The Northern Highlands of Scotland has castles in all states of repair from the ruins of Ardvreck Castle on the shore of Loch Assynt to well-kept Cawdor Castle east of Inverness. Hotels in the Highlands of Scotland

Ardvreck Castle. A894/837.  Built by the MacLeods in 1597. Now in ruins but still a pretty sight on the shore of Loch Assynt. In this area: NW Sutherland

Brodie Castle. Home of the Brodies. Victorian kitchen, art collection. Adventure playground and woodland walks. 'Brodie Castle is a fine 16th-century Z-plan tower house with 17th- and 19th-century additions, set in peaceful parkland. The family association with the area predates the castle, going back at least to Malcolm, Thane of Brodie, who died in 1285...' Off A96 between Forres and Nairn Open Apl, June-Aug.  Grounds all year Tel: 01309 641371   In this area: Loch Ness

Cawdor Castle. Tour the house and its dungeon. Walk round the garden's nature trails. Cawdor. A magical name, romantically linked by Shakespeare with Macbeth. A superb fairy-tale Castle Off B9090 five miles south of Nairn Open Spring - mid Oct Tel: 01667 404615 In this area:  Loch Ness

Dunrobin Castle & Gardens. Home of Clan Sutherland. Formal gardens. Falconry displays. On A9 ten miles north of Dornoch. Open April - mid-Oct Tel: 01408 633177 Web In this area: Caithness

Eilean Donan Castle. Just out of this area but it's such a popular scene we're putting it in! Probably the most photographed castle in Scotland. On A87 road to Skye at Dornie, nine miles from Skye bridge. Open mid to end Mar - mid-Nov Tel: 01599 555202 Eilean Donan has also been used for film sets such as Highlander In this area:  Almost Wester Ross but actually Lochalsh

Mey Castle. Was one of the favourite residences of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother since 1952.  It stands on rising ground about 400 yards from the seashore, overlooking the Pentland Firth and the Orkney Islands. See web site for opening times. The Castle of Mey is situated on the north coast of Caithness, in the parish of Canisbay, about 15 miles east of Thurso and 6 miles west of John O'Groats. In this area:  Caithness

Urquhart Castle  On the banks of Loch Ness, 'built in the 1230s, seized by the English in 1296, sacked by the MacDonald Lord of the Isles in 1545 and left to fall into decay after 1689...' Well preserved ruin.  Excellent visitor centre with informative film show and displays. On A82 two miles south of Drumnadrochit. Open all year - winter restrictions Tel: 01456 450551 In this area:  Loch Ness

Other things to do:  Birds / Beaches / Cycling / Fishing / Gardens / Golf / History / Horses / Kids / Misc / Nature (Reserves) / Walking / Water / Whisky

Loch Ness  /  Firthlands  /  Caithness  /  Wester Ross  / NW Sutherland

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