A plant nursery and woodland garden that has an array of native and exotic plants.Ĭraig Monie. Kilianan, Loch Ness Side, Inverness, Highlands and Islands IV3 8LA. This is one of the few remaining wet woodlands in Scotland where the entire woodland becomes flooded after a rainfall. An alder woodland located on the shore of Loch Ness with footpaths throughout it. To the south is the tourist village of Fort Augustus which operates daily cruises up and down the loch. The loch is fed by the River Ness to the north, beyond which is the city of Inverness. The largest freshwater body of water in Britain that is famous for the sightings of a mysterious monster. Buy OS Landranger maps direct from Ordnance Survey. OS Landranger Maps: Best for road cycling, touring by car, and finding attractions. Buy OS Explorer maps direct from Ordnance Survey.
OS Explorer Maps: Best for walking, mountain biking, and finding footpaths. The castle is now a ruined shadow of its former glory, partly due to weather erosion and partly due to the English army garrison that was stationed there in the 17th century.Īt the time, the castle had been conquered by the Scots and the English several times, but when the English troops finally left in 1692 they decided to prevent the fortress from being subsequently used by Jacobite forces by demolishing most of the castle walls with explosives. Once at the site you’ll find a sizeable car park with accessible footpaths leading through the visitor centre and out into the grounds surrounding the castle ruins, while the castle itself can be explored in nearly all areas, with the gloomy prison cell and the imposing tower being particular highlights. The castle is situated on the western shore of Loch Ness and is the perfect location to soak up the atmosphere of the Scottish Highlands.Īlthough it’s a popular tourist destination today thanks to its beautiful setting, in another life the castle played a pivotal role as a defensive position for both the Scots and the English where bloody battles eventually lead to its partial demolition during the Wars of Independence.ĭue to the close proximity of both Inverness and Fort William, Urquhart Castle is easily accessible from either town and provides the perfect stopping-off point for visitors who want to experience Loch Ness in all its glory from both the northern and southern ends. Urquhart Castle is one of those tourist attractions that seemingly everyone in the world has seen photos of.
#CASTLE NEAR LOCK NESS FREE#
Discover more free attractions in the Highlands here. There are a couple of lay-bys on the A82 where you can get off the road and down to the water’s edge.ģ: If you’re on a sightseeing tour, consider joining Historic Environment Scotland as membership allows free entry to hundreds of historic sites across Scotland. Forget it if you arrive at the weekend in summer.Ģ: The cheapest way to explore Loch Ness from dry land is to drive or cycle the A82 which follows the loch its entire length on its western side. Ask at the visitor centre for details.ģ: The visitor centre is one of the best features of Urquhart castle as it features an interesting exhibition, a gift shop, and a cafe with terrace seating.ġ: If you want to sit on the café terrace you’ll have to get there before the crowds start massing at midday.
Most cruises operate from Fort Augustus.Ģ: The castle ruins are an interesting place to explore but you’ll only really understand the role Urquhart played in Scotland’s history by taking a guided tour. Toilets, disabled access, cafe, shop, bike rack, guided tours, picnic area, drinks machine, water refillġ: There are gorgeous views looking out from the castle across Loch Ness, but even better is looking back at Urquhart Castle from a boat cruise. Nov to Mar: Daily, 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, last entry 3.45 pmĬoncession (65yrs+ and unemployed): £10.50 Oct: Daily, 9.30 am to 5 pm, last entry 4.15 pm
Jun to Aug: Daily, 9.30 am to 8 pm, last entry 7.15 pm Apr, May and Sept: Daily, 9.30 am to 6 pm, last entry 5.15 pm
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