Castle Stalker tidal islet, Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Tied to the tide

Tioram Castle's name means 'dry' in Scottish Gaelic, but its setting is contrastingly soggy. Loch Moidart, the sea loch surrounding Tioram's tied island, is at the mercy of the tides. And since the only way to the castle is over these waterlogged sands, Tioram is inaccessible on foot during high tide. That kept the stronghold safe from encroaching infantry in its heyday, but now more danger lies within the castle than without: The unreinforced ruin is prone to crumbling, so while the privately owned islet welcomes tide-conscious trekkers, Tioram's interior is off limits.