy beaches and rock pools and sits right next to the 13th green of the local golf... -
Townhead Mill. Thornhill, sleeps 8
Nestled in the hills, this restored 18th century watermill enjoys superb panoramic views of the Nith Valley. Originally a a silver fox ranch, this property offers first class accommodation for parties of u... -
Solway View, nr Dumfries,sleeps 4
This tastefully furnished end terrace holiday villa boasts superb open views across the Solway Firth. The inner Solway is characterised by wide expanses of mudflats and saltmarsh, which stretch across the coast... -
Conheath Gatelodge Cottage, Glencaple, sleeps 4
Peacefully set with panoramic views over countryside to the Nith Estuary, these detached, single-storey holiday cottages have their own garden and have been furnished and equipped to the STB’s ... -
Martha's Shore Cottage, Glencaple - Sleeps 6
Peacefully set with panoramic views over countryside to the Nith Estuary, these detached, single-storey holiday cottages have their own garden and have been furnished and equipped to the STB’s ... -
Martha’s Shore Cottage, Glencaple, sleeps 6
Peacefully set with panoramic views over countryside to the Nith Estuary, these detached, single-storey holiday cottages have their own garden and have been furnished and equipped to the STB’s ‘4 Star’ standard. -
Upper Castlerag, nr Dumfries, sleeps 8
This spacious semi-detached holiday apartment boasts spectacular views and direct access to the beach from the garden (100 yards). Located on the Solway coast near Dumfries and close to the stunning Gallow... -
The Granary, nr Dumfries - Sleeps 2
Situated on the 6000-acre Lincluden Estate, these three detached properties have been refurbished to the highest standards. They are located in remote settings on the edge of the moors with delightful wood... -
Kirkconnell House, New Abbey - sleeps 15
In a secluded location, this large, detached house is located close to the quaint village of New Abbey on the spectacular Solway Coast. This holiday property offers a choice of walks from the door and a ri... -
Dalskairth Mews, by Mabie Forest - sleeps 2
This stunning detached converted mews is stylishly furnished and, with a small raised garden decking, is well appointed to enjoy the views towards the Mabie Forest and surrounding countryside. Within the M... -
Cargen Cottage, by Dumfries - Sleeps 2
These three semi-detached holiday cottages are set amidst the rolling farmland of glorious Galloway, yet lie only 4 miles from the busy county town of Dumfries in an ideal touring base. Steeped in history,... -
Hill View Cottage, by Dumfries, sleeps 4
These three semi-detached holiday cottages are set amidst the rolling farmland of glorious Galloway, yet lie only 4 miles from the busy county town of Dumfries in an ideal touring base. Steeped in history,... -
Four Mile Cottage, by Dumfries, sleeps 4
These three semi-detached holiday cottages are set amidst the rolling farmland of glorious Galloway, yet lie only 4 miles from the busy county town of Dumfries in an ideal touring base. Steeped in history,... -
Burnfoot of Cluden, by Dumfries - Sleeps 14+2
This spacious detached house, in the hamlet of East Cluden near Dumfries, sits in an elevated position overlooking the River Cairn and offers an ideal touring base. There are scenic river walks accessed di... -
Abbeybank, New Abbey sleeps 8
In a secluded location within its own walled garden, yet close to the heart of the village, this spacious detached holiday cottage lies in the quaint village of New Abbey close to the spectacular Solway Co... -
Skylark Lodge, nr. Dumfries, sleeps 4
These comfortable holiday cottages on the traditional Scottish Arbigland Estate are all within a few minutes walk of the beach. Powillimount Cottage (ref 25419), Skylark Lodge (ref 26914) and Lapwing Lodge... -
Lapwing Lodge, Arbigland nr Dumfries, sleeps 4
These comfortable holiday cottages on the traditional Scottish Arbigland Estate are all within a few minutes walk of the beach. Powillimount Cottage (ref 25419), Skylark Lodge (ref 26914) and Lapwing Lodge... -
Powillimount Cottage, nr. Dumfries, sleeps 6
These two comfortable holiday cottages on the Scottish Arbigland Estate are all within a few minutes walk of the beach. Powillimount Cottage (ref 25419) is 300 yards from the beach, and West Lodge, (ref 25... -
Smithy House, nr Dumfries - Sleeps 2
This deceptively spacious open plan studio apartment is adjacent to the owner’s property. Torthorwald is a small village 3 miles from Dumfries town centre and is therefore an ideal base for touring the Sol... -
Sunnyhill View, nr Dumfries - sleeps 6
Attached to the owner’s home, this semi-detached holiday cottage is situated on a working farm with stunning views over open countryside. It is located close to Dumfries, which dates back 800 years a... -
Ewes Schoolhouse, Near Langholm, Dumfries and Galloway
Victorian schoolhouse in the heart of the Borders, has superb walking from the door, with Buccleuch Theatre close by. Surrounded by hills and fells perfect for walking.
