How strenuous is Craigdarrich Castle?

[nc_cruiser1]

We are considering a Buchart Gardens / Craigdarroch Castle tour in Victoria. However, I have a heart condition and my wife has bad knees. We see there are 80 steps to climb at the castle to see it all. Is it worth seeing if you can only visit the lower portion?

[martincath]

While there are multiple floors, Craigdarroch (despite the name) isn't really a castle as most folks would think of them - it's more akin to a modern fancy McMansion than something with towers and walls! While being historic they haven't retrofitted it for elevators, the staircases are pretty wide and straight rather than tight spirals in actual castle towers, and you don't need to clamber up every stair in one go - those 80 stairs are spread out over multiple flights connecting four floors.

 

There are actually a ton of photos online, even floorplans, e.g. this lady on Pinterest assembled a fairly extensive collection that should let you see the staircases and figure out if you can handle them.

[xlxo]

In addition the the number of steps, also think about elevation.  The entrance is 55m (180 feet) elevation and the upper floors are around 70 meters (230 meters).  So plan for a 15 meter (50 feet) climb in those steps.

 

Here's a preview vid tour.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzyHcfFW2n4

 

Edited April 10, 2022 by xlxo