What to see and do at Urquhart Castle, Loch Ness, Scotland

Urquhart Castle is a ruined castle that sits beside Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland

Founded in the 13th century, Urquhart played a role in the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century. It was subsequently held as a royal castle and was raided on several occasions by the MacDonalds. Urquhart was partially destroyed in 1692 to prevent its use by Jacobite forces.

We visited Loch Ness and the Urquhart Castle on 6/10/2022. Traveled by bus along the shore of the lake from Inverness to the castle.  We then explored the castle and its surrounding grounds.

Loch Ness is a large, deep freshwater loch  which is one of the most famous lakes in the world, primarily because of the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, also known as "Nessie." The lake is approximately 23 miles long and about 755 feet deep, making it the second deepest loch in Scotland, after Loch Morar.

The Loch Ness Monster has been a subject of fascination and speculation for many years. It is said to be a large, aquatic creature that resembles a plesiosaur, a prehistoric marine reptile. The first recorded sighting of the monster dates back to the 6th century, when a man was said to have been attacked by a "water beast" in the lake. However, it was not until the 1930s that the legend really took off, with numerous reported sightings and even photographs purporting to show the creature.

While many people believe in the existence of the Loch Ness Monster, there is no scientific evidence to support its existence. Various scientific studies have been carried out over the years, including sonar scans of the lake, but none have been able to conclusively prove the existence of the creature.

Despite the mystery of the monster, Loch Ness itself is a beautiful and popular tourist destination, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to enjoy boating, fishing, and hiking. The nearby town of Inverness is also a popular tourist destination, and is known as the capital of the Scottish Highlands.

Looking for things to do?  Viator offers numerous tours near Loch Ness. Click here for details.

The Nether Bailey was the main focus of activity in the castle since around 1400.

The Nether Bailey is anchored at its northern tip by the Grant Tower, the main tower house of the castle.

An iron gate inside Grant Tower.

The stairs in Grant Tower.

The Upper Bailey is focused on the rocky mound at the southwest corner of the castle. The highest part of the headland, this mound is the site of the earliest defenses at Urquhart. 

The gatehouse to the castle.

The moat and bridge leading to the gatehouse.

The shore of Loch Ness.

A giant catapult sits on the trail from the visitor center to the castle.

Nessieland is located on the shores of Loch Ness in Drumnadrochit. Nessie is a creature which is supposedly inhabiting Loch Ness and is one of the most well-known monsters in the world. 

The highway from Inverness to Urquhart Castle travels along the shore of Loch Ness.