Romantic Cawdor Castle & Culloden Battlefield
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Port
Invergordon (Inverness), Scotland, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$124.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Explore the historic battlefield of Culloden Moor and the enchanting and romantic medieval fortification of Cawdor Castle. The route south from Invergordon follows the coastline of the beautiful Cromarty Firth and crosses the Black Isle before turning inland. The landscape here is alternating between open countryside and quiet woodland.
You'll soon reach the Culloden Battlefield, where you will have the opportunity to walk out onto the battlefield or visit the café (you will not have time to explore the visitor center, and admission is not included). This eerie, windswept moorland is the site of the last battle on Scottish soil (1746) -- a turning point in the nation's history and the beginning of the end for the clan way of life in Scotland.
Next, you will head to the conservation village of Cawdor and the impressive Cawdor Castle -- a truly beautiful, traditional medieval castle and residence with interesting ties to Shakespeare's Macbeth. The castle, dating back to 1372, is still in the hands of the Cawdor family after six centuries. Approach via the drawbridge and enter the castle for an inside visit (unguided), after which you will have time to roam through the exceptionally beautiful gardens. Soft fruits, flowers, vegetables, and orchards mingle closely together to form the North Garden. The other part contains the Paradise Garden, Knot Garden and Thistle Garden, as well as an orchard with old fruit trees. The wild garden on the bank of Cawdor Burn (stream) leads into the wonderfully mysterious Cawdor Forest.
Notes:
Terrain includes one flight of steps to reach the second floor of the castle. Flash photography is not allowed inside Cawdor Castle. Large bags cannot be carried inside. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer. At Culloden, you will not have time to browse in the visitor center and admission to the visitor center is not included.