Urquhart Castle
Location
By Drumnadrochit,
IV63 6XJ
Accessibility and amenities
Easy access.
See full details below.
Entry fee
Urquhart Castle
Location
By Drumnadrochit,
IV63 6XJ
Accessibility and amenities
Easy access.
See full details below.
Urquhart Castle
Caisteal Urchadain
Urquhart Castle dominates a rocky peninsula overlooking Loch Ness and has superb views along the Loch. There has been a stronghold on this site for at least 1,500 years, and there is archaeological evidence – vitrified (fused) rock and fragments of a silver Pictish brooch – which hints at Pictish occupation around 500 – 900 AD.
The lines of medieval fortifications along and around the summit likely follow the same contours as the early timber fortifications of the Pictish fort.
Further information
The earliest reference to Urquhart appears in St Adomnán’s Life of St Columba, written in the late 600s. Around 580AD, St Columba made the long journey from his Iona monastery to the court of Bridei, king of the Picts, at Inverness. As he was travelling along Loch Ness, Columba was summoned to visit an elderly Pictish nobleman at Airdchartdan (Urquhart), who was close to death. During his visit Columba baptized the nobleman (Emchath) and his entire household. Emchath’s residence probably stood on the site of the earliest castle.
Accessibility and amenities
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Visit website for opening hours
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Entry fee
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Tel: 01456 450 551
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Cafe and shop
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Public toilets
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Free parking
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Less than 500m from parking
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Baby changing facilities
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Wheelchair access to building
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Wheelchair accessible lifts
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Accessible by public transport (bus)
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