The iconic Eilean Donan Castle sits proudly upon a small tidal island; central to where three sea lochs meet. The impressive keep looks magnificent surrounded by vast lochs, majestic mountains and infinite moorlands (no wonder it has featured in many well-known films and on numerous shortbread tins)!

Dating back to the 13th century, the castle was a stronghold for Clan Mackenzie and their allies but was eventually destroyed by government ships in the early 18th century following the Mackenzie’s involvement with the Jacobite uprising. It is said that the English attackers used the castle’s very own gunpowder to blow apart most of the castle’s upper sections. The castle lay in ruins for around 200 years until Lieutenant Colonel John Macrae-Gilstrap took ownership and carried out a huge restoration project to bring the fortress back to its former glory.

The castle is now open to the public, but personally I would recommend visiting in the early morning before it opens or after hours to enjoy taking in the spectacular views and getting some beautiful photographs without the crowds. You can take some wonderful shots by walking along the shoreline without needing to pay to get in. But if you do have time and want to visit inside, then you can purchase a ticket to view the historic rooms filled with period furniture, fine art and rare artefacts.

It certainly is a memorable stop and one which I’d highly recommend adding to your Scottish Highlands itinerary.