location-photo
camera
DJI Mavic Pro Platinum
Built-in Lens
Shutter Speed
1/240 sec
Aperture
f/2.2
Focal Length
26mm
ISO
100

Eilean Donan Castle (Drone)

avatar
@kuhrmarvin
The legendary Eilean Donan Castle is one of the most famous Scottish Highland attractions thanks to several appearances in Hollywood films, like Highlander and James Bond. The mystical aura that surrounds this massive landmark makes a visit feel like a trip into Scotland’s palatial past — so gather up your gear and start planning your visit! (before visiting, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime (drones are not allowed on the property from 9AM-6PM)

Fee

Free

Pack

  • Drone
  • Camera (optional)

How to get there

N57° 16' 28.542"W5° 30' 50.2308"
This drone image of the Eilean Donan Castle was taken next to the Eilean Donan Coffee Shop. To get to this location, I recommend driving. First, park near the coffee shop (57.274847, -5.513642) and then, reference the GPS coordinates, which will be right next to the coffee and gift shop. I launched my drone up and west to get this perspective of the landscape and castle.

Tips

When to go

Best season

May, June, July, August, September, October

Best time

Late afternoon
This drone view of Eilean Donan Castle is best photographed during the summer and early autumn months because you'll be able to capture the greenery in bloom.
Droning is only permitted on the property before 9AM and after 6PM. For reference, I shot this image after 6PM in the late afternoon before sunset.

Field tips

Before visiting, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements.
Again, drones are not permitted between 9AM and 6PM. Please arrive early to find a good spot and avoid crowds.
If you don't have a drone, consider bringing a camera with a 24-70mm zoom lens or even wider.
Wait for someone to walk along the path to add a human element to your image and include the beautiful landscape in the background to add another layer of depth to your composition.
Walk along the shoreline for different perspectives of the castle and experiment with your views and angles.

Current weather

Kyle
Overcast
49o
F
Sun
53o
45o
Mon
58o
47o
Tue
59o
42o
Wed
58o
39o
Thu
55o
40o

Blue Hour

05:15
49o
Overcast

Sunrise

05:54
49o
Overcast

Golden Hour

18:09
49o
Overcast

Sunset

18:59
49o
Overcast

Do nearby

While you're there, make sure to visit the inside of the castle. Check the website (www.eileandonancastle.com/visit/opening-hour) to see the opening hours and then buy tickets so you can secure your spot for visitation. In addition to a majestic exterior, the interior of the castle has a rich history that details the different variations of the property throughout the years.
There's also another viewpoint of the castle that's situated on a small road behind the main road. To find it, please reference the GPS coordinates: 57.275386, -5.51105.
I suggest walking north to the Dornie area of Kyle. It's located at the mouth of Loch Lon and you'll be able to see the Cuillin mountain range in the distance across Loch Alsh. You can also look to the head of Loch Duich toward the dramatic Five Sisters of Kintail.

Locations nearby

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