Lochgilphead, Carnasserie Castle & a Hidden Mansion Stay

Making our way south down the west coast toward Lochgilphead, Louise and I chanced upon this unexpected little doozy. Perhaps aptly named (as we didn’t see it coming), Castle Stalker is a four-storey keep set on a tidal islet in Loch Laich. Its name, derived from the Gaelic Stalcaire, means “hunter” or “falconer”—a fitting title for such a striking structure. More recently, the castle gained pop culture fame, appearing in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. There it stood, dramatic and isolated, a perfect medieval scene straight out of history—or comedy.

We continued our journey and stumbled upon another absolute pearler: Carnasserie Castle. Sitting in eerie silence, this 16th-century ruin was completely deserted. Exploring alone was a rare and unforgettable experience—one I’ve written about in more detail here. There’s something special about wandering through ancient stones with no one else around, letting your imagination run wild with the history that once filled those walls.

The drive south took us through more breathtaking countryside—winding roads flanked by rugged hills and shimmering lochs. Each turn seemed to reveal a new, postcard-perfect scene. Eventually, as night fell, we arrived at our Airbnb: Ederline House Bed & Breakfast.

Louise had booked the place without realising the sheer grandeur of where we’d be staying. This wasn’t just a BnB—it was a bedroom in a wing of a mansion on a stunning 13,000-acre estate. Tucked away miles off the main road, down long, narrow lanes, we finally reached the house at dusk, in the rain, greeted by an ominous stillness. With other guests already inside, the atmosphere was straight out of Clue—I half expected Tim Curry to greet us and accuse someone of murder before the night was out!

The next morning, the owners personally served a three-course breakfast, a level of hospitality that matched the grandeur of our surroundings. It was the perfect ending to an unexpected, magical stay. If you’re looking for an unforgettable stop in Scotland, hit me up—this place is something else.