Kilchurn Castle
Argyll and Bute
On the far north-eastern shore of Loch Awe you will find a small hummock cradled by mountains. On the hummock stands ruined Kilchurn Castle, an ancient and ramshackle tower that wonderfully complements the natural beauty of its surroundings.
Originally built on a very small isle, the castle served as the headquarters of the Campbells of Glenorchy from the mid1400s to the close of the 16th century. The island was joined to the shore just a couple of hundred years ago, when adjustments to the loch's outflow led to a drop in the water level.
This means you can now stroll out to the castle while enjoying views down one of Scotland's most scenic freshwater lochs.
Kilchurn fell out of use soon after the Second Jacobite Rebellion, its demise hastened by a lightning strike in 1769 that took out its roof. Today, the castle opens from April to September. Visit at either end of that period and there'll be fewer midges about, which may help with any air of romance you might wish to cultivate.
Do look for a lintel dated 1693 and bearing the initials of power couple the First Earl of Breadalbane and Countess Mary Campbell. The Earl was known as 'Slippery John' for his political chicanery and was said to own the finest wig in Scotland.
How could Mary resist? historicenvironment.scot
Ynys Llanddwyn
Ynys Môn
Those outside Wales may not realise that St Valentine isn't the only kid on the block when it comes to affairs of the heart; the Welsh have their own holy being in charge of romantic love, St Dwynwen, whose day is 25 January. And Ynys Llanddwyn ('the island of the church of Dwynwen') off the coast of Anglesey is the isle she made her home back in the fifth century, following a love affair that didn't work out.
Esta historia es de la edición March 2024 de BBC Countryfile Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición March 2024 de BBC Countryfile Magazine.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
FARMERS ARE THE ORIGINAL FIRST RESPONDERS
Across the country, a secret army is at work, coming to the rescue at times of crisis and springing into action when their communities are in danger.
Nicola Chester
Building more affordable homes is vital for the survival of rural communities
Hush... it's spring!
The colours and scents of spring are exhilarating after a long, gloomy winter, but to fully appreciate the power of the season, shut your eyes and listen, urges Ajay Tegala
In hope of a bright future for our national parks
At experts came the height of the Second World War, a group of remarkable together for the first time.
Wild London walks
From vast parks and ancient woods to overgrown graveyards and flower-banked canals, England's capital is filled with green surprises. Discover them on foot with six sensational London walks
The truth about dogs
As arookie dog owner, Cotswolds writer James Fair was overwhelmed with advice and dire warnings about how to care for his puppy. But how many of the often-repeated truths about canines are really myths?
TOP 10 ROMANTIC RUINS
For a thrilling encounter with history, fall in love with a crumbling castle or tumbledown church this spring, swoons Dixe Wills
THE GREAT SOLAR DEBATE
If developers have their way, miles of Oxfordshire farmland will soon be covered with solar panels. Many local people are opposed but how vital is this sustainable energy for our countryside? Andrew Griffiths investigates
DISCOVER 100 miles of heaven
Looking for an adventure? An intoxicating mix of rolling downland, sleepy hamlets and wave-hewn cliffs makes the South Downs Way one of Britain's loveliest walks. Dixe Wills reveals the highlights of six days on the trail
THE COMEBACK KITE
Once virtually extinct in Britain, a magnificent bird of prey now thrives in British skies. What went so right? Nicola Chester profiles the red kite
