One of the greatest castles to visit in Scotland is Urquhart Castle. Although the castle itself was blown up over 300 years ago, the location is so evocative and the view so famous that a visit to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without it.
Unlike the other castles I’ve written about this month, there isn’t much to see at Urquhart. Over its 500-year history, ownership passed from one side to the other countless times. Early on, the Scottish and English fought for control. Later, interclan wars resulted in the MacDonalds repeatedly invading from the western isles. Finally in the late seventeenth century, as the government pulled their soldiers out, they blew up the building to prevent the Jacobites from using it as a fortress.
All that remains now is crumbling stone remains. The location is so peaceful, it’s difficult to conjure up the castle’s violent history. We had to use our imaginations to picture what it must have been like for the local villagers, living through century after century of siege and tumult.
And using our imaginations also came in handy when we took in the view of lovely Loch Ness which Urquhart overlooks, and which is probably much more well-known than the castle. No sightings of the Loch Ness monster were made by the Pollock family that day, although one of us wistfully claimed to have seen a fin.
Oh I loved Scotland when I was there. The scenery is amazing. I regret to admit this was not a castle that I visited – maybe another trip is required!!!
Scotland is on my list of places I really want to visit. I love the foggy, misty look of these pictures, makes the castle look magical!
My brother spent 2 years in Scotland and Ireland serving a mission for our church. It's been over 30 years but I'm sure the castles haven't changed much!
So beautiful.
Beth, It seems like the place where a vivid imagination could run wild. I would be the one standing on the shore hoping for a glance of ole' Nessy. Bonnie
Awesome – such beautiful country, and amazing how so much of this is still around!
It looks like beautiful country. I've always wanted to visit castles. Thanks for sharing.
Looks like a beautiful countryside. Gorgeous views.
LOL And I thought MY porch was in bad shape. 😀
So true, Stina. In this context, your porch looks great!
I visited there years ago. The setting is peaceful but still evocative of its wild and woolly past. We didn't spot Nessie either.
Oohh… a fin! That castle looks so full of history and tales. I can only imagine all the stories it holds. Wonderful pictures Beth and a wonderful recap.
wow…how cool!! I would love to visit there!! beautiful!
That is so beautiful! love going back in history; we learn so much.
Rita
It must feel amazing to walk among such historic ruins…to wonder who stood in that very spot hundreds of years ago!?
Beautiful, lush, photos. I'm sorry you weren't able to see Nessy. 😀
A UK tour is definitely at the top of our travel list. I love visiting ruins because they are almost more engaging in their "what might have been" imaginings than a preserve structure.
We loved our visit to Scotland, even though it rained the entire time…and was chilly. I regret we missed this castle. Was fun to see it and read about it though, Beth.
These pics are beautiful!! Definitely one of my dream places to visit. LOVE historical romances that take place here. 🙂
I was there and have fond memories! I hope to get back to Scotland someday soon.
Beth, Such a beautiful place, I imagine filled with stories just begging to be told! I have never been to Scotland…although I’ve been to Ireland three times…very beautiful similar landscapes! Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh, how I have always wanted to visit Loch Ness and have imagined seeing the monster. There may not be much of the castle remaining, but it must have been so much fun climbing amongst the ruins. Beautiful photos, Beth.
Ooh, how interesting and picturesque!
I'd love to go have a peek for Nessie one day! And the castle would be a definite bonus – gorgeous photos!
An amazing place! I would love to visit Loch Ness one day too.
I would love love love to spend a day there as well. I would have been the one wistfully mentioning a fin in the water. Thanks for sharing yet another fantastic travel photo!
A castle overlooking water? It looks amazing and magical.
This castle seems to call out, full of mystery and beauty – one day I will visit 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
We are going to the UK next week, and are planning a trip up to Scotland while we are there. We are still trying to decide if Loch Ness is worth going to. What do you think?
Lucky you, Sally! You'll love Scotland. Loch Ness is beautiful, and Urquhart Castle is definitely worth seeing. Of course, it depends on what part of Scotland you're visiting. I'll be in touch via email.