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Ranked 1 of 1 facilties in ranked in Lothian

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Hailes Castle

Directions:	Hailes Castle is about 18 miles east of Edinburgh, just off the A1. Although it’s only a short distance from this main road, getting to the castle is a little tricky as there’s no direct access. From Edinburgh exit the A1 at Haddington, then take the minor road that heads east out of the town, just south of the A1 and the River Tyne. After about 2 1/2 miles take the small road to the left to take you to the castle. Grid ref NT574757.
Accessibility:	There is limited car parking, and the road is single track in places, but access to the castle is excellent.
Costs:	None
Best time to visit:	Both sunrise and sunset can provide good conditions for shooting Hailes Castle.

Venue information

Hailes Castle is an archetypal romantic ruin, with just enough of the structure left to give a hint of it's original grandeur. The initial views from the entrance are not too impressive as many of the walls are destroyed, but it doesn't take long before you discover the more complete walls further into the site. The most majestic views are from the river that runs behind the castle, where the massive walls are almost intact. From this side of the castle you'll need a strong ND grad filter to shoot both sunrise and sunset. This is necessary to keep detail in both the castle and the sky as the walls are often in shadow because of the surrounding trees.

Venue Verdict: A classic romantic ruin, this castle provides some amazing images.

Ratings (out of five): 4

Users' Overall Rating (1 review)

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Hailes Castle

WalterH

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I agree in main with the Magazine review - but would add that teh road to teh castle is single track. Parking space is very limited - enough for 6 small cars or 4 large. My visit saw 1 mini bus, and three 4x4s trying to fit into that space. In fact I drove passed the site as the parking space was occupied by the local landscape gardener's van and trailer taking up all the space. It is a very picturesque site with lots of potential. I visited it on a sunny day in which the swallows were darting about and the common small birds were in full flight. As I got into the castle ruins I was assaulted by the sound of swallow chicks chirping for food. Alas I di dnot get to the other side of teh river as by the time I had spent photographing the other points of interest a bus load of tourist had decanted and I felt hemmed in. I would say that the sight has great photographic potential, and the ambiance of the ruin would change to match the weather. Whilst it is out of the way the effort made to get there is well rewarded. The site is clean, looked after by the owners and unusual for this type of site it is free. Alas there are no amenities of any kind, however for those who like to have picnics in (usually) quite places the Castle makes a great picnic spot by the river

(Written by: WalterH)

23 June 2008 14:17