Remains of a historic castle in Duchess Wood have been explored during an archaeological walk last weekend.

Members of the Friends of Duchess Wood uncovered the grounds of what was Ardencaple Castle during a guided event led by local archaeologist Fiona Baker, founder of Destination Helensburgh.

They explored the main path of the woods, which was originally the castle's carriage drive, the Victorian stone arch bridges over the burns and a site which may have been a saw pit.

The group also ventured to an area where the mill pond, sluice - a sliding gate or other device for controlling the flow of water - and weir – a small dam - once were.

David Lewin, chair of the Friends of Duchess Wood, said: "To see a landscape through a professional archaeologist's eyes is a fascinating experience and has enabled the group to more fully appreciate the largely Victorian remains of what was once a grand estate.”

The castle was demolished in the 1950s and all that remains is a single tower, the Macaulay Tower, retained as a navigational aid to shopping.

The mansion was lived in by many royal and weathy people such as the dowager Duchess of Argyll, Anne Campbell (nee Colquhoun) - after whom the woods are believed to be named - before she sold the estate to the Colquhouns of Luss in the 1850s.