This shield (3 sided) castle is said to be the finest medieval castle in Scotland. Located in the estuary of the River Nith, Caerlaverock dates back to the late 1200s, and it was besieged by Edward I before it was even completed.

In the 15th. Century the gatehouse was enlarged and converted into a tower house, and the 17th. Century saw the addition of gun ports and firing slits for artillery. Also in this century an elegant residential block in the Renaissance style was added.

To find this castle you need to start looking for signs along the A 75 about 10 kilometers south of Dumfries. The car park is located on the castle grounds, and there is a nice nature trail that winds through the woods behind the keep. This nature trail also takes you to the original castle site, one that was abandoned back in the 13th. Century.

At the time of our visit, admission to this castle was around $4.00 per person. A small gift shop and bathrooms are available.