Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle & Outlander Sites Day Trip

Summary

Loch Ness cruise, Highland castles, whisky and Outlander legends

You’ll board a Loch Ness cruise from Inverness, explore Urquhart Castle’s haunting ruins, break for lunch in Beauly village (with time for its priory), then walk Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns with a local guide who knows every legend. Expect laughter, chills, maybe a whisky — and moments that linger long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the water on Loch Ness looked almost black — not just dark, but like it swallowed up the sky. Our guide, Morag (she wore a tartan scarf that kept slipping off her shoulder), handed out our cruise tickets with a grin and said, “Keep your eyes peeled for Nessie — or at least a cormorant.” The boat ride was cold enough to make my cheeks sting, but I couldn’t stop watching the mist curl around Urquhart Castle. The ruins felt lonelier than I expected. A couple of kids tried to skip stones from the shore; their laughter echoed weirdly across the loch.

Afterwards we stopped in Beauly for lunch — I went for soup and oatcakes at a café where the owner called everyone “hen.” It smelled like coffee and wet wool inside. I wandered over to Beauly Priory after eating. There’s something about old stones in Scotland: you touch them and they’re always colder than you think. Outlander fans will know this spot, but even if you don’t care about Jamie Fraser (I sort of do), it’s peaceful under those trees.

Morag told us stories on the bus about Culloden Battlefield — she didn’t sugarcoat anything. Standing there with the wind whipping my jacket, it was hard not to feel heavy. She pointed out where clans had stood; someone behind me quietly wiped their eyes. We finished at Clava Cairns, which is stranger in person than any photo. The stones are rough under your hand and there’s this hush — even with other people nearby. Someone tried to find “the” stone from Outlander; Morag just laughed and said they all have stories.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Loch Ness cruise and historic sites tour

• Depart Inverness for Loch Ness
• Take Loch Ness cruise and visit Urquhart Castle
• Enjoy lunch in Beauly cafés
• Explore Beauly Priory
• Visit Culloden Battlefield and hear Jacobite tales
• See burial chambers and stones at Clava Cairns
• Return to Inverness in early evening

Top questions

How long is the Loch Ness cruise on this tour?

The Loch Ness cruise lasts approximately 30 minutes, depending on weather conditions.

Is entrance to Urquhart Castle included?

Yes, entry to Urquhart Castle is included in your tour ticket.

Does this day trip visit Outlander filming locations?

Yes, you’ll stop at Beauly Priory and Clava Cairns, both featured in Outlander stories.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No, lunch is not included but you’ll have free time to eat at a café in Beauly village.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.

Does the tour include pickup from hotels?

No hotel pickup is offered; you meet at central Inverness for departure.

Is there a local guide throughout the trip?

Yes, a Scottish English-speaking guide leads the whole day trip from Inverness.

What sites are visited besides Loch Ness?

You’ll also visit Urquhart Castle, Beauly Priory, Culloden Battlefield, and Clava Cairns.

What’s included

Your day includes air-conditioned transport from Inverness with a Scottish English-speaking guide throughout; tickets for a 30-minute Loch Ness cruise; entrance to Urquhart Castle; plus stops at Beauly Priory (with time for lunch), Culloden Battlefield and Clava Cairns before returning in the early evening.