Loch Ness

Loch Ness is one of a chain of connecting lochs along the length of the great Glen, running from the sea at Inverness in a south-westerly direction to the sea beyond Fort William. They are joined together by the Caledonian Canal built by Thomas Telford. Thanks to the legendary monster, Loch Ness is famous throughout the world attracting many visitors. With or without Nessie, the monster, the loch is beautiful all year.

Drive around Loch Ness, a trip of about 50 miles, enjoying beautiful scenery all the way or take a tour with www.DiscoverLochNess.com "Scotland's First Five Star Tour With Cruise".See delightful villages like Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus. From March to October there are boat trips from Inverness with Jacobite Cruises to the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle near Drumnadrochit, in the care of Historic Scotland and now with a new visitor centre. Whether or not you believe in Nessie, be sure to keep a look out and your camera ready as this is where most sightings have occurred.

The B852 road on the south-eastern side of the Loch, from Inverness to Fort Augustus via Dores (good pub!), is narrower and quieter than the route along the opposite shore. This side there are more places to stop and go down to explore along the water’s edge or picnic. Watch for ropes above the road for red squirrels to use to cross from one side to the other without becoming road casualties!

At Inverfarigaig a side road leads away from the Loch and a short distance along, on the right, is a small car park. Leave your car and follow one of the signposted forest walks with fine views over Loch Ness. The paths lead through an enchanted forest of straight tree trunks, mossy green stones and a gurgling burn.

Back along the B852 , at the village of Foyers, is a short walk down through the trees to the Falls of Foyers, worth a visit after heavy rain. Then the road goes inland through lovely scenery, with a beautiful picnic spot by a bend in the River Foyers, before descending to Fort Augustus via a spectacular viewpoint at Suidhe Chumein.

Fort Augustus, awash with flowers in summertime is a charming village with a picturesque flight of canal locks and an abbey, formerly a Benedictine monastery and school. Have a little wander along the towpath by the canal locks and see some little shops and cafes there. Turning north along the A82 back to Inverness, pass through Drumnadrochit about 5 miles before passing Abriachan garden and plant nursery on your left. If you are a gardener you will enjoy browsing the many unusual plants on sale there.

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