Hermitage Castle Visitor Guide: History, Getting There & Tips

Where Is Hermitage Castle?

Hermitage Castle sits in the remote valley of Hermitage Water, part of Liddesdale in Roxburghshire. It's roughly 8 kilometres northeast of Newcastleton, off the B6399 road. The castle stands in open moorland with no other buildings in sight, which adds enormously to its brooding presence.

From Newcastleton, the drive takes about 10 minutes. Follow signs for the B6399 heading north out of the village. The castle is signposted on the left. There's a small car park beside the road, and you walk across a short stretch of grass to reach the entrance.

Opening Times and Entry

Hermitage Castle is managed by Historic Environment Scotland. The castle is open from 1 April to 30 September, Friday to Monday, 10am to 4pm (last entry), closing at 4:30pm. It is closed from October through March.

Entry fees apply for non-members of Historic Environment Scotland. The site has no gift shop, no cafe, and no audio guide. There are interpretation panels at the entrance with historical context and a ground-plan of the castle. Toilet facilities are basic.

The terrain around the castle is uneven grass that can get boggy after rain. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended. The castle interior has many steps and is not accessible for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility.

The Castle's 800-Year History

For most of its 400-year active life, Hermitage was the key to controlling the Scottish Middle March. The earliest structure was built around 1240 by Nicholas de Soulis in a typical Norman motte and bailey pattern.

Wars of Independence

The de Soulis family became embroiled in a plot to kill Robert the Bruce in 1320 and lost control of the castle. It then changed hands several times during the Scottish Wars of Independence. Sir William Douglas took it in 1338, and it remained with the Douglas family for over a century. Much of the imposing stone structure you see today dates from the Douglas period in the 14th century.

Mary Queen of Scots

The castle's most famous story involves Mary Queen of Scots. In October 1566, her trusted noble James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, was wounded in a skirmish with border reivers. On hearing the news at Jedburgh, Mary rode 25 miles across difficult terrain to visit him at Hermitage, returning the same day. She nearly died of fever from the exertion, later calling the ride "the journey that cost me dear."

Decline and Preservation

Hermitage lost its strategic importance in 1603 when James VI of Scotland became James I of England, unifying the crowns and making the Border frontier irrelevant. The castle gradually fell into ruin. Sir Walter Scott visited several times in the early 1800s, drawn by its romantic atmosphere and violent history. Conservation work in the 19th and 20th centuries stabilised the remaining walls.

What to See at the Castle

The castle is remarkably intact for a medieval ruin. The massive walls still stand to near-full height in places, giving a strong sense of the fortress's scale and menace. Key features include:

• The great arch: A distinctive flying arch connecting two towers, visible from the approach
• The dungeon: Below ground level, where prisoners were held in terrible conditions
• The courtyard: The central open area, once the heart of castle life
• The defensive walls: Enormously thick stonework designed to withstand siege
• The chapel site: Traces of the castle's religious space

Allow at least an hour to explore the castle and its surroundings properly. The valley itself is worth walking, with views of the moorland and the Hermitage Water flowing nearby.

Tips for Your Visit

• Go early on a misty morning for the most atmospheric experience. The castle materialises out of the fog like something from a ghost story
• Wear waterproof boots. The ground around the castle is genuinely boggy, even in summer
• Bring water and snacks. There are no facilities at the site or nearby
• Check opening days. The castle is only open Friday to Monday, April to September
• Combine with Newcastleton. The village is just 10 minutes away for lunch, refreshments, or further outdoor activities
• Allow extra time for photography. The castle against moorland skies is exceptionally photogenic

Getting to Hermitage Castle from Major Cities

Hermitage Castle has no public transport access. You'll need a car to reach it.

• From Edinburgh: 1 hour 45 minutes via the A7 through Hawick, then B6399
• From Carlisle: 45 minutes via the B6357 through Newcastleton
• From Newcastle: 1 hour 30 minutes via the A68 and B6357
• From Glasgow: 2 hours 15 minutes via the M74 and A7

If you're staying in Newcastleton, the castle is the closest major historic attraction and makes a natural morning or afternoon excursion.

Nearby Attractions

After visiting Hermitage, you're well placed to explore more of Liddesdale and the wider Borders:

• Forest walks and hiking from Newcastleton village
• 7Stanes mountain biking trails starting from Douglas Square
• The Border Reiver heritage trail through Liddesdale
• Hidden gems of the Scottish Borders including Dryburgh Abbey and Grey Mare's Tail