On the third day of our Scotland road trip, we visited the ruins of Urquhart Castle and the famous Loch Ness. Both are located southeast of Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
We first drove for about an hour and a half on the A9 motorway from Pitlochry to Inverness. By the way, the drive was beautiful, as the landscapes became increasingly spectacular the deeper we ventured into the Highlands.
The A9, also known as the Highland Highway, is no longer a dual carriageway in this region, but it remains wide enough for a relaxed drive. In Inverness, we checked into the lovely Kingsmills Hotel* before heading to the ruins of Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness.
Visiting Urquhart Castle
The drive from Inverness to the castle ruins takes about 30 minutes. Once you arrive, you will find a large parking area and a visitor center. Before entering the castle, you need to show your ticket at the visitor center.
Tip: Be sure to reserve your ticket online in advance to secure your visit.
Afterward, you head down towards the loch, where the castle ruins are located. You walk across a meadow and pass by a medieval catapult along the way. To enter the castle, you cross a sturdy bridge that spans the moat.
On the right side, most of the old buildings are reduced to their foundations. This elevated area, however, offers stunning views of the loch and the castle tower. The lower courtyard provides access to the newer and better-preserved sections of the castle.
On the left side, you’ll find the best-preserved part of the castle, consisting of a small gatehouse and a massive tower house. To get inside, we first crossed a small bridge. A staircase inside the tower leads up to the upper floors of the castle tower.
Tip: Just to the left of the castle, you’ll find two boat docks. These spots are perfect for capturing beautiful photos of the castle and the loch.
Drumnadrochit – The Center of Nessie Tourism
Urquhart Castle is located right next to the small village of Drumnadrochit, which is considered the tourist hub for everything related to the Loch Ness Monster. Here, you’ll find two visitor centers dedicated to Loch Ness, the search for Nessie, and cryptozoology.
We parked our car directly at the Loch Ness Centre, located at the eastern entrance of the village. From there, we visited the center and stopped by the Nessie Shop. This shop offers all kinds of souvenirs related to the Loch Ness Monster. You’ll also find a rather large robotic version of Nessie there. In our video, we’ll show you this version inside the shop.
Fort Augustus on Loch Ness
One of the most famous photo spots at the loch is the Loch Ness sign. However, it’s not located in Drumnadrochit but 27 kilometers away in Fort Augustus. We drove about 30 minutes south along the loch to reach it, though there was no internet reception along the way.
Fort Augustus is worth visiting not only for its scenic views of the loch but also for its five-step lock that leads into Loch Ness. Right across the street, you can enjoy delicious pastries at a small café.
Another highlight is the Highland Club*, located in the beautifully restored, historic buildings of the former St. Benedict’s Abbey. This impressive property on the southern shore of Loch Ness offers luxurious accommodations and numerous amenities. Guests can swim in the indoor pool, relax in the sauna, or work out in the fitness room. For fun, you can play tennis, table tennis, or outdoor chess.
If you’re planning to stay overnight in Fort Augustus, the Highland Club is an excellent choice. If you have more time, you could also take a boat tour* on Loch Ness and admire Urquhart Castle from the water.
Our Conclusion: Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle
Our trip to Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle was truly one of the highlights of our Scotland road trip. Although Loch Ness is “just” a lake, the famous Nessie legend makes it world-renowned. It is always fascinating to visit places with such global fame—just like the Milan Cathedral, the Ruins of Pompeii, Neuschwanstein Castle, or the Benagil Caves.
The ruins of Urquhart Castle give the loch an almost mystical aura. If you’re traveling through Scotland, visiting Urquhart Castle is an absolute must.
Scotland Road Trip: The Best Providers for Your Travel Bookings
Here are our favorite providers for travel bookings. We prioritize booking platforms that offer fair prices, high quality, and excellent customer service.
Booking.com* is our top choice for accommodations and rental cars* due to its fast and flexible service, wide selection, and competitive prices.
Get Your Guide* is our first choice for high-quality excursions and activities while traveling.
Viator* also offers great tours. When we can’t find what we’re looking for on Get Your Guide, Viator often has good alternatives.
Skyscanner* is our go-to for finding cheap flights.
