Peel of Lumphanan

The Peel of Lumphanan is an impressive earthwork dating to the early 13th century with defences augmented by clever water management. The earthwork consists of an impressive oval mound within a ditch and rampart; outside this rampart is a further low lying area which contains a stream. There is no medieval masonry on site, although there are grass covered footings from a 15th century manor house. There is a public car park nearby, and access is straightforward unless there has been heavy rain.

Lumphanan is in upland Mar, an earldom that was in dispute in the early 13th century. It is believed that the Peel was founded by the Durward family when the dispute was settled by King William, but I suspect it predates this and may have been erected by one of the earlier earls, Gille Crist. The castle remained in use into the Wars of Independence, but fell into disuse soon after, perhaps the result of a destruction event. The Peel is open at all times, with free entry.

Official Historic Scotland page

HES Canmore database entry