THE weather may have taken a turn but just before the heavens opened, cold, sunny conditions saw people take to the outdoors recently, as they enjoyed a walk around Dumbarton Castle.

People of all ages - including some rather young intrepid explorers - enjoyed a look around the historic site.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Max and Edward enjoyed their walkMax and Edward enjoyed their walk (Image: NQ)

Visitors climbed the White Tower Crag to sample the views from the castle, set high upon a volcanic rock and once a royal refuge.

The Reporter told last month how Dumbarton Castle was reopening to the public after being closed for essential work.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: The Franklin family were all wrapped upThe Franklin family were all wrapped up (Image: NQ)

Access restrictions were put in place at the visitor site in early 2022 as a safety precaution while Historic Environment Scotland (HES) introduced new measures to manage the impact of climate change on its heritage assets and to allow teams from the organisation to carry out ‘tactile inspections’.

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Alistair and Susan Gregory enjoyed perusing the siteAlistair and Susan Gregory enjoyed perusing the site (Image: NQ)

Visitors are able to climb the White Tower Crag for stunning views over the Firth of Clyde, explore the artillery fortifications to see fine examples of early 18th century military architecture, enter the Guardhouse and explore the Magazine. 

Dumbarton and Vale of Leven Reporter: Scott and Anna McGowanScott and Anna McGowan (Image: NQ)

The castle is open from 10am-4pm daily, except Thursdays and Fridays, until March 31. From April 1, the site will be open seven days a week from 9.30am-5.30pm.

Go to: historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/dumbarton-castle/.