Introduction
After several big driving and sightseeing days, we decided to take a slower pace on Day 14. We were based in a cottage just south of Inverness, which gave us a peaceful base to explore the Loch Ness area without rushing.
Day 14: Loch Ness & A More Relaxed Pace
We slept in a bit and took our time getting started. Our first stop was Urquhart Castle, beautifully situated right on the shores of Loch Ness. The ruins are impressive, and the views across the loch are exactly what you picture when you think of Scotland. Unfortunately, we did not spot Nessie — much to our disappointment!
Later, we drove a bit farther north to visit the Touchstone Maze. This is a more modern stone circle built in 1995, featuring 81 large rocks sourced from different quarries across Scotland. It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth the short walk. The setting was peaceful and the stones had a nice presence.
We returned to our cottage in the afternoon and cooked a comforting dinner of “Marry Me Chicken” with salad. These home-cooked evenings were becoming one of the highlights of the trip — relaxing, affordable, and a nice break from eating out.
Tips for a Loch Ness Day
• Urquhart Castle is very popular and requires tickets — book online in advance for the best prices and to guarantee entry (around £14–16 for adults). Arrive early or later in the day to avoid the biggest crowds.
• The Touchstone Maze is completely free and rarely crowded, making it a nice contrast to more famous (and ticketed) sites.
• Bring binoculars if you’re hoping to spot Nessie (we had no luck!).
• Having a kitchen in your accommodation makes it easy to have relaxed dinners after long days.
Fun Facts
• Urquhart Castle dates back to the 13th century and was once one of Scotland’s largest castles. It changed hands repeatedly during the Wars of Scottish Independence, with control passing between Scots and English forces. In 1692, the last government troops deliberately blew up the gatehouse to prevent Jacobites from using it.
• The first recorded “monster” sighting associated with Loch Ness dates to around AD 565, when St. Columba reportedly encountered a water beast attacking a swimmer and commanded it to retreat.
• Loch Ness holds more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Its peat-stained waters stay around 5–6°C year-round, never freeze over, and create dark depths perfect for hiding mysteries.
• The Touchstone Maze’s design incorporates astronomical alignments, including connections to the midsummer sunrise and northerly moonrise, blending geology, art, and ancient understandings of the cosmos.
Final Thoughts from Day 14
This was exactly the kind of day we needed. It was nice to slow down, enjoy beautiful scenery without a packed schedule, and recharge a little. Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle lived up to the hype, even without a monster sighting!
Next Up:
Our biggest adventure yet — an early 5am start for a full day on the Isle of Skye, including the Old Man of Storr hike, Fairy Glen, and Eilean Donan Castle.
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