Loch Ness 360° Trail

Category: Safety & Advice

Dog Walking Holidays

Looking for the perfect adventure with your dog? Look no further than the wonderful Loch Ness 360° Trail. Dog Walking Holidays don’t get much better than this spectacular 80-mile loop around the entirety of Loch Ness. On the trail, you can even enjoy a range of activities with your dog, such as a canoe session on Loch Ness with In Your Element. Or you can enjoy a nature boat ride or go dolphin spotting with your dog with Dolphin Spirit.

The Loch Ness 360 ° Trail is fully dog friendly. All we ask is that you respect the countryside access code and look after the trail, our nature and farming stock whilst walking responsibly with your dog.

Enjoying Nature Trails and Wildlife

During your explorations of the Loch Ness trail, you are sure to experience the most wonderful scenery and nature. The trail is well known for its deer, birdlife, squirrels and other popular animals that dogs love to chase! Furthermore, we enjoy a wide number of floor nesting birds and primarily grounded birds. Such as pheasant and grouse. During your explorations, please protect our wildlife and keep your dog close at all times.

Dog Friendly Accommodation Loch Ness

First things first! Let’s find some dog-friendly accommodation, Loch Ness. Whether you chose to stay in one of our many hotels, B&Bs or self-catering options, or if you want to glamp or wild camp, we have a wide selection of options available all around the loch. To help you find dog-friendly accommodation Loch Ness on Loch Ness, below we have listed accommodation options around the loch starting from Drumnadrochit. This then leads you along the north of Loch Ness to the farthest tip at Fort Augustus. From here, we follow dog-friendly accommodation along the south side back to Inverness:

Dog Walking Holidays, Trail Accommodation

Inverness

The Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness

The Corriegarth, Inverness

The Royal Hotel, Inverness

North Loch Ness

Loch Ness Highland Cottages, North Loch Ness

Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge, Drumnadrochit

The Loch Ness Inn, Drumnadrochit

Benleva Hotel, Drumnadrochit

Ancarraig Lodges Loch Ness, North Loch Ness

Eagle Brae, North Loch Ness

Farthest Tip at Fort Augustus

Kettle House, Fort Augustus

South Loch Ness Trail Accommodation

Loch Ness Shores Campsite and Glamping, Nr Fort Augustus

Camerons Tearoom & Cottage, Foyers, South Loch Ness

The Whitebridge Hotel, Whitebridge, South Loch Ness

Foyers Lodge, Foyers

The Craigdarroch Inn, Foyers, South Loch Ness

Dog Friendly Places to Eat on the Loch Ness 360 Trail

Likewise, when looking for dog-friendly walking holidays, finding dog friendly restaurants is also important. We have a range of pubs and dog-friendly cafes listed below to help you. Also, we have included a list of takeaways, so you can sit and eat Al Fresco with your dog:

North Loch Ness

The Clansman, North Loch Ness

Fort Augustus

The Loch Inn, Fort Augustus

South Loch Ness

The Craigdarroch Inn, Foyers, South Loch Ness

Camerons Tearoom & Cottage, Foyers, South Loch Ness

Waterfall Cafe, Foyers

Inverness

Black Isle Brewery Bar, Inverness

The Snow Goose, Inverness

Cafe Nero, Inverness

Dog Friendly Walking Holidays

If you need any more help organising or planning your dog walking holidays around the Loch Ness 360° Trail, please do contact us. Or, for more information on walking smaller sections of the trail, we have split the 80 mile trail into 6 sections for you to explore. We also have a list of other dog walks for you to enjoy whilst on holiday in our lovely area of the Scottish Highlands.

April 23, 2020
Respecting Scotland’s Nature and Animals

The Scottish Highlands can be a little strange to people visiting from a loud and hectic city. To be suddenly enveloped in the absolute peace and tranquillity of Loch Ness can take people aback. Wild animals run through fields as rare birds fly overhead. It can feel liberating as if there is no-one else for miles. This, unfortunately, can lead some people to think they are free to act as they please and treat Loch Ness’ nature and general area however they would like.

