Explore Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
The ruins of Urquhart Castle stand on the northern banks of Loch Ness in the Great Glen, an impressive reminder of Scotland’s turbulent past.
A Long Scottish History
The ruins of the castle date back to the 13th century, although it was built on an even earlier medieval site – there has even been speculation that it was the fortress of the king of the northern Picts, Bridei on of Maelchon. Urquhart Castle was a key defensive castle in the Scottish wars of independence through the 14th century, and it changed hands multiple times as the Scots and the British fought. It even faced invasion from the Lord of the Isles – an ancient kingdom encompassing parts of the west coast and the Hebrides – who raised both Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen multiple times. After centuries of sieges and raids, the gatehouse to the castle was eventually destroyed by British forces in the late 1600s to prevent the Jacobites making use of it. The rest of the castle gradually fell to ruin, exacerbated by a particularly bad storm in 1715 and plundering by the locals for stonework.
Beautiful Location
The castle is set on a spectacular promontory on the banks of Loch Ness, perhaps Scotland’s most famous loch. It’s no wonder that it was here that was selected for the castle to stand – invaders – from water or by land – could be spotted from miles around. Loch Ness stretches endlessly into the distance in both directions, and on either sides of the loch the Great Glen rises into rugged hillside. Ospreys and eagles can be seen soaring overhead – and at the time, the castle’s residents may have even had to contend with wolves living in the forested banks of the loch. Many of the reported sightings of Nessie have been from the banks near the castle, so keep an eye out!
Myth & Legend
Like any good castle, Urquhart Castle is surrounded by legends and mysterious tales. One such story tells of two hidden chambers deep below the castle; one filled with treasure and gold, the other with a plague that would destroy the land is released. It’s said that the fear of this plague has stopped any would-be treasure hunters from risking opening up either chamber! Urquhart Castle can be visited via a car park on the side of the road – the visitor centre, showing a short film about the castle’s history, is well worth a visit – or for a different perspective, you can hop on a cruise boat at Drumnadrochit and see the castle from the water!
If you’d like to see more about the area and the surrounding areas, then see our Central Highlands section.
