Urquhart Castle Highlands Scotland

Urquhart Castle, Highlands, Scotland

Urquhart Castle

Urquhart Castle is a ruined 13th century castle on the western shores of Loch Ness south of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands.

The original castle was Medieval but the ruins we see today date from the 13th to the 16th centuries. It is one of the largest castles in Scotland by area.

Urquhart Castle was captured by Edward I in the 13th century. — Urquhart Castle was captured by Edward I in the 13th century

History

The present castle built over what was once a stone Medieval fort in the 13th century. It was used during the wars between Scotland and England in the following century and was once a royal castle. The first mention of the castle in historical records, in fact, is in 1296 when Edward I of England captured it. However, it was to change hands a number of times during the conflict.

Later it was frequently attacked by the MacDonald Earls of Ross who vied with the Scottish crown for power in the Highlands.

Although its walls were strengthened in the 16th century it lay largely abandoned before being partially demolished during the Jacobite Rebellion in the 17th century. The gatehouse was blown up by the departing soldiers so the structure would no longer have any military worth. Stones were also later pilfered for local building use.

Still visible though are the five-story Grant Tower and the remains of the Upper Bailey.

In the early 20th century the state namely Historic Environment Scotland (formerly Historic Scotland) took over preservation of the castle which is now one of the most visited in Scotland after Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle. Sightseers arrive by bus or on boat tours of Loch Ness from Inverness.

Urquhart Castle was fought over for centuries. — Urquhart Castle was fought over for centuries

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is the second-most visited attraction in Scotland after Edinburgh and ahead of the Isle of Skye.

The loch is the second largest loch (lake) in Scotland with an area of 21.78² miles after Loch Lomond. It is also the second deepest loch in Scotland after Loch Morar. Incredibly Loch Ness holds more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Both salmon and trout are found in the lake along with pike, eels and smaller fish.

It is, of course, world famous for its mythical monster, Nessie. Maybe you will be lucky enough to see her on your visit.

Urquhart Castle, Scotland. — The castle lies on the western shore of Loch Ness, the second largest loch in Scotland

Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business. — Goods From Japan delivered to your home or business

The castle is one of the most visited in Scotland. — The castle is one of the most visited in Scotland

Access & Hours

Drumnadrochit
Inverness, IV63 6XJ
Tel: 01456 450 551
www: historicenvironment.scot

Hours: Open daily 30 April to 31 October 9.30 am to 5pm; 1 November to 31 March 10 am to 4 pm.

The visitor centre is buried under the road and has information on the history of the castle as well as replicas of what the structure once looked like in its prime. There is also a small cinema, shop and Lochview Café.

Entry 9.60 GBP for adults, 5.80 GBP for kids.

Located on Strone Point, a promontory on the northwestern shore of Loch Ness, it is most-easily reached from Inverness. Take the 919 bus from the bus station in Farraline Park in Inverness to the castle (40 minutes). The bus continues onto Fort William.

The nearest railway station is Inverness Station. Inverness has trains to Edinburgh Waverley Station (between 3-4 hours depending on the service) from where there are intercity services to London King's Cross with East Coast via Newcastle and York Station in York, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport (TransPennine Express) and Birmingham New Street Station in Birmingham.

Local and mainline services from Inverness include trains to Aberdeen, Dundee, Glasgow (3 hours, 40 minutes), including Glasgow Queen Street Station, and Perth (2 hours) with ScotRail.

There are also local trains to Wick (approximately 4 hours), Thurso (approximately 3 hours, 45 minutes), and Kyle of Lochalsh (2 hours, 30 minutes). From here visitors can then cross the Skye Bridge to the many delights of the Isle of Skye.

The castle is 21 kilometres (13 miles) southwest of Inverness. — The castle is 21 kilometres (13 miles) southwest of Inverness

Renting a car is another option for getting around this part of Scotland. By car the castle is 30 minutes southwest of Inverness on the A82. From Fort William it is a hour by car heading north.