Having reached Inverness the previous day, it was time to begin our return journey through the Great Glen.
Today, we cruised back across Loch Dochfour and onto Loch Ness, stopping to explore the magnificent ruins of Urquhart Castle before spending the night near Drumnadrochit.
It became a memorable day of Highland history, spectacular scenery and good company beside one of the world’s most famous lochs.
Leaving Inverness
We departed Inverness in the morning with mixed emotions.
Reaching the Highland capital had felt like a significant achievement, but turning back towards Laggan also reminded us that our Caledonian Canal adventure was approaching its conclusion.
The city gradually disappeared behind us as we followed the canal towards Loch Dochfour. Urban surroundings gave way once again to trees, open countryside and peaceful water.
Before long, we were back on Loch Ness.
Returning to Loch Ness
Experiencing Loch Ness for a second time allowed us to appreciate it from an entirely different perspective.
The loch remained immense and atmospheric, stretching between steep wooded slopes beneath the changing Highland sky. Although we were retracing part of our route, the landscape looked different when viewed from the opposite direction.
Our destination was one of Scotland’s most celebrated historic sites: Urquhart Castle.
Its ruins occupy a dramatic position on a rocky promontory overlooking Loch Ness. Approaching from the water revealed precisely why this location had been strategically important for centuries.
Arriving at Urquhart Castle
Few castles can boast a setting as impressive as Urquhart.
The ruins rise directly beside Loch Ness, surrounded by mountains, open water and an extraordinary sense of history. Boats travelling along the loch enjoy a particularly striking view of the castle’s remaining walls and towers.
We went ashore to explore the site and learn more about its turbulent past.
Urquhart Castle developed over several centuries and became an important stronghold during Scotland’s medieval conflicts. Control passed repeatedly between rival forces, and the castle featured prominently during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
It was eventually abandoned following the destruction of its gatehouse in 1692, intended to prevent Jacobite forces from using it as a military base.
Exploring the ruins
Walking through the castle grounds brought its history vividly to life.
We explored the surviving walls, chambers and defensive structures, imagining how imposing the stronghold must once have appeared. Despite its ruined condition, the scale and strategic importance of the site remain clear.
Grant Tower provided especially impressive views across Loch Ness. From its elevated position, we could see along the dark water in both directions, with the Highland landscape rising dramatically around us.
The setting felt peaceful, but the castle had witnessed centuries of conflict, raids and political upheaval.
That contrast made the visit particularly powerful.
Onwards to Drumnadrochit
After leaving Urquhart Castle, we continued towards Drumnadrochit.
The weather was kind, with occasional sunlight breaking through the clouds and bringing warmth and colour to the landscape. Loch Ness appeared less brooding than it had during our outward journey, although we continued to watch for any suspicious movement beneath the surface.
Nessie once again declined to make an appearance.
Drumnadrochit is closely associated with the Loch Ness Monster and attracts visitors from around the world hoping to discover more about the enduring mystery. For us, however, it provided a welcoming place to stop after another rewarding day on the water.
An evening with fellow boaters
We moored near Drumnadrochit and found ourselves among a friendly group of fellow boaters spending the night beside Loch Ness.
One of the pleasures of a boating holiday is the easy camaraderie that develops between people sharing the same waterway. Conversations begin with boats, routes and weather before quickly expanding into stories about journeys, mishaps and memorable places.
That evening, we gathered beside the water for food and drinks.
As daylight faded, the sky softened into shades of orange and pink, reflected across the calm surface of the loch. Surrounded by Highland scenery and enjoying the company of other travellers, it was difficult to imagine a better setting.
The laughter, conversation and shared experiences made the evening one of the highlights of our holiday.
History, scenery and friendship
Today captured many of the qualities that had made our journey through the Great Glen so special.
We travelled across the legendary waters of Loch Ness, explored one of Scotland’s most atmospheric castles and ended the day sharing food and stories with fellow boaters.
Urquhart Castle connected us with the region’s turbulent history, while the evening near Drumnadrochit reminded us that the most memorable moments of a holiday are often created by the people encountered along the way.
Tomorrow, we would continue south towards Fort Augustus and bring our Caledonian Canal adventure closer to its conclusion.
For tonight, we were content to enjoy the tranquillity of Loch Ness, the warmth of good company and the memories of another remarkable Highland day.