A Cruise on Loch Ness

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It turns out that one of Steve's sisters had never been to the Scottish Highlands before, so it seemed a perfect excuse to take a boat tour on Loch Ness. Jacobite Cruises has a range of choices from a two-hour cruise that includes an hour at Urquhart Castle to a full-day coach tour and cruise. We opted for the two-hour Urquhart Castle option. We had such a good time that we plan to do a longer tour that includes the Caledonian Canal when the family is next up.

A statue of Nessie welcomes you to the pick-up point.

It was a Saturday during tourist season. We knew the boat would be busy, so we got in line early and just enjoyed the spectacular views whilst we awaited our boat's arrival. This is the view facing southwest down Loch Ness.

And this is the view looking northeast. 

Our boat arrives! It was a very windy day, which is why the loch is so choppy. You can ride on the top deck out in the elements or down below. We opted to avoid the cold wind and took a seat down below. It was a good choice. We had a table and were comfortable on the cushioned bench seats. And the entire area is ringed in large windows, so you don't miss out on the view. We snacked on some crisps (aka chips) and some soft drinks during our thirty-minute narrated sail to the castle.

Like I said, the big windows provide great views.

Here's a shot of Urquhart Castle from the water.

A lovely scene that called out to me as we disembarked and made our way to the castle. 

The entrance fee into the ruins of Urquhart Castle is included in the tour price. Parts of Urquhart date back to the 13th Century.  This is Grant Tower. The castle was given to the Grants in 1509 by James IV and they owned it until 1912. But the castle was besieged many times by rival clans, particularly Clan MacDonald, and the castle was abandoned and in disrepair by the late 17th century. 

The castle grounds provide wonderful views of Loch Ness. 

The castle experienced its final altercation in 1689, when a small garrison in support of England's rulers, William and Mary, successfully held off a larger Jacobite force. The garrison blew up the castle so it could not become a Jacobite stronghold.

A view through one of the tower's windows.


This is the gate house. 


The gate house and Grant Tower. When the castle was abandoned and in ruins, locals absconded with many of its stones, which they then used to build and repair their own homes.



This final photo is from the boat. I thought it was a fun way to remind you that smoking was not allowed.




















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