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All the United Kingdom Scotland Dumbarton Dumbarton Rock

Dumbarton Rock

This volcanic plug boasts the longest recorded history of any Scottish stronghold.

Dumbarton, Scotland

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Dumbarton Rock.   Richard Johnson / Alamy
Dumbarton Rock.   Alan Hughes/cc by-sa 2.5
Dumbarton Rock: The Governor’s House   Lairich Rig/cc by-sa 2.0
Navigational dial   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
Some of the over 500 steps   SEANETTA / Atlas Obscura User
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Dumbarton Rock   Jaszmina Szendrey / Atlas Obscura User
Dumbarton Rock   Jaszmina Szendrey / Atlas Obscura User
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About

According to legend, when Saint Patrick decided to take his preaching overseas from Scotland, the Devil tried to thwart his plans by throwing a gigantic rock at his boat. He missed, and the saint journeyed to Ireland and converted the natives to Christianity and got rid of all the snakes. The huge rock is still there; a 240-foot-tall (73-meter-tall) volcanic basalt plug jutting from the River Clyde.

Humans have long gravitated toward the storied rock. It was at the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Strathclyde, and has the longest recorded history of any stronghold in Scotland. It has been a royal residence, a fortress, and is now a fine example of 18th-century Georgian military architecture. 

A stream of fascinating historical characters have traveled to the rock. The legendary Merlin is said to have stayed there when it was known as Alt Clut. Vikings raided it in the ninth century. Sir William Wallace, a leader of the First War of Scottish Independence, was taken there in the early 14th century. Mary, Queen of Scots, stayed on the rock briefly before sailing to France as a child in 1548. The poet William Wordsworth and his wife visited in 1803. 

Today, people continue to visit this centuries-old royal refuge. Climb the 500 steps of the Tower Crag, and you'll be rewarded with magnificent views of the Scottish countryside.

Related Tags

Castles Rocks Fortresses Towers Ancient Medieval Geology

Know Before You Go

Dumbarton is easy to reach by train or bus from Glasgow. Sometimes the castle is closed due to adverse weather conditions. Check with the website before visiting to ensure it's open. There is an entrance fee. Because you must climb stairs to reach the castle, it isn't really suitable for anyone with mobility issues. 

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Flavors of Scotland: Beyond the Haggis

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ssm67alba

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Jaszmina Szendrey, SEANETTA, Kerry Wolfe

  • Jaszmina Szendrey
  • SEANETTA
  • Kerry Wolfe

Published

October 2, 2019

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  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dumbarton_Castle
  • https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/w/williamwallace.html
  • https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/dumbarton-castles-new-links-wallace-2553438
Dumbarton Rock
Castle Road
Dumbarton, Scotland, G82 1JJ
United Kingdom
55.936976, -4.562952
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Photo of Scotland

Scotland

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Places 739
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Overtoun Bridge

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Explore the Destination Guide

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Scotland

United Kingdom

Places 739
Stories 49

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