Highland Bear Lodge

Drumnadrochit, Glenurquhart, Scotland - September 05, 2018: Sideview of our lodging at Highland Bear Lodge.

A Pretty Country Lane

Drumnadrochit, Scotland - September 05, 2018: A pretty, quaint, country lane near Highland Bear Lodge.

Highland Bear Lodge in the Trees

Drumnadrochit, Scotland - September 05, 2018: A view of Highland Bear Lodge from across the River Enrick.

Highland Bear Lodge in the Trees

Drumnadrochit, Scotland - September 05, 2018: A view of Highland Bear Lodge in the trees.

A Quaint Tributary Near Highland Bear Lodge

Drumnadrochit, Scotland - September 05, 2018: A body of water gently travels under the old stone bridge near Highland Bear Lodge.

A Country Lane

Drumnadrochit, Scotland - September 05, 2018: A pretty country lane near Highland Bear Lodge.

Urquhart Castle

Drumnadrochit, Scotland - September 05, 2018: The ruins of the Urquhart Castle sit beside the Loch Ness. It was built during the 13th - 16th centuries and was used until 1692.

Urquhart Castle

Drumnadrochit, Scotland - September 05, 2018: Closer view of the ruins of the Urquhart Castle.

Urquhart Castle

Drumnadrochit, Scotland - September 05, 2018: TheUrquhart Castle had been involved in many sieges over the years involving battles between the English and the Scots. During the Jacobite uprising, it was once again at the center of action with the Jacobites attempting to take it during the uprising.

Curious Cow

Here is he is, making his way to the fence to greet us and see if we have any treats for him.

Shaggy Beasts

I fell in love with their long hair and beautiful horns.

Highland Cows

This Highland Cow was very friendly. We had stopped for a snack and this guy along with a few others was just across the road. When tourists would walk up to the fence, the cows would come in for treats. This fella was the friendliest of them all and seemed very photogenic.

Eilean Donan Castle

Dornie, Scotland - September 05, 2018: The Eilean Donan Castle was first established in the 6th Century and was later reinforced in the mid 13th Century. Situated on a point where 3 lochs meet, it has been the center of feudal skirmishes since its beginning and was partially demolished in the Jacobite uprising. Four different versions of the castle have been built and rebuilt over the centuries.

Eilean Donan Castle front facade

Dornie, Scotland - September 05, 2018: Eilean Donan translates to the Island of Donan. The structure was erected to defend the lands of Kintail against the invading Viking marauders from 800-1266 as it sat on a prime, defensive point where the 3 lochs meet. Back then, the sea was the major highway for travel.

Entrance to the Eilean Donan

Dornie, Scotland - September 05, 2018: Walking up to the entrance to the castle.

Entrance to the Eilean Donan

Dornie, Scotland - September 05, 2018: The stately entrance to the castle.

Eilean Donan Castle

Dornie, Scotland - September 05, 2018: The castle has been in the Mackenzie family since the 15th century, and the MacRae family provided protection for the fortress throughout the years. During the Jacobite uprising, the castle was almost decimated and was completely abandonded until purchased in 1911 by John MacRae-Gilstrap, a descendant of the original MacRae family. MacRae-Gilstrap began restoration of the ancient fortress in 1912. In 1932 the reconstruction was completed and the castle formally opened. MacRae-Gilstrap died in 1937 leaving the Eilean Donan in the hands of his grandson, John MacRae-Gilstrap who opened it to the public in 1955. In 1983, the Conchra Trust was formed by the MacRae family to ensure that the castle remains cared for. To this day, the Conchra Charitable Trust provides for the Eilean Donan Castle ensuring its historical legacy.

Walking up to Eilean Donan Castle

Iphone

A bit of history

History in reference to the Eileen Donan Castle and the role it played in the Jacobite uprising.
iPhone

A cute restaurant not far from Highland Bear Lodge.

IMG_0234

A nice place for dinner.

IMG_0235