View of Inverness from Inverness Castle

Friday 18^th May 2012

The weather this morning was still not that good, overcast and showery for most of the day with the maximum temperature a crisp 7°.

First thing on the agenda this morning was a walk into the main City area of Inverness. Visited the Victorian Market – built in 1890 in the ornate splendour of the Victorian era. From there we walked across the Greig Street Bridge and along the river side stopping off at Inverness Cathedral. Unfortunately the Cathedral was closed for renovation, so after morning tea in the Cathedral tea room we continued walking along the river Ness before crossing the bridge at Ness Islands and heading back to our hotel.

Urquhart Castle

The rain had eased a bit so the decision was made to make the short trip (18 miles) down Loch Ness to see Urquhart Castle. As we approached the Castle the rain got heavier so we had lunch in the Visitor Centre and waited for a break in the weather. The rain finally eased a bit so we braved the cold and went for a walk round the Castle. The Castle ruins and surrounding scenery are visually stunning. The castle was an occupied stronghold for over 1500 years until the gatehouse was blown up in 1690 so that it could never be a military stronghold again.

Upon arriving back in Inverness about 4:30PM the weather finally cleared so we parked the car at the Hotel and walked to Inverness Castle, which is currently being used as the Inverness Sheriffs Court. Inverness Castle occupies one of the highest points in the City and has some excellent views of the city and surrounding countryside, including the mountains, which have a lot of snow on them.

Urquhart Castle looking down Loch Ness

Dinner tonight was at the Castle Tavern, which has a direct view of Inverness Castle. Our meals were excellent so we made a reservation for tomorrow night as well. They also have an excellent selection of whiskeys so I had to have a wee dram just to be polite.