Loch Ness And Urquhart Castle: A Tale Of Mystery And Scottish Heritage

Are you heading to the famous Loch Ness Lake in Scotland? Loch Ness is Tucked in the far corner of the Scottish highland is the famous lake that is known for its controversial folklore monster that has been reported by a few locals that they have seen. 

During my British Isles cruise with Princess Cruises, we ventured on a cruise excursion to visit Inverness and Drumnadrochit to see Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle up in the beautiful Scottish Highlands. I’m sure you will definitely enjoy your visit to Loch Ness and see the mystery behind the Loch Ness monster – Nessie.

Perched on a cliff and jutting into the water, the ruins of Urquhart Castle date back to the 16th century and attract thousands of visitors every year. The castle is nestled within the contours of Loch Ness, adding to its allure. Notably, Urquhart Castle was featured in the hit series “Outlander,” where Claire first encounters the “water horse.”

Read on and discover the mystery and Scottish heritage behind the famous Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. Learn about the history and legends of the castle and the infamous monster that inhabits the loch. Join us on a journey through Scotland’s rich culture and folklore.

Where is Loch Ness?

Loch Ness is nestled in the heart of Scotland, located 580 miles from London, 460 miles from Birmingham, 380 miles from Manchester, 290 miles from Newcastle, 180 miles from Glasgow, and 170 miles from Edinburgh. Don’t let those numbers discourage you, though. Trust me, getting here is worth it!

To make your journey as smooth as possible, the quickest way to get here is by air. Inverness Airport, the closest airport to Loch Ness, offers direct flights to major UK cities such as Manchester, London, Dublin, Amsterdam and many more destinations. Not to mention, Inverness Airport is only a 30-minute drive from the loch.

Now, if you want to travel by car, the most popular route to look for directions to Loch Ness is to get on the A9 and follow the directions to Inverness. This is because the main route to Inverness from Perth, Edinburgh, and Glasgow is the A9. In a car, it takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes to get from Edinburgh to Loch Ness and 3 hours and 26 minutes to get from Glasgow to Loch Ness.

But if you’re looking for a more scenic route, hop on a train or bus from Inverness city centre. You’ll be able to admire the stunning Scottish landscape on your way to the loch. Once you arrive at the station, you can easily take a bus or taxi to your destination.

Once you reach Loch Ness, prepare to be blown away by the beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Take a stroll along the shores of the loch and breathe in the fresh air while gazing at the rolling hills in the distance. And who knows? Maybe you’ll even catch a glimpse of the infamous Loch Ness Monster!

So, whether you choose to fly, take the train or bus, the journey to Loch Ness is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime in the land of the monster!

How big is Loch Ness?

The surface area of Loch Ness is 56 kilometres squared, making it the second largest loch in Scotland after Loch Lomond when measured in terms of surface area. Its waters reach a maximum length of 36 kilometres (about 23 miles), and its width can reach a maximum of 2.7 kilometres at its widest point (about 1.7 miles wide).

How deep is Loch Ness?

The waters of Loch Ness drop down to a depth of 230 meters at their deepest point. After Loch Moar, this makes it Scotland’s second deepest loch after the Loch of the same name. But if you take into account Loch Ness’s expansive surface area as well as its depth, you’ll see that it has the potential to be referred to as the most massive or largest lake in the UK. It is said to have a water volume that is greater than that of all the lakes in England and Wales put together.

How long does it take to swim Loch Ness?

It is strongly advised that you do not go swimming in Loch Ness because of its great depth. The waters are frigid throughout the entire year, and as a result, anyone who swims there runs a significant risk of experiencing cold water shock or becoming hypothermic.

The only people who are able to swim in Loch Ness are those who have extensive experience swimming in cold water and whose bodies have been conditioned to withstand otherwise lethal temperatures.

Brenda Sherratt, a teenager from the United Kingdom, is credited with being the first person to swim the entire length of Loch Ness. She completed the swim in 1966, taking a total of 31 hours and 27 minutes. Since that time, a large number of people have successfully completed this historic swim either as individuals or as members of relay teams.

The Loch Ness Monster legend

History of the Loch Ness Monster

In 565 AD, the first report of a monster sighting in the Loch Ness region was made. An Irish monk named Saint Columba was passing through Scotland when he saw a group of people burying a man close to the River Ness. He inquired as to what had transpired, and they replied that the man had attempted to cross the river but had been attacked by a terrifying water beast.

Columba persuaded one of his followers to attempt swimming across the river out of curiosity. Columba moved forward and said, “Go no further,” while making the sign of the cross as a monster approached him. Stay away from the man. Go back immediately. The monster ran away from him!

The monster was seen, even though there are no other reports of sightings of it until the 1800s. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s that the monster’s popularity really took off. A local couple reported seeing the most incredible creature cross the road in front of their car and move into the loch in 1933. The beast was described as having a big body and a long, thin, wavy neck that was about the same thickness as an elephant’s trunk. No limbs could be seen on the creature.

Following numerous sightings, the infamous “Surgeon’s Photograph” was snapped in 1934. The image of what appears to be a dinosaur-like creature in the photograph sparked numerous theories about what the creature was and how it got into the loch, and it gave rise to the well-known and beloved image of Nessie.

What is the Loch Ness Monster

The “Surgeon’s Photograph” sparked widespread speculation that Nessie is a living example of the previously thought-extinct plesiosaur, an aquatic dinosaur. However, it is unlikely that a plesiosaur could have survived in the loch given that it has been frozen solid for several ice ages. Because of this, many people concur that Nessie was probably an archeocyte, an extinct species of whale with a serpentine neck.

