Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich at Dornie
© VisitScotland / Airborne Lens
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Highland castles itinerary
A tour of the Highlands is probably one of the most magical journeys you could make - for many, it really is the trip of a lifetime. Outstanding landscapes, rugged coastline, spectacular wildlife… and the icing on the cake? Why, the many historic castles of course!
The easiest way to see all of the castles is by car. You can hire a car at several locations in Inverness, including the airport.
- Start / Finish
- Loch Ness / Armadale
- Days4
- Distance381 Miles
609.6 km - TransportCar
- Main themeCastles
- Highlights
- Atmospheric castles
- Stunning locations
- Period features
- Areas covered
- North
Day 1 Inverness, Loch Ness and Moray Speyside
- Transport:
- Car
Squeeze in three inspiring castles in and around the most northerly city in Scotland, Inverness. Start the day on the banks of Loch Ness to see one of the country's most iconic ruins, before travelling eastwards to discover more history and then driving back to Inverness for the night.
- 1
Urquhart Castle Loch Ness
Urquhart Castle viewed from Loch Ness
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
The magnificent Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of the famous Loch Ness. Stand and soak in a thousand years of history - it has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in Scotland's past where clan rivalries saw bloody raids carried out in the 15th and 16th centuries. You might even witness a historic event yourself, should you spot the elusive Nessie, Loch Ness's most famous resident.
Find out more about Urquhart CastleDid you know?St Columba is said to have worked miracles here in the sixth century.
Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, IV63 6XJKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 2
Cawdor Castle Cawdor
Cawdor Castle and Gardens
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Travelling eastwards from Inverness, Cawdor Castle is full of history, mystery and legend. If you like your castles to have a literary connection, this is for you - it's the 14th century home of the Thanes of Cawdor. Delve into the old kitchen, which dates from the 19th century, and has original features such as a roasting spit, ice box and butter churn.
Find out more about Cawdor CastleDoes it ring a bell?You might recognise the name 'Cawdor' from Shakespeare's Macbeth
Cawdor Castle Ltd, Cawdor, IV12 5RDKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 3
Brodie Castle Forres
Brodie Castle
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
Brodie Castle is the ancient seat of Clan Brodie. Shakespeare seemed to really love the idea of Highland castles - Brodie Castle also has literary connections to the playwright's work and is said to be near the hill known as "Macbeth's Hillock" where Macbeth is said to have encountered the Weird Sisters. Inside, it is filled with countless antiques and lavish furnishings - you might be quite tempted to move in!
Find out more about Brodie CastleBrodie Castle, Forres, IV36 2TE
Day 2 North East
- Transport:
- Car
If you take away anything from your first day, it'll be the knowledge that no two castles are alike! Explore a castle which looks like it popped out of a fairytale and visit a historic garrison with strong links to the Jacobite Risings.
- 4
Fort George Inverness
Fort George
© VisitScotland / Colin Keldie
An important garrison in the area's history, Fort George will have you envisioning billowing smoke from cannon fire and the sound of regimented marching of hundreds of soldiers.
Lying on the road to Inverness, it's the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain. Built in 1746 as the ultimate defence against the Jacobite rising, Fort George is an impressive site, bristling with cannons, muskets, pikes, swords and ammunition. Explore the battlements and gain a fascinating insight into 18th century military life.
Find out more about Fort GeorgeFun factIt's also home to one of only two dog cemeteries in Scotland, where loyal regimental mascots and officers' dogs were laid to rest.
The Common, Fort George, Inverness, IV2 7TDKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 5
Dunrobin Castle Golspie
Dunrobin Castle
© VisitScotland / Paul Tomkins
The magnificent Dunrobin Castle is the largest house in the Highlands. Crowned with a myriad of fairytale towers and turrets, Dunrobin is unique for resembling a vast French château rather than the baronial stronghold typical of the Highlands. It has a whopping 189 rooms, making it one of the biggest homes in the country.
Dunrobin Castle is also one of Britain's oldest continuously inhabited houses dating back to the early 1300s, and was home to the Earls and, later, the Dukes of Sutherland.
