When you have a castle in your front yard...

Looking towards the Craigs. On the upper right side, Overton House can be seen. 

... and you climb to the top you will be graced with views like this. 

Looking over Dumbarton towards Loch Lomond and the River Leven.

And that. 

Firth of Clyde

And this. 

Glasgow is the city that can be seen in the distance. 

Dumbarton Castle has been around in one form or another since the Iron Age. It is the oldest known stronghold in Britain, due to it's location atop a large rock of volcanic basalt. Some of the well-known historical figures to have visited the castle include Merlin (Yeah, that Merlin. From King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table), King Olaf the Viking, Alexander II, David II, James IV, James V, Mary Queen of Scots (whose possessions can be found at just about every known historical site), and maybe even William Wallace (AKA Braveheart) whose betrayer John de Menteith was governor of the castle. 

Remnants of the Wallace Tower, named for William Wallace. 

All in all, it's a rather awesome place to visit and learn even more about the fascinating history of country we're residing in. Not to mention the views are spectacular on a sunny day. Be prepared to climb the narrow stairs to the top though! 

Tickets cost £4.50 and opening hours are Summer: 1 April - 30 Sept Daily 9.30am - 5.30pm (last entry 4.45pm) Winter: 1 Oct - 31 March (closed Thursday & Friday) 10am - 4pm (last entry 3.15pm). If you have a Historic Scotland Membership admission is free.