Loch Ness 360° Trail

Tag: history

  • A (Brief) History of Urquhart Castle

    A (Brief) History of Urquhart Castle

    When you conjure up an image of Loch Ness in your mind, you’ll probably think of the deep, dark water, the rolling hills and maybe even a special monster having a swim. But chances are, you’ll also picture Urquhart Castle. You might not know its name, but you have probably seen its photo.

    Perched on the shore and jutting out into the water, the ruins of Urquhart Castle date from the 16th Century. It’s a well-known landmark, visited by thousands of tourists each year. It’s a castle Loch Ness tucks around. Urquhart Castle was also in Outlander, as the place where Claire spots the “water horse”. But why is there a castle here, and what happened to it?

    We’re glad you asked. 

    urquhart castle lit up at night

    Urquhart Castle History

    Some archaeological evidence suggests that the site of today’s castle was once a Pictish residence. It is thought that it was visited by St Columba in AD 580 in order to give the last rites to a Pictish elder. St Columba not only brought Christianity to the area, but is said to have had a run-in with a monster in the loch. Alas, all of the details are lost to history.

    However it isn’t until the 1200s that we start to really understand the history of the area. In the 1230s, King Alexander II of Scotland gave the Durward family permission to build a castle on the land. Unfortunately, in 1296, the English captured the castle during the Wars of Independence. These wars are creatively depicted in the film Braveheart, focusing on freedom fighter William Wallace.

    And it was under the name of his enemy, King Edward I that the castle was captured. After the Scots won this war and the English were sent home “tae think again”, there was peace in the land…for six years. In 1303, Edward took the castle by invasion again, and held it for five years until the forces of Robert the Bruce reclaimed it. 

    • the ruins of urquhart castle
    • urquhart castle at sunset
    • a view of urquhart castle
    • urquhart castle by loch ness

    The end of the beginning

    In 1509 the castle was gifted to the clan Grant. However another local clan, the MacDonalds, were on a quest for power in the region. Urquhart Castle would be a diamond in their collection. So they undertook multiple raids of the area, ending in 1545 with the “Great Raid”.

    The MacDonalds managed to take away practically everything of any value from the castle. This included twelve beds, six pans and two brewing cauldrons. The castle never recovered its wealth, and when Oliver Cromwell invaded Scotland in 1650, he didn’t really bother with the place. He just took over some of the fortifications at Inverness and Fort William instead. 

    Which takes us to 1692, the year the castle became a ruin. In the Jacobite uprising of 1689 – the one with Bonnie Prince Charile where he went over the sea to Skye – trouble came again to Inverness. This time, after King James VII went into exile, Government forces stationed at Urquhart Castle blew up sections of it, so stop it falling into enemy Jacobite hands. 

    And that is the state of the castle to this day. A beautiful ruin by a beautiful loch with a remarkable history. Visiting the castle is something you must do on your trip to Loch Ness. You’ll find it on Section 1 of the Loch Ness 360° trail. Urquhart Castle is a gem of the Scottish Highlands, not to be missed.

  • Winter in the Highlands

    Winter in the Highlands

    If you are looking for some of the best places to visit in the winter in Inverness and Loch Ness then read on and find out more. Here we are situated in one of the most stunning areas in the world. As a result, we have an array of wonderful places to visit. So we have compiled a list of some of the places we recommend you visit on or around the Loch Ness 360 trail.

    • People in warm winters clothes on the banks of a loch in Scotland
    • A stag in winter with snowy mountains and a loch in the background

    River Ness and Ness Islands

    Whatever time of year you visit, the River Ness and Ness Islands have something magical about them. And there is something extra special about exploring them in the Winter. Your warm breath in the cold winters air and layers of clothes to warm you. Here you will take in the sounds of the river and its wildlife along the way on a crisp and chilly day. Wander across the array of Victorian bridges that connect each island. Here you can explore each one’s hidden treasures. Hidden bays, cocooned clearings, mature trees with benches dotted around are a few things you will find. And you can even explore this wonder at night as lights romantically illuminate the way. Well maintained pathways lead along the river and around the islands. So it is a great walk for all to enjoy during an Inverness winter!

    • A bridge crossing the River Ness
    • One of the Ness islands
    • A bridge connecting Ness islands
    • Inverness and the River Ness in winter

    Urquhart Castle

    If you fancy a bit of history then why not visit Urquhart Castle this winter? Open from November to March, daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm with last entry being 3.45 pm, you can enjoy a fascinating day out. And all on the banks of Loch Ness. Once this was Scotland’s largest castle witnessing many conflicts during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Changing hands many times it eventually met its demise in 1692. The Britsh Government forces blew it up so that the Jacobite rebels could no longer use it as their fortress. And during the winter it offers a spectacular Scottish setting. Bare trees, low moody light and sometimes snow-dusted hills envelop the loch. All can be viewed from this historical ruin. A truly spectacular sight to behold and one of the best places to visit in the winter!

