Hermitage Castle Ruins

Ruined medieval castle on Scottish Border with dramatic cliffs

A 14th‑century border fortress ruin in the Scottish Borders set above the River Liddel. Walkers and history enthusiasts visit for ruined masonry, remote landscapes and photographic views.

Main image

Hermitage Castle at a Glance#

Address: Hermitage Castle, near Newcastleton, Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daylight hours

Admission: Free (ruin on open land)

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How to Get to Hermitage Castle#

Hermitage Castle stands near Newcastleton in the Scottish Borders. From the A7 main road take local lanes toward Hermitage; parking is roadside and access is on foot across moorland. The nearest larger towns are Hawick and Dumfries - allow a 30-60 minute drive from either for the rural roads.

Tips for Visiting Hermitage Castle#

  • Wear stout boots: the ruin stands on rough moorland and the weather changes quickly.
  • Respect fragile walls - Hermitage Castle is a ruin managed by Historic Environment Scotland; do not climb the remaining interior structures.
  • Visit on a clear day for expansive views over the Hermitage valley and the River Liddel; the site's silhouette is best seen at low sun.

Best Time to Visit Hermitage Castle#

Visit in summer for easier access; autumn for atmospheric light and colour.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
Jun-Aug · 10-18°C
Best walking conditions and clearer views of the ruined profiles against blue skies.
Autumn (Sep-Oct)
Sep-Oct · 5-12°C
The hilltops take on ochres and russets; moodier weather suits a ruined stronghold.

Weather & Climate near Hermitage Castle#

Climate

Hermitage Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 19°C. Abundant rainfall (1012 mm/year), wettest in October, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit
JuneSeptemberJuly
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
-14°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

3°
Feels Like Cold
3°C
Temperature
0° – 6°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

102 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.6h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

3°
Feels Like Cold
3°C
Temperature
0° – 6°
94%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.4h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
1° – 8°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

7°
Feels Like Cold
7°C
Temperature
2° – 11°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

62 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.0h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
5° – 14°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
16.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
8° – 17°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

70 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
17.1h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° – 19°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
16.6h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

60 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° – 18°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

84 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
14.8h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
8° – 16°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

9°
Feels Like Cold
9°C
Temperature
5° – 12°
93%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.3h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

5°
Feels Like Cold
5°C
Temperature
2° – 8°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

101 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.1h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

3°
Feels Like Cold
3°C
Temperature
1° – 6°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

103 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.9h daylight