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Follow a fearless penguin’s Highland adventure through misty lochs, ancient ruins, and legendary waters—discover Scotland’s most mysterious destination

The Scottish Highlands are full of myths, history, and jaw-dropping landscapes, but few places capture all three as powerfully as Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. We arrived here after a dramatic drive through misty glens and rugged hills, and immediately, the atmosphere shifts. The loch stretches out deep, dark, and mysterious before us, and on its western shore is one of Scotland’s most iconic castles, Urquhart. Located about 170 miles (270 km) north of Edinburgh, the journey takes roughly 3.5 to 4 hours by car or via train to Inverness, then a short bus or taxi ride. This is a destination you won’t want to miss.

Interesting Facts About Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle

  • Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
  • The first written mention of a “monster” in Loch Ness dates back to 565 AD, when Saint Columba allegedly drove a beast back into the water.
  • Urquhart Castle was blown up in 1692 to prevent it from falling into Jacobite hands.
  • The deepest part of Loch Ness is 788 feet (240 meters)—nearly twice the height of Big Ben.
  • Despite sonar scans and global media attention, no conclusive proof of Nessie has ever been found.

As we head north from Edinburgh, the road carves through the Cairngorms National Park. Highland cows graze by stone walls, and ancient pine forests rise on either side. The trip is part of the experience; Scotland’s wild beauty unfolds with every mile.

The moment we spot Loch Ness, we feel a chill of excitement. At 23 miles long and over 750 feet deep, it’s one of the UK’s largest and deepest freshwater bodies. And yes, it’s home to Nessie, the elusive Loch Ness Monster, whose legend has attracted curious travelers since the 1930s. But about that later. First, let’s waddle the iconic Urquhart Castle ruins.

Urquhart Castle: A Fortress in Ruin, A View That Stuns

We reach Urquhart Castle just before noon, and the sun breaks through the Highland clouds. The ruins are on a rocky promontory overlooking the loch. It’s one of the most dramatic settings for any castle in Scotland, and it’s no wonder this is a must-visit destination. Especially if you are coming from Edinburgh, which will be a long ride. Once you reach Loch Ness, make sure to leverage everything.

Opening Hours and Admission

Opening times

    • April – September: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
    • October – March: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    • (Last entry is 45 minutes before closing)

Admission

    • Adults: £13.50
    • Children (5–15): £8.10
    • Historic Environment Scotland members: free entry
    • Penguins: free entry

(Tickets include access to the visitor centre and a short film). You can also book the tickets online, which is always recommended. For more information, check the official website.

Major Historic Events at Urquhart Castle

  • 6th Century (Early Medieval Period). The area around Urquhart is believed to have been inhabited during Pictish times; Saint Columba may have visited the region around 565 AD.
  • 13th Century (1229). The castle is officially granted to Alan Durward, one of King Alexander II’s liegemen, marking the first documented ownership.
  • 1296–1307: Wars of Scottish Independence. Urquhart is seized by Edward I of England (“Hammer of the Scots”) during the war against William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Control of the castle flips repeatedly between English and Scottish forces.
  • 1307. Sir Robert the Bruce captures the castle and reclaims it for Scotland. It later becomes a royal stronghold.
  • 15th Century (1430s). The castle is raided by the powerful MacDonald Lords of the Isles, a major threat to the Scottish crown. Despite repeated attacks, the castle holds, though much damage is sustained.
  • 1545 – The Great Raid. The MacDonalds launch a massive raid, stripping the castle of goods, livestock, and valuables. This marks one of the most devastating attacks in its history.
  • 1509–1692: Clan Grant Occupation. The Grants of Freuchie are given control of Urquhart and begin rebuilding and reinforcing the castle, including Grant Tower. The castle became a target during local clan feuds and the early Jacobite unrest.
  • 1692: The Castle Is Blown Up. As part of the anti-Jacobite strategy, the garrison destroys the castle’s gatehouse with explosives to prevent it from being seized by Jacobite forces. This effectively ends Urquhart’s role as a functioning stronghold.
  • 18th – 19th Century: Romantic Ruin. The ruined castle becomes a symbol of Scotland’s rugged past. Artists and writers visit, inspired by the castle’s dramatic setting on Loch Ness.
  • 20th Century: Preservation Begins. Urquhart Castle comes under the care of Historic Scotland (now Historic Environment Scotland). Extensive archaeological and conservation work preserves it as a major tourist destination.

What is Urquhart Castle famous for?

Urquhart Castle is famous for its breathtaking location on the shores of Loch Ness, offering stunning views and a connection to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Built in the 13th Century, it played a crucial role in Scotland’s medieval history, particularly during the Wars of Scottish Independence and Jacobite Rebellions. The castle’s dramatic ruins, including the iconic Grant Tower, make it a popular tourist destination, symbolizing Scotland’s turbulent past and adding a sense of mystery and adventure to the Highland landscape.

Was Urquhart Castle used in Outlander?

Urquhart Castle is an Outlander filming location, where Claire spots the water horse. 

Apart from that, one of the most notable films featuring the castle is “The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes” (1970), directed by Billy Wilder, where the castle serves as a backdrop for some of the film’s key scenes. The site also appears in “Loch Ness” (1996), starring Ted Danson, which focuses on the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. Additionally, “Highlander” (1986), a cult classic about immortals, includes scenes shot in the Highlands, and while not explicitly at Urquhart Castle, the castle’s iconic location helped establish the magical, mystical tone of the film’s setting. 

