The picturesque ruins of Urquhart Castle are situated 2 miles from Drumnadrochit on a rocky peninsula on the banks of Loch Ness. After a chequered history, the building was blown up in 1692 to prevent it becoming a Jacobite stronghold. The castle was purchased by a Mr Chewett in the 1930s and in 2003 was gifted by his widow to The National Trust for Scotland.
Although the castle is owned by The National Trust for Scotland, visitor access is via the excellent visitor centre run by Historic Scotland which includes an exhibition, film show, shop and restaurant.
The castle is open daily 1 April to 30 September 9.30 am to 6pm; and also daily 1 October to 31 October 9.30 am to 5pm, and 1 November - 31 March 9.30 am to 4.30pm. Tel: 01456 450551. Admission charge. For disabled access, check with Historic Scotland.

You cross over a wooden gangway which now lies in place of the original drawbridge across the defensive ditch. First you pass through the main gate-house - look for door on the left leading to a small exhibit about Historic Scotland - go up a couple of steps and you can peer into the tiny prison cell which was guarded by the gate-keeper. In the other (south) lodge of the gate-house, you can see the remains of an old kiln where grain was dried.