Of course, they can’t, but it has led to instances of littering, trespassing and rude behaviour by some. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code was drawn up as a response. It’s a way to share best practice of spending time in the countryside and near our animals with those unfamiliar with it.

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code

A person has access rights to most parts of Scotland if they act responsibly, asset out in the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. It means that most of Scotland’s amazing places and wildlife can be experienced by anyone.

The key to this, of course, is the “responsibly” bit. How can we make sure visitors know what is acceptable and what is irresponsible? This is where the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC) comes in. It describes best practice in just about every instance of being outdoors. From air sports to camping; nature reserves to military lands, it’s the best source for making sure your visit to the Highlands goes without a hitch.

Wild Camping in Scotland

A major difference between enjoying the outdoors in England and Scotland is that in Scotland, you can camp in the wild outdoors. In England and Wales, apart from a few special areas, you have to camp in designated campsites. This can lead to your enjoyment of the outdoors being ruined by smelly toilets and screaming children.

In Scotland, you are mostly free to camp up wherever you want – this is called wild camping. There are limits to this of course. You can’t simply walk into somebody’s garden, or a school field, or in a crop field. The landowner may ask you not to camp, in which case, you should leave. Wild camping does offer the outdoors enthusiast a way to experience the outdoors alone, away from civilization and under the stars. It can be the closest you’ll ever get to nature.

As camping is such a popular activity here around Inverness and Loch Ness, there is plenty of information available to help you do so responsibly. One such resource is this guide to good practice.

Sharing Our Space

Everyone is welcome to explore the Loch Ness 360° trail, and with just some consideration, we can make sure everyone has a fantastic visit. Treating our nature with respect can only enhance our love of it. If you are planning a trip to enjoy Loch Ness’ nature, please take a moment to read the access code. It could save you a lot of hassle down the road!

December 14, 2019
5 Simple Tips to Stay Safe Outside Around Scottish Animals

Getting out and about in the Scottish Highlands and on the Loch Ness 360° trail is a hugely popular activity. With scenic lochs, stunning mountains and gorgeous buildings, it’s no wonder that millions of people visit Inverness and Loch Ness each year. An important part of enjoying the outdoors is being aware of how to stay safe around the Scottish animals you’ll find here. Not just wild animals but farm stock too. Here are a few tips if this is your first time in the Scottish countryside.

1. Don’t climb fences

Fences are there for a reason! Taking a shortcut across a field may sound like a brilliant idea, especially when it’s dark and there’s a pub over there, but it’s not worth the risk. Apart from the fact that there may be swampy or muddy areas (or worse – fresh cow pats) that you might trip in, you may be disturbing farm animals. Although they look benign and harmless, cows and sheep can become aggressive, especially if they are protecting their young. If you are unlucky enough to enter a bull’s field during mating season, you had better be able to run very fast indeed!

2. Keep dogs on leads near farms

Dogs – even the nicest, calmest ones – can stress out animals. They may not even have to chase a farm animal, just be close by, in order to stress them. During lambing season around Loch Ness, this can lead to sheep losing their lambs through worry. Sometimes, being chased alone is enough to kill a sheep.

Worrying livestock is a serious offence – a farmer can be entitled to shoot your dog if the flock is in danger. Be safe, and in areas where there might be livestock, keep your dog on lead.

3. Don’t litter

Littering isn’t something we should do anywhere, but it is especially important when the litter might end up killing wild animals in Scotland. Plastic bags can get entangled around the heads of small animals. Fishing line can become wrapped around delicate necks. Even dog poo bags, if left hanging on a tree or by a path, can be swallowed by horses. The old adage is most certainly true – leave only footprints, take only photographs.

4. Leave babies alone

If you are out on a lovely hike and see a young lone animal, like a deer fawn, lying in the grass, with no other deer in sight, what would you do? If you said pick it up and take it to the vets, you have made a very big mistake.

