Corrimony Cairns, Drumnadrochit, Urquhart Castle, and Loch Ness

My last day in Scotland, I booked a tour to visit the Corrimony Cairns, the Loch Ness 2000 Monster Exhibition in Drumnadrochit, Urquhart castle, and cruise Loch Ness. First stop was a burial cairn dating from about 2000 BC. Interestingly, these people must have studied much about the sun as on the Winter Solstice, the setting sun is perfectly lined up with the doorway so that the entire inside of the chamber lights up.

We hopped back on the bus to go to Drumnadrochit, a village along Loch Ness to see the Monster Exhibition. Using a mix of lasers, digital projection and special effects the exhibit relates the history of the quest to find the truth about the monster. It was extremely well done, informative and entertaining.

Next stop was Urquhart Castle, which sits on the bank of Loch Ness and dates from the 13th century. The castle is now mostly ruins, but it was a medieval fortress that figured prominently in the battle for Scottish independence. From the top of one of the towers which is still largely intact, you can get amazing views of Loch Ness.

The last part of the tour was a 1 1/2 hour cruise on Loch Ness. It was a decent day, although not very warm or sunny, but nice enough to spend it on the top deck of the boat Nessie spotting. Unfortunately, I didn't see the monster. I did however, enjoy the relaxing ride in the gorgeous surroundings. Loch Ness, although famed for the monster, is interesting in it's own right. It is 23 miles long and 754 feet at it's deepest. It contains more water than all the bodies of water in England and Wales combined!! And yet, it's average width is just 1 mile and it's just 2 miles at it's widest.