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Fatlips Castle
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Fatlips Castle

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See all things to do
Fatlips Castle
5

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
27 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
wendy o
Denholm, UK43 contributions
Key no longer available
Just to say the key is no longer available but visitors are more than welcome to walk up and view the castle from the outside and enjoy the spectacular views
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BigRacoon67
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK33 contributions
Fatlips Castle - absolutely beautiful place
This lovely little castle/Pele tower is perched on top of Minto Crags, with beautiful commanding views across the Teviot Valley. It is reached by a relatively steep path, weaving through woodland, so good walking boots are needed. It is a quite a pull-up but it is 150% worth it as the views are stunning when you reach the top.

The castle itself is a fascinating little place, saved from a worrying situation in 2012 when it was given a new roof and major renovation work done to the parapet, both which had collapsed due to years of neglect. There is a plaque about the history and you can look inside the castle, up the spiral staircase and you can look out from the parapet. The key for the castle is obtained from Oliver's Garage in Denholm (£10 deposit, £5 is kept for the castle upkeep and £5 is returned to you) but due to continuing Covid restrictions, the castle is currently closed so we were not able to visit it. Another time definitely! It is a gorgeous walk and one we can highly recommend.
Written April 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mamatravelshere
Harrogate, UK60 contributions
Big hill, massive view,
Absolutely breathtaking views from the hill that Fatlips castle sits on. A steady climb on quite good forest pathways. A perfect place for a picnic if you take your rubbish away.
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matt W
Stone, UK23 contributions
Half term stroll in the drizzle
Family
Great little walk up to the castle and back.
Locked down due to Covid restrictions but worth it for the views on a drizzly, but thankfully clear enough day.
Written October 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bibcay
Gateshead, UK4,318 contributions
Great
Did not climb up it just saw it from the road. It looks fantabulous and it’s in a fabulous location.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ianpresnell
Melbourne, Australia54 contributions
Great view
Family
A steep climb but a fantastic view. Worth getting the key from Thos Oliver’s garage in Denholm. The castle itself might be more for those with a personal connection (especially Clan Turnbull) but the view is really worth the effort.
Written October 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Purdycats
Clevedon, UK12 contributions
Fatlips Castle
Wow, the walk is very arduous and uphill through dense woodland - it took about 50mins in thick mud! However, the castle is worth it. You cannot just turn up - you have to pay to get a key
Written September 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Germaine F
Massachusetts51 contributions
PANORAMIC VIEWS WORTH THE CLIMB!
WOW! First, realize that you need to collect the key to this castle at the local garage in Denholm and leave a deposit. You have to promise to lock up the castle again and return the key.

The climb is not too difficult unless it's rained heavily the night before; then, it will be slippery on the beginning parts of the trail. My family wanted to climb to Fatlips Castle because we were tracking the history of the Turnbull Clan, and this is "their" castle.

The views of the Border region are spectacular! if you are hungry afterwards, head to Hawick for lunch and see also the TURNING OF THE BULL MONUMENT. This memorializes when William Rule saved King Robert the Bruce from death by turning the bull away from him. The King then named him "TURN-A-BULL" or TURNBULL.
Written August 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bluelizard
N Wales1,089 contributions
A pele tower atop Minto Crags with stunning views
Collect the key from Thos B Oliver garage in Denholm, pay £10 (£5 for a refundable deposit and £5 towards the upkeep). We drove to the lane and parked at the bottom (the garage will provide directions). Very muddy when we visited as there had been some heavy showers over the previous days. Took around 15 mins to walk to the top with our dog. Was great fun opening up. There is a storage room at ground level. A staircase (68 steps) leads to the hall on the first level (nicely restored) and then to the roof (loved the curved wooden door) which has a walkway so you can view the beautiful surrounding countryside. Return the key to the garage and get your deposit back. No toilet facilities. Tip: a torch may be useful as the shutters are kept closed to stop animals and birds getting in.
Written August 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
griff2810
Isle of Lewis, UK209 contributions
Your own key to the castle
Couples
We collected the key from the local garage in Denholm, paid our £5.00 and walked a couple of miles down quiet country roads until we arrived at the front door. It was kind of magical letting yourself in to a wonderfully restored castle in the middle of what seemed, nowhere. The views from the upper balconies were amazing. Go and do it you will not be disappointed.
Written July 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Fatlips Castle (Hawick) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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