It is very common for young wild deer in Scotland to be left alone in tall grass whilst their mother goes off finding food. Disturbing the animals may cause it distress. Best to leave it alone and come back a few hours later to check on its situation. Mum will probably have returned by then.

If it’s clearly in distress, or in a dangerous place like next to a busy road, it is worth calling the SSPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) for advice before doing anything yourself.

5. Avoid disturbing animals

Animals and birds are brilliant, but they might not think the same about you. Getting up close to nature is wonderful – but only if nature wants that too! That’s why creeping up close to birds nests or marine life like seals is dangerous. It’s best to keep a distance to avoid causing stress to the animals. Also keep in mind that some animals and birds might fight back!

If you want to get close to animals and Loch Ness wildlife, take a pair of binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens. Sometimes, if you are still and quiet, Scottish animals like squirrels might come up to you. Nature is best enjoyed in quiet – you’re bound to be rewarded eventually.

December 14, 2019
Safe hiking around Loch Ness
The Importance of Hiking Safety

Walking and long distance hiking in the Highlands is amazing. Look at this:

Beautiful, isn’t it? Some of the best hikes in the Highlands and Scotland as a whole can be found in the Inverness and Loch Ness areas. These include the Loch Ness 360° Trail and the Affric Kintail Way. There are also many short day hikes but whatever the length, it’s important to be aware of hiking safety at all times.

Unfortunately, every year hikers get into trouble in the Highlands because they are not prepared for, or underestimate, the challenge they have taken on.

We want you to enjoy our trails and walks safely and have an amazing experience. So, here are some tips on how to stay safe when hiking in the Highlands.

Tips for Safe Hiking in the Highlands

Choose the right walk or hike for you or your group

How fit are you and what’s your hiking experience? It’s important to be realistic when choosing a hike or day walk and not take on too much.

If you’re walking in a group, always consider the youngest or least experienced group member–you’ll want them to enjoy the hike, too!

Be prepared!

Preparation is everything to ensure you make the most of your Inverness hiking experience.

Hiking Preparation Tick-List

Here are a few things to consider doing before starting your hike:
- Get an up-to-date map of the area
Although many trails such as the Loch Ness 360° Trail or the Great Glen Way are waymarked, we recommend you take a map with you. This is because waymarkers can become obscured by trees or bushes or can even be damaged or missing.

It’s always a good idea to read or download a route description of the walk. These can often point out things like streams to cross, which may not be obvious on a normal map.

Visit Loch Ness 360° to find a route description of the trail. and for some more of the best Highland walks available, check out Walkhighlands.
- Stay informed about the weather
Always check the weather conditions before you set off. If in doubt, be prepared to change your plans!

The weather in Scotland can be very changeable and things like poor visibility can not just spoil your view from the top of a hill, it can make your hike dangerous. As a result, keep checking that weather forecast!
- Book your accommodation in advance
Many of our best hikes take you through small villages with limited accommodation options, especially during the summer months.

It’s very important to book in advance to make sure you have a bed for the night when you arrive. Similarly if you are planning to wild camp, then make sure you are familiar with theScottish Outdoor Access Code, and what to do if you are“caught short”!
- Choose the right clothes and equipment
The weather in the Highlands can be very changeable. Therefore it’s important to be prepared for rain or shine, especially if you’re planning to be out all day and can’t just pop back to your hotel to get a jacket!

Items to Take Hiking

Here is a helpful list of items you should take with you:
- Layers! The best way to dress for the hills is to dress in layers. This is so you can take a layer off when you get hot walking uphill and put it back on if it gets breezy on the summit!
- Don’t forget a waterproof, even if the forecast looks good. Having all four seasons in one day is common in Scotland!
- Good footwear suitable for hiking
- A backpack
- Map and compass
- Sunglasses and sunscreen–yes, even in Scotland you can get sunburn!
- A fully charged mobile phone (but please be aware that this doesn’t mean you can leave the map at home, many areas of the Highlands have no mobile reception!)
- Enough food and water for the day–many areas of the Highlands are very remote and you won’t have any opportunities to buy provisions en route
Final safety checks

Great, now you’re ready to enjoy your time hiking in the Highlands! Just a few last things to consider before you set off.

