Left Fort William in the pouring rain after another decadent breakfast in the castle.
Rain is persistent until we reach Drumnadrochit where we stop for coffee on the shores of Loch Ness.
Next stop is Clansman Harbour to join our 2 hour Loch Ness cruise. Loch Ness is almost 36.4 km long and stretches from Fort Augustus in the south to Bona Lighthouse in the North. It's Britains second largest expanse of freshwater but due to its depth of up to 230m it contains the biggest by volume. The rain has reduced to a drizzle but the wind is icy cold on the Loch as we head towards Urquhart Castle. We have an hour to explore the Castle ruins before the boat returns to pick us up. The Castle is located strategically to scan the length of Loch Ness in both directions. The Castle was built in the 13th century and was an important location during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century and was held as a royal Castle although it was raided several times. The Castle was abandoned by the middle of the 17th century and it was partially destroyed in 1692 by the British to prevent it being used by the Jacobites. It's an incredible site and what is left is well maintained.
Back on the road for a short drive to Inverness. After checking into our accommodation, we are off to explore this interesting area. For any fan of the TV series Outlander or the novels written by Diana Gabaldon, Inverness and this area has significant place in Scottish history. Obviously the books and series have fictional characters but largely the reference to the Jacobite uprising are factual.
We head off to Fort George and we are amazed how huge an area it covers. 42 acres in fact! Following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie at Culloden, George ll ordered the Fort be built as the ultimate defense against any further Jacobite unrest. It is a massive site and is still an active military base today. It's a very interesting self guided tour and the collection of artifacts in the museum is incredible. We spend about 2 hours at the site ( we had to leave because it was closing time!)
Now we head to Culloden, the site of the final battle between the Jacobite supporters of Bonnie Prince Charlie and the English Red Coats. It's such a bloody battle and we get to walk on the moor where it all took place. Because of our interest in the TV series and I had read the books some years ago and have reread them recently, we feel as though we are invested in this piece of history. There is an excellent interpretive centre where the story is told both from the Jacobite and the English side and then we get to go out onto the field which is laid out with flags to mark the battle lines and then the stones to mark where the fallen are buried. Can't believe we were there!
Hard as this us to believe, we missed lunch today ( just too busy!) so it's time to find some food as it's now after 7.30pm. Beside Culloden the other highlight for our Friday was doing multiple laps around a roundabout because we missed the correct exit a couple of times!!! Hilarious!
Dinner is at the The Phoenix Ale House followed by a walk along the river bank before heading back to our accommodation. Another great day.

Best Western Plus Lochardil House Hotel, Stratherrick Rd Inverness 2 Nights