Urquhart Castle

There is some evidence of a prehistoric fort, long before a castle was erected on this place. It was constructed here because even then, the Great Glen from Inverness to Fort William was strategically important. The medieval castle was probably build around 1200 AD. The buildings that remain date from 1509. In 1692, it was deliberately blown up by the Grant clan, so the castle could not be used by Jacobites.

Urquhart Castle, an impressive ruin on the shore of Loch Ness. This place has been inhabited since 2000 BC. Excavations still take place. But the oldest part of the remains which still can be seen, dates back to the 12th century.

The most impressive part is the tower which is situated to the edge of the cliff. One can climb the tower for a beautiful view on the lake.
The castle was alternately in Scottish and English possession and eventually was destroyed by the English in their fight against the Jacobites to prevent them to get it into their power.

Although the terrain is lower than the surrounding land, the castle still lies much higher than the lake. From this terrain one can climb down to Loch Ness, so the supply of fresh water can never have been a problem here.

From the castle terrain one has a superb view on Loch Ness and the bay of Urquhart, the place where most sightings of the monster have been.
More pictures and information on this webpage.