What to Expect As You Waddle Urquhart Castle

Exploring the ruins feels like stepping into a living timeline. Urquhart Castle dates back to the 13th Century, though it’s built atop even older foundations. It has seen battles between Scots and English, occupation by Clan Grant, and destruction during the Jacobite risings.

urquhart-castle-mapDownload

Highlights inside the castle

    • Grant Tower. Climb the narrow spiral staircase to the top for a panoramic view of the loch.
    • The Great Hall. Imagine feasts, music, and Highland storytelling echoing through these now-roofless walls.
    • The Gatehouse & Drawbridge. A defensive marvel, once the main access point to the castle.
    • The Watergate. A secretive lower entrance was once used to bring supplies from the loch.
    • The Smiddy. A reconstructed medieval blacksmith’s workshop.
    • The Citadel. The castle’s defensive stronghold offers a fascinating glimpse into its military past and daily life during its occupation.

Interpretive panels and guided tours throughout the site bring the history to life. Kids love the replica trebuchet, while we are drawn to the quiet corners with unmatched views of Loch Ness and the hills beyond.

Our Quest to Find Nessie

After exploring the castle, I walk down to Urquhart Bay Harbour, just a few minutes from the castle entrance, to get closer to Loch Ness before we board a boat taking us on the loch itself.

Loch Ness: Key Facts and Fascinating Details

    • Location: Scottish Highlands, southwest of Inverness
    • Length: ~23 miles (37 km)
    • Width: Up to 1.7 miles (2.7 km)
    • Surface Area: ~22 square miles (56 square kilometers)
    • Maximum Depth: ~788 feet (240 meters) — deeper than the North Sea
    • Volume: Holds more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined
    • Elevation: ~52 feet (15.8 meters) above sea level
    • Average surface temperature:
    • Summer: ~50–59°F (10–15°C)
    • Winter: ~40–44°F (4–7°C)
    • Water rarely freezes, even in winter, due to the great depth and high volume
    • Water color: Very dark, almost black, due to peat particles from surrounding soil
    • Connected to the sea via the Caledonian Canal, allowing boat traffic from Inverness to Fort William
    • Loch Ness is part of the Great Glen Fault, a major geological feature of Scotland

    Myth and Mystery

    • Loch Ness Monster (Nessie): First famous sighting in 1933, though legends date back to 565 AD with Saint Columba
    • Over 1,000 recorded sightings of Nessie, many unexplained or controversial
    • Modern sonar scans and satellite imagery have never conclusively identified a creature, but curiosity remains strong

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster

The legend of the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie, is one of the most enduring and captivating myths in modern folklore. The earliest recorded sighting dates back to 565 AD, when Saint Columba reportedly encountered a “water beast” in the River Ness, making it one of the oldest monster legends in Europe. However, the modern Nessie craze began in 1933, after a local couple claimed to see a large creature rolling and plunging in the loch’s waters, sparking global fascination. Since then, there have been over 1,000 reported sightings and countless photos, videos, and sonar readings; many disputed or debunked, but some still unexplained. Nessie is typically imagined as a large, long-necked creature with a small head and humps along its back, often resembling a plesiosaur, a prehistoric marine reptile. Despite extensive scientific investigations, including sonar surveys and DNA sampling of the loch’s waters, no evidence of such a creature has ever been found. Still, the mystery persists, drawing curious travelers, monster hunters, and scientists alike to Loch Ness, keeping the legend of Nessie alive.

We kept our eyes on the water but could not see anything, although we captured something on our camera, which is unexplainable. Maybe it is Nessie.

Cruises on the Loch Ness

After our unsuccessful try to see Nessie, we waddled to the harbour to board a Loch Ness cruise. Several operators run from here or nearby Clansman Harbour, including:

  • Loch Ness by Jacobite
  • Cruise Loch Ness
  • Nessieland Cruises

We opted for a 30-minute cruise that departs regularly throughout the day. The boat glides quietly across the water and goes around the castle to get the best view before heading to the Loch Ness center.

The journey was calm, as we could hide inside, but once we stepped on the outside deck, it was typical Scottish weather – rain and wind.

The water here is famously dark due to the peat in the surrounding soil. It’s not hard to imagine something lurking below. Whether you believe it or not, there’s a magic to floating across these ancient waters.

Tips for Your Visit

      • Book tickets online for Urquhart Castle in peak season (May–September), as it can get busy.
      • Bring layers; weather changes fast in the Highlands, especially in the water.
      • Combine with Inverness, just 30 minutes away, for dining, shopping, and more history.
      • Look for combo tours from Edinburgh or Inverness, including the castle and cruise.
      • Best photo spots. The viewing platform is at the top of Grant Tower, near the visitor centre, and from the cruise boat.

Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness are not just places to see, they’re places to feel. The combination of natural beauty, haunting ruins, and legendary folklore makes for an unforgettable day in the Highlands. It’s ideal for families, solo adventurers, couples, and photographers.

The loch’s peace, the castle’s drama, and the possibility of mystery create a uniquely Scottish blend.

So whether you’re chasing legends, searching for history, or just longing for a view that takes your breath away, Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness deliver on every front.

And if you’re curious about how we ended up on the shores of Loch Ness all the way from Edinburgh, check out our blog post about Mystical Highlands: A Journey Through Scotland’s Untamed North

Pack your bag and waddle more!

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