LOCH NESS - WHAT TO DO
Historic
Culloden Battlefield
The sight of the last battle fought on British soil and where the English fought the Jacobite army of Bonnie Prince Charlie.
Approximately 1 hour drive.
Urquhart Castle
On the shores of Loch Ness approximately 1 mile south of Drumnadrochit on the A82 road.
A very busy site generally filled with tourist business, current advice has been to book in advance.
Approximately 20 minutes drive.
Eilean Donan Castle
Shown above and on many a shortbread biscuit tin, is on the road to Skye near the village of Dornie.
This beautiful castle surrounded by water when the tide is in is just crying out for photos. There are organised tours and a nice restaurant.
Approximately 55 mins drive.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Otherwise known as the train bridge from Harry Potter.
To ride the train book through the Jacobite Steam Train.
To view the bridge and if lucky the steam train you will need to park in the designated car park and take the short walk.
Approximately 1 hour and 10 mins drive.
Balnuarn of Clava
A well preserved group of burial cairns over 4000 years old. Near Inverness.
Approximately 1 hour drive.
Places of Interest
Loch Ness Exhibition Centre
Where everything Nessie and Loch Ness is to be found both on display and excellent gift shop. This is one of two exhibition centres.
Approximately 20 min drive.
Ardross Castle
Not just home to the TV series Traitors but also and incredible day out.
Approximately 1 hour and 15 min drive.
Falls of Foyers
Part of a spectacular walk (listed in several independent guides), p eople have been visiting this waterfall for hundreds of years.
A must for walkers, lovers of waterfalls and photography fans alike.
Approximately 30 mins drive to starting point.
Isle of Skye
The largest and northernmost of the major islands of the Inner Hebrides and is famous for its Hiking, Wildlife, Fairy Pools, Magical Fairy Glen.
A popular filming destination with credits for shoots including Transformers, The Last Knight, King Arthur, Legend of the sword Stardust, Macbeth, The BFG and Outlaw King.
Approximately 1 hour 45 mins to the capital Portree.
Walking/Cycling
Great Glen Way
The Great Glen Way runs for 72 miles from the west coast of Scotland at Fort William to the east coast at Inverness.
The Low Route path runs through the forest at the back of our cottage.
You can also canoe/ kayak the Great Glen Way through the Caledonian Canal network.
Glen Affric National Nature Reserve
Native Scots Pine, towering Redwoods, large Douglas Firs, the hiding place of Bonnie Prince Charlie after the battle of Culloden and the home of the Clan Chisholm. You will find some wonderful trails to explore from 1 hour to 14 hours. Some say this is Scotland's most beautiful glen.
Walks around Loch Ness
River Oich, Fort Augustus
Falls of Foyers
Jenkins Park, Fort Augustus
Daviot Wood, Daviot
Inverarnie Esker Trail, Littlemill
Three Lochs Circuit
Abriachan Trails
Meall Fuarmhonaidh, Drumnadrochit
Allt na Criche, Fort Augustus
Wildlife
Osprey
If you are lucky you can spot Osprey taking fish from Loch Ness. These beautiful protected birds are rare but breeding in healthy numbers again in Scotland.
Golden Eagle
Much more difficult to spot, but you might find them higher up in the hills and mountains.
Deer
More likely to be spotted on a hillside as you drive on the many small roads in the area of Loch Ness.
We have a few that will venture close to the cottage now and again.
Red Squirrel
These beautiful creatures inhabit the forests around Loch Ness. We have one or two that feed from the bird feed tables in front of the cottage.
Pine Marten
Fearless and curious. We have two that live in the area close to our cottage.
They are always scavenging for food especially at night.
Boating & Canoeing
Large Cruise Boat
There are several operators who run the boat tours on the Loch including from Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit, some operators take dogs though these have to be booked in advance as numbers are llimited.
In 2012 a sonar reading was taken by a boat from Fort Augustus of something that was approx 4ft to 5ft wide in 75ft of water.
Fast Rib
If you want excitement then this is for you. Seats approx 12 people and skims across the water at a high speed launching out from Fort Augustus.
Canoeing
Although Loch Ness is tidal and therefore can be unpredictable at times canoeing and kayaking are popular pastimes enjoyed by those of variable skills, canoes and kayaks can be hired by various business' in Inverness.
Skiing and Snowboarding
The Nevis Range is only a 35 min drive away. You will find blue, red and black runs on the range where the UK's largest mountain, Ben Nevis, stands.
You also have Aviemore which is approx 1 hr 10 mins. This is the UK's premier ski resort.