As I worked downt the trail I discovered the remains of the lower castle. This included what was probably the chapel. When I first saw this I believed this to be the inner ward, with the upper castle as the outer ward. Later research informed me of the twin-castle layout which made sense to the remains extant.
The original means of access to the inner ward of the lower castle is no longer extant, but is is possible that such access was still almost as difficult as to how it is done today. Research indicates the castle was originally accessed via ladders. I don't know who actually put the ladder (left) in place, but it is the only way into the remains of the inner ward. The steps are visible at the top, and it is probable that these once continued down the side of the rock until it reached the outer ward of the lower castle below. Examination of layout schematics have not been helpful in resolving this issue.
Another view of the ladder leading up to inner ward. The original structure appears to have been of multi-layered design, with an outer wall and the main section further up.
Below right, the original archway leading into what appears to have been the chapel. The photo below shows some authentic pieces that were artificially rebuilt into a wall that was used to shore up the sandstone.
Above and right, the stairway leading into the inner ward of the lower castle. The top photo was taken as I stood on the top of the ladder. As one worked his way up, a railing had been emplaced to assist as the steps could be very treacherous when wet.
As I ascended these steps I was due for an unexpected sight... a strange surprise that harkened back 400 years when many abandoned castles became the haunts of robbers bent on plundering the trade routes!