Let someone know where you are!

Always make sure someone knows where you are going for a walk and when you can be expected back. This is extra important if you’re hiking solo.

Do you know who to call in an emergency?

Our visitors come from all over the world. If you’re not local, make sure you know the UK emergency numbers are 999 or 112.

Now you’re all set! We hope you have a fantastic experience around Inverness and Loch Ness and keep this hiking safety advice in mind at all times. Above all, make sure you have a great time in this gorgeous landscape!
September 26, 2019
Preparing for an Emergency: A Jobby Bloggy

Loch Ness 360°’s Toilet Blog

Sometimes, the call of nature is all too real. One minute you’re out on the Loch Ness 360° Trail having a run around, enjoying your hobby. The next, you’re running around because you need a jobby. And when we say jobby, we don’t mean a small DIY task…

Suddenly needing the toilet is all too common (especially as we get older!) but it’s even worse when you’re outdoors and potentially miles from anything that flushes. Luckily, all around Loch Ness are various places you can stop to take care of business. There are also a few rules about wild-pooing that we’d like to explain to you, so that someone doesn’t go and put their foot in it.

Toilets Around Loch Ness

Many people going on the trail around Loch Ness will start at either Inverness in the north, or Fort Augustus at the southern tip. Luckily, there are public toilets available at both places. Inverness toilets include ones at the train station, and at the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery. Fort Augustus toilets are in the Caledonian Canal Centre and at the main car park.

Such was the sheer joy at new public toilets in Fort Augustus in 2009 that a news story about their construction was written!

Along the southern shore of Loch Ness, whilst camping is a magnificent way to spend time, public amenities aren’t common so it’s useful to know where they are. This way, you can plan in advance and hopefully not be caught short.

The Dores Inn offers a rest stop, and whilst there why not enjoy a drink or bite to eat? Further south – around the half way point – there is a lovely toilet at Inverfarigaig. It’s actually one of Loch Ness’ best kept secrets, second only to the monster. There’s a car park, and some rather lovely wooden sculptures to admire post-relief.

On the northern shore, you can find toilets in Drumnadrochit car park. If you are able to get slightly further away from the lochside, the Abriachan Forest Trust Car Park has toilets you can use too.

The Great British Public Toilet Map is an excellent resource for everyone out and about who may wish to spend a penny. Although you don’t have to with this – it’s free!

Jobby Bloggy

Sometimes, however, we’re miles from the nearest porcelain throne and there’s nothing for it but to wild poo. And folks – that’s okay! Better out than in.

There are a few guidelines you should follow though. Basic stuff really, like please don’t poop on the 360° route. It’s so true, it sort of rhymes. And if you will be out for the day, then plan ahead. Buy yourself a nice trowel (you’ll see why in a moment).

The Scottish Outdoor Access Code helps ensure that everyone has statutory access rights to most of Scotland’s outdoors. With regards to pooping outdoors, it says “If you need to urinate, do so at least 30 metres from open water or rivers and streams. If you need to defecate, do so as far away as possible from buildings, from open water or rivers and streams, and from any farm animals. Bury faeces in a shallow hole and replace the turf.”

That makes sense, doesn’t it? So for wild peeing, don’t wee into streams. Don’t poo near anything that something might stand in, slip on or eat (urgh) your deposits. Digging a hole to go in is the best idea, if you can. Then just cover up your droppings and walk away whistling at a jobby well done.

Some even say that if you have a dog poo bag, you could poo into that, then perhaps double-bag it for everyone’s sake before disposing of it correctly. If you try this, do let us know how you get on…

Whatever way works for you, please please don’t just leave your waste lying around. People regularly use the Loch Ness 360° trail, with children going on adventures and dogs sniffing out smells. We don’t want them coming home with your smell on them, do we?

So please share this toilet blog with anyone wild camping or that spends a lot of time outdoors. You never know, it may save someone’s brand new Size 11s from getting binned one day.

September 23, 2019