The 3rd Duke was the country's wealthiest aristocrat and a confirmed train fanatic. He personally financed the extension of the Far North Line as far west as Lairg, the heart of what was then Sutherland's profitable sheep-farming industry.
Its lavishly furnished interior, sprawling formal gardens, and grounds which stretch as far as the sea, are nothing short of breathtaking.
Find out more about Dunrobin CastleDid you know?The castle was used as a naval hospital during the First World War, and then as a boys' boarding school from 1965 to 1972. It's even said to have a ghost...
Dunrobin, Golspie, KW10 6SFKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
Day 3 Over the sea to Skye
- Transport:
- Car
There are plenty of other castles to be explored on the west side of the Highlands, so drive from Inverness across to the Isle of Skye, stopping at one of our most recognisable castles along the way, Eilean Donan Castle. Stay in the lively little town of Portree and get to know the locals.
- 6
Eilean Donan Castle Dornie
Eilean Donan Castle on Loch Duich at Dornie
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Drive to the majestic Eilean Donan Castle. A true icon of the Scottish landscape, it's distinguished by its long arched bridge and lochside setting. This location is pretty special - strategically it is set on its own little island at the point where three great sea lochs meet, and it overlooks the Isle of Skye. Unsurprisingly, it's one of the most photographed places in the country.
Inside, see period furniture, Jacobean artefacts, displays of weapons and fine art, and learn about the tough battles the castle endured during one of Scotland's most violent eras.
Find out more about Eilean Donan CastleDornie, Dornie, IV40 8DXKey facilities- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Level Access
- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 7
Portree Portree
Portree harbour
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Portree is a lovely place to stay while you're on Skye. It's one of the island's most thriving spots, with plenty of accommodation options and places to eat and drink.
Explore local attractions around Portree. The award-winning Aros Centre covers the heritage of Skye and the lives of the island's sea eagles, and also has a great exhibition on St Kilda, a remote archipelago off the west of Scotland which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alternatively, take a stroll around the harbour.
Find out more about PortreeTop tipRemember to book accommodation in advance, especially in the summer!
Portree, IV51 9EL
Day 4 Castles on Skye
- Transport:
- Car
Finally, venture to two castles on the Isle of Skye and discover clan legends, myths and fascinating stories from centuries gone by. Both of these castles will leave a lasting impression and teach you a little bit more about Skye's past. Spend more time on this island if you can, and admire its iconic other-worldly geology with plenty of walks and outdoor activities on offer.
- 8
Dunvegan Castle Dunvegan
Dunvegan Castle and Gardens
© Talisker Distillery / Jakub Iwanicki
This castle is set on a spectacular location on a rocky perch beside a loch, surrounded by verdant woodland. And its history is bound to impress too - it's the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and it's been the ancestral home of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod for 800 years.
Outside, explore the grounds and get a seal-eye view of the castle as you enjoy a boat trip on Loch Dunvegan.
Find out more about Dunvegan Castle- Time to explore
- 3 hours
Don't missThe clan treasures - the most famous of which is the Fairy Flag, a sacred banner which comes with its own legend.
Dunvegan Castle & Gardens, Dunvegan, IV55 8WFKey facilities- Pets Welcome
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- Cafe or Restaurant
- 9
Armadale Castle Armadale
Armadale Castle, Gardens and Museum of the Isles
© Armadale Castle
Make your way to Armadale Castle and Gardens, located near Ardvasar on the most southerly point of Skye. Built on the ancient lands of Clan Donald, the castle is very much a ruin, but it's surrounded by some wonderful restored historic gardens and woodland walks.
Delve into the history of one of the country's most famous clans - you might even find you've got some ancestral connections of your own.
Find out more about Armadale Castle- Time to explore
- 3 hours
Armadale, Armadale, IV45 8RSKey facilities- Hearing Loop
- Accessible Parking Or Drop-off Point
- Accessible toilets
- Level Access
- On Public Transport Route
- Parking
- WiFi
- Pets Welcome
- Cafe or Restaurant
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