Castles, Gardens and Other Places to Visit

Urquhart Castle

Picturesque ruins on the shore of Loch Ness, 2 miles south of Drumnadrochit.
Although the castle is owned by The National Trust for Scotland, access is via the excellent visitor centre run by Historic Scotland which includes an exhibition, film show, shop and restaurant. Admission charges apply.

The castle is open daily 1 April to 30 September 9.30 am to 6pm; and also daily 1 October to 31 March, 9.30 am to 5pm. Tel: 01456 450551. For disabled access, check with Historic Scotland. Telephone 01456 450551. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Cawdor Castle

Situated between Inverness and Nairn on the B9090, off the A96. Castle, gardens, grounds, nature trails, restaurant and salmon fishing. www.cawdorcastle.com

Moniack Castle

Housing a working winery and visitor attraction, the castle dates from 1580. Tours of the wine and preserve making every 20 minutes. Shop. Located 7 miles west of Inverness on the A862 Beauly road. www.moniackcastle.co.uk

Abriachan Garden Nursery

Abriachan is situated in an area rich in a range of walks suitable for all ages and abilities. A garden walk around Abriachan Gardens (4 acres of woodland gardens) is the ideal way to start.

For the more adventurous there is an extensive network of walks through the adjacent.

Woodland Trust property and the nearby Community Woodland of Abriachan Forest Trust This is the largest community-owned forest in Britain). www.lochnessgarden.com

Fort George (11 miles east of Inverness)

Close to the village of Ardersier . Built as the Highland garrison fortress for the Hanoverian army of George II following the Battle of Culloden, it stands on a headland overlooking the Black Isle. Today its mile-long rampart encloses the Regimental Museum of the Queen's Own Highlanders and a working garrison spread over an area of some 42 acres. www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

Culloden Battlefield

No name in Scottish history evokes more emotion than that of Culloden, the bleak moor which in 1746 saw the hopes of the young Prince Charles Edward Stuart crushed, and the end of the Jacobite Rising, the 'Forty-Five'. The prince's forces, greatly outnumbered by those of the brutal Duke of Cumberland, nevertheless went into battle with a courage which has passed into legend. On B9006, 5m east of Inverness.

Clava Cairns

A unique set of three Bronze Age chambered cairns each surrounded by a stone circle in a wooded field. A very unusual place because of its atmosphere and history - well worth visiting if you are interested in ancient sites. It is signposted as a right turn off the main road just after Culloden Battlefield when heading towards Cawdor Castle. 6 miles east of Inverness.

Cherry Island

Parking spaces, interpretative panel and woodland walk overlooking Cherry Island (the only island in Loch Ness). The tiny island features a 'crannog' which was probably built 2000 years ago and later housed a mediaeval castle. Crannogs were lake dwellings built from Iron age times.

Fort Augustus

Situated at the southern end of Loch Ness, 33 miles south of Inverness. The Caledonian Canal cuts through the village on its way down to Fort William. The Caledonian Canal is great for cycling along, and you can watch boats passing through the series of locks or go on a cruise up Loch Ness from here. Visit the Highland and Rare Breeds Croft, where you can see Highland cattle, red deer, rare breeds of sheep and fowl at close quarters.