Highland Castle Itinerary

Highland Castle Itinerary

With a tour of the Scottish Highlands being one of utter beauty and magic it is no wonder customers seek to find that extra piece to visit and tick of the proverbial bucket list. We have before talked of the unique landscapes, the coats and of course the wildlife is prevalent here, but so are the Castles. 

Urquhart Castle is located by the banks of Loch Ness. Although we often don’t recommend Loch Ness due to how busy it can get at the height of season the Castle is still worth a visit. Here you can embrace over a thousand years of true Scottish history in all its glory, bloody raids and clan rivalries. There is a tower that you can climb and gain some magnificent views over the loch itself, a huge great hall and a dingy prison cell. There is a lovely café to stop and recharge at and at under £6 a ticket it’s a bargain for a day out. There have been lots of artefacts left by ancestors over the years including a working trebuchet siege engine. 
 
Cawdor Castle is just a few miles from Nairn in the heart of the Highlands, the build dates back to the 15th century and the home of the Thanes of Cawdor. The castle is partially famous for its part in Shakespeare’s Macbeth however the 11th century events are based before this castle was ever built. The rumour here is that the castle was built around a holly tree, which can still be seen by visitors today in the dungeon. The grounds are truly breath-taking on any day but if you’re lucky enough for some sun you won’t forget this trip in a hurry.  

Fort George is famous as a defence created following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden. The defence was created by George II, and the finished article is the greatest artillery defence in Britain. This fort gives a fantastic insight into the defences created in the 18th Century. The cannons, muskets, pikes, swords and ammo pouches are truly remarkable. The slopes are incredible to see and those with limited mobility or wheelchair users may have some difficulty at points of this site. The battlements here are well preserved. This will be one of the very finest examples of a fort that you will experience in your lifetime regardless of where you choose to travel and this is right on Scotland’s doorstep. The kids with you will gain a valuable history lesson and adults will certainly gain some factual knowledge along the way too. 
 
Eilean Donan Castle is iconic, just the sight of it and the views over to the Isle of Skye. Its perhaps the best known castle mentioned here as it appears on many Scottish keepsakes! The castle is set on its own island and the location is where the 3 great sea-lochs meet. There are a wonderful gift shop and restaurant here which makes this a great stopping point on any Scottish Tourer holiday. The bridge over to the castle is the 4th one that has been built and renewed over the years. The castle as it stands today was reconstructed in the 19th Century as a family home and now visitors get to enjoy many of the unique and breath-taking rooms inside. There are period furniture, paintings and weapons. There is plenty to see and do here from looking at the battles that took place to the wildlife that encircles the waters and the forests. 
 
Over the Sea to Skye may be the words of a song however taking the bridge over to visit Dunvegan Castle. The castle has been open to the public since 1933 but this for charitable purposes and visitors are recommended to check prior to visiting to ensure you are not disappointed. The Castle itself is home to the Dunvegan Cup which has been dated to the Middle Ages. This was reportedly given by the O’Neils of Ulster as a thank you. There are numerous relics, fine art and beautiful grounds to explore here. The formal gardens are immaculate and are a huge contrast to the rest of Skye’s landscape. There is a walled garden and a lily pond there. This castle is one of the only inhibited castles in Scotland. However the family welcome visitors and have done their best to maintain the look and feel of the original castle while maintaining a family home. If you visit the website, you will see a warm welcome given by the current Chief of Clan MacLeod. 
 
Whilst on Skye head to Armadale Castle which has some beautiful gardens, ruins and a museum. The Castle is run by the Clan Donal Trust and is set within 40 acres, whilst the woodland and gardens are in an estate measuring a staggering 20 000 which on Skye is rather large! You can stop off and explore the castle, museums and gift shops before stopping in at the restaurant which was formally the old stables. The reviews for here are exceptionally good from the welcoming staff to the art, history and scenery. 
 
This whistle stop tour of the Highland Castles is by no means an extensive list however it does give you an idea of how much there is to see and do within a small space of Scotland. If you choose to holiday with us all these castles are within your reach. The plus point is being able to wild camp and use the routes of Scotland on your way. The thought of having your BBQ in a secluded isolated spot is rather romantic and give you the chance to reconnect with loved ones and truly enjoy the Scottish air.