Lochness and Urquhart Castle

No we did not find Nellie! The monster did not appear.  What did come about was a wonderful trip across the Scottish Highlands.  Inverness is literally translated as "base of the ness."  A series of canals connect Loch Ness and other areas of the Highlands extending all the way to the North Sea. The loch (Scottish version of lake) is also the second largest in Scotland and goes incredibly deep (900 feet in some locations). 

Jenny and I took a great boat ride along the loch on our second day in Inverness.  The boat landing was actually a very cool little area outside of town.  There are a number of trails and picnic areas along the canals, lochs, and levies run by the government. One of the overseers actually lived on site in a cute house and garden.  We attempted to brave the wind and cold for part of the ride, but eventually sat inside.  Thankfully we got a lot of great photos.  A part of the ride also takes you to Urquhart Castle. 

After our boat trip and a long search for our Historic Scotland membership card, we finally made it to Urquhart.  The castle is now in ruins having been blown up by its defenders in the Jacobite Revolution (so no one else could have access).  Prior to that, it was an outpost of a number of clans including the Grants and the McDonalds.  Its history dates back to the 6th century with subsequent changes to the castle over time.

I remember visiting this castle 15 years ago with my dad.  At the time there was just a small visitor center shop.  Boy has it changed.  They have constructed a very nicely done visitor center into the hillside and successfully hidden the parking lot from view.  When you are done with your introductory video to the site, the curtain opens to review this amazing view to the castle. 

The other amazing thing about this place was our tour guide.  He was formerly in the Scottish military and a member of the McDonald clan.  It was really interesting to see someone our age heavily invested in his history and the site.   The castle itself offers amazing views of the surrounding landscape.  Another reason why its one of the top visitor attractions in Scotland. 

On my gallery page I have included a number of photos from our boat ride and visit to the castle.