Some people have dismissed the possibility of any creature at all, claiming that Nessie is nothing more than a “seiche,” an oscillation in the loch’s surface brought on by colder river water flowing into the warmer loch.

The widespread view that sightings are just simple misidentifications of other animals or inanimate objects like driftwood is one of the many explanations for the monster. These hypotheses, however, haven’t dimmed the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, and many continue to visit its alleged haunting grounds today. In fact, there’s a good chance you’ll run into one of the local monster hunters if you visit Loch Ness!

Loch Ness Folklore

Some people think that old folktales intended to scare kids away from the water have evolved into the Loch Ness Monster. Many lakes have creatures that behave in this way, and Scotland is full of legends about kelpies, gigantic water horses that prey on the unwary. Nessie’s descriptions are believed to have evolved over time, going from a straightforward waterhorse to a plesiosaur to suit modern sensibilities.

Is it legal to fish in Loch Ness?

Yes, it is legal to fish in Loch Ness, but you must first obtain a permit from the appropriate authorities. Take note also that ,according to Scottish law, rod licenses are not required, but permits are required for game fishing. It’s important to check the rules before you start fishing because there are limitations on the kinds of fish that can be caught as well as the fishing techniques.

Respecting the environment and adhering to local fishing regulations are also important.

Read more: Beautiful Palaces and Castles in Scotland Worth Visiting

History of Urquhart Castle near Loch Ness

The history of Urquhart Castle is extensive and fascinating, going all the way back to antiquity. Supposedly, St. Columba himself may have traveled there in the year AD 580, when he supposedly came face to face with a monster in the loch.

Numerous historical military battles took place at Urquhart Castle. The castle was taken by the English during their invasion under Edward I in 1296, and the Lords of the Isles repeatedly took it during the later Middle Ages as they fought to increase their domain in the north-east.

The castle was given to Clan Grant in the 1500s with instructions to repair and put it back to use. However, after the exile of the Catholic King James VII and his replacement by the Protestant monarchs William II and Mary II, it was garrisoned for the final time in 1689. In order to guarantee that the castle would never once more serve as a military stronghold, the imposing gatehouse was purposefully destroyed in 1692.

But the history of the castle goes back even further. Around the year 580 AD, according to historical accounts, St. Columba travelled to the Inverness court of the Pictish king Bridei. Columba was asked to visit an elderly Pictish nobleman at Airdchartdan, which is thought to be the location of the castle, as he was making his way up Loch Ness. The nobleman and his entire family were baptized by Columba before he passed away.

Robert the Bruce took control of Urquhart Castle after becoming King of Scotland in 1306, and the castle played a significant part in the 1300s Scottish independence struggle. After Robert I’s death in 1332, the castle was the only Highland castle to resist the English. The MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles, who frequently took control of the castle throughout history, however, replaced the threat that had previously existed.

James IV gave the Grant family the barony of Urquhart in 1509 and gave them instructions to renovate the castle and estate. In the 1500s, the Grant family constructed the five-story Grant Tower, a tower house. However, Urquhart was destroyed in 1692 after being used as a garrison by government forces during the Jacobite Uprisings.

In the 1800s, people’s perceptions of the castle changed as a result of its dilapidated condition, and it was now regarded as a noble ruin in a magnificent setting. It has been in state custody since 1913 and is currently one of Scotland’s most popular castles. The castle’s lengthy history never fails to enthral tourists from all over the world.

Things to do in Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle:

Visitors have a variety of things to do and places to see at Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle. There is something for everyone, from the loch’s breathtaking natural beauty to the area’s rich history.

Taking a boat tour of the loch is among the most well-liked activities. These tours offer a unique perspective of the loch and its surroundings, allowing visitors to take in the scenery from the water and potentially spot the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Boat tours come in a variety of lengths, from quick outings to extended journeys that include stops at nearby attractions.

A further must-do activity is a tour of Urquhart Castle’s ruins. This ancient castle, which is situated by Loch Ness, has long been a scene of drama and conflict. Through exhibits and displays located throughout the site, visitors can explore the castle ruins and learn about its history. The castle also provides breathtaking views of the loch and the mountains in the area.

A castle tour is a fantastic way to learn about the region’s fascinating past for history buffs. You may check out these beautiful castles and palaces you can visit in the UK. Numerous old castles and ruin sites can be found in the area, including Cawdor Castle and Fort George. Visitors can tour these locations and discover more about the historical residents and workers who lived and worked there.

Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle have something to offer everyone, regardless of whether you’re interested in nature or history, or just want to take in the breathtaking scenery. So get ready to explore one of Scotland’s most captivating locations by packing your bags, grabbing your camera, and travelling there.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Everything Zany

Travel Blog

Everything Zany Travel Blog exploring the UK and beyond. Sharing travel guides, tips, history, and culture. Our travel media brand is founded by travel and hotel industry expert – Ryazan Tristram, a Dual Citizen (British – Filipina) based in Birmingham, UK. Everything Zany is a reputable and award-winning travel blog. Our work and contributions have been featured in Huffington Post, CNBC, Discovery Channel, GMA, Readers Digest, and Lonely Planet. Our missions are to build a great travel community and resource of travel tips, visas, and travel guides for travelers. Join us as we travel around the UK and beyond with a mission to share the best of the world.