    • Urquhart Castle with snowy hills in the background
    • The ruins of Urquhart Castle in the winter
    • Urquhart Castle by Loch ness in the winter
    • Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness in the winter

    Glenmoriston Footprints

    If historical tales of the fascinating unknown excite you then you may want to pay a visit to these footprints. Said to have been imprinted in the ground East of the Torgolye bridge, by a preacher. No grass has grown on them since his sermon back in 1827! And you can see these footprints to this day. Here you can take a short walk along to the Cairn where this phenomenon lies. It is quite fascinating! You can read more about this intriguing story here.

    Cameron’s Tearoom

    Cameron’s Tearoom is a delightful place to head to on a winters day. Here you can snuggle up and enjoy some delicious food and explore the lovely range of gifts in their shop. And as you do you can look out over the stunning Scottish winter scenery. Enjoy your food and watch the Highland Cows enjoy theirs. Furthermore, you can pop outside and see the rescued reindeer residents who always enjoy a pat. Situated on the southside of Loch Ness between Inverness and Fort Augustus this tearoom lies a quarter of a mile from the Falls of Foyer. It’s a perfect stop for refreshments after a trip there. So head along and enjoy a hearty meal and some of Morag and her staff’s divine home baking!

    • Fresh home-baked cakes at Cameron's Tearoom
    • The gift shop in Cameron's Tearoom
    • Oils and soaps in the gift shop at Cameron's Tearoom
    • Highland Cows in the winter in a frosty field

    An Talla by Loch Ness

    Always a great place to stop, An Talla sits on the banks of the Caledonian canal. Here you can enjoy a first-class shopping experience with high-end gifts. Inspired by Thomas Telford the Loch Ness collection offers a beautifully crafted range of gifts. And they are only available to buy here. Furthermore, you can dine in their restaurant and enjoy a range of seasonal dishes. So head along on a chilly winters day for some retail therapy.

    Caledonian Canal

    Here at the Caledonian Canal, you can enjoy a lovely winters walk, cycle or run. Stretching through part of the Great Glen way this towpath links the Great Glen Way with the South Loch Ness Trail offering a choice of routes to explore. Be it a more exerted hike or a simple stroll you can choose whatever you fancy. Whatever you do along this unique waterway, you will enjoy an array of spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife. Another of the best places to visit this winter!

    • The Caledonian Canal going into Loch Ness on a snowy winters day with snowy mountains in the background
    • Th Caledonian Canal on a winters day with a snow covered path

    Drummnadrochit

    Another great place to visit during winter in the Highlands is Drumnadrochit. Not only does it have a truly Scottish name it offers a truly Scottish experience. Located on the northern shore of Loch Ness this village is surrounded by glens, including Glen Urquhart and Glen Moriston. And it is here that Nessie Land and the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre are located. Perfect for a ‘dreich’ Scottish day as there is much to do. And makes for a great family day out.

    Drumnadrochit in the Highlands

    John Cobb Memorial

    Another great place to visit on a winters day in the Highlands is the John Cobb memorial. It was here on Loch Ness that John Cobb died trying to break the water speed record. Having broken the Land Speed record three times he successfully reached 206.89mph on the first run on the water. However, due to rules saying time speed records require two runs, he attempted the second one. And this was when he tragically lost his life after hitting an ‘unexplained wake’ in the water on 29th September 1952. Nessie enthusiasts believe the monster had something to do with this. Now, you can visit the memorial of John Cobb. Just 1 mile south of Urquhart Castle, overlooking the loch sits a beehive-shaped cairn. Known as the ‘Gentle Giant’ this quiet unassuming man will always be remembered at Loch Ness.

    Loch Ness 360 trail

    And of course, there is the Loch Ness 360 trail to add to this list. All the above destinations are accessible from the trail. However, you can explore any section of this wonderful route at your own accord. Each section offers its own bit of magic. Whatever you chose to do you will not be disappointed. During the winter months, the views are spectacular. This really is one of the best places to visit in the winter. So come along and see what it is all about!

    • The Loch Ness 360 trail covered in snow
    • A loch on the Loch Ness 360 trail with snow capped mountains in the background
    • Dores beach on a winters day with snowy mountains in the background
    • The Loch Ness 360 trail with snow on the path
    • The Loch Ness 360 trail covered in snow with footprints in the snow