If you are coming to Scotland for some beautiful Highland views, then you are spoiled for choice! We’ve already suggested 5 stunning viewpoints to take in, but how could we possibly stop there? We asked around, and here are 5 more viewpoints which we think you should definitely get on your to-see list. This might mean coming back to Loch Ness a few times – and that’s a good thing!
Fair Haired Lad’s Pass
If there’s something that Scotland is good at, it’s coming up with brilliant names for places. And so, the Fair Haired Lad’s Pass. This is the high point on the South Loch Ness Trail, and offers magnificent views out over Loch Ness. If you’re looking for Highland walks that are remote with amazing views out towards Urquhart Castle, this is the place for you.
The name, by the way, is believed to come from the Gaelic “Cadha a’ Ghille Bhain”, meaning the Pass of the Fair Haired Lad. The story goes that a pensioner, collecting his first pension, got lost in the area one stormy night and died. A sad tale for such a beautiful spot.
You can take in the Fair Haired Lad’s Pass by travelling along Section 5 of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.
Borlum Bay
Not all great views need you to climb a summit. The view from Borlum Bay up the length of Loch Ness to Dores is magnificent. It’s on the north side of Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit and offers wonderful views across the water. On a sunny day, you will see what looks like an island at the Dores end. But it’s just a mirage!
While you’re there, be sure to visit Urquhart Castle. It’s one of the busier attractions of the Loch, but certainly worth a trip. And definately spend some time in Drumnadrochit too – especially at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition to find out more about this beautiful stretch of water.
You’ll pass through this area when on Section 2 of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.
Craig Dunain
Craig Ferguson, Craig David, Craig Charles – they’re all good, but none of them offer as good a view as Craig Dunain! A craig in Scotland is a rocky hill, and Craig Dunain, just outside Inverness, offers lovely views down its slopes towards Inverness city.
It’s popular Inverness walk with locals and if you have any dogs, they can run freely around here. You will pass through Dunain Community Woodland, which gives you the chance to see some forest wildlife.
You will pass this area on Section 1 of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.
Allt na Criche
The view of Fort Augustus and Loch Ness from the Allt na Criche viewpoint on the Great Glen Way is spellbinding. Meaning ‘boundary stream’, Allt na Criche is just north of Fort Augustus and offers a woodland experience. There’s a steep and strenuous rise, but once at the top you can admire the view, including down onto Fort Augustus Abbey. It’s a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the scenery.
You will pass this area on Section 3 of the Loch Ness 360° Trail
Balchraggan Farm
Balchraggan farm sits on the South Loch Ness Trail, and offers a wonderful vantage point of the area. After some Highland hiking you can look down to the towering rocky bluffs of Dun Dearduil above Inverfarigaig and over Loch Ness. For history enthusiasts, there are what is left of two Iron Age forts on Dun Dearduil.
You will pass this area on Section Five of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.
So what are you waiting for? With plenty of stunning vistas around Inverness and Loch Ness, get out there and enjoy the Highland views!