Loch Ness 360° Trail

Tag: drummnadrochit

  • Winter in the Highlands

    Winter in the Highlands

    If you are looking for some of the best places to visit in the winter in Inverness and Loch Ness then read on and find out more. Here we are situated in one of the most stunning areas in the world. As a result, we have an array of wonderful places to visit. So we have compiled a list of some of the places we recommend you visit on or around the Loch Ness 360 trail.

    • People in warm winters clothes on the banks of a loch in Scotland
    • A stag in winter with snowy mountains and a loch in the background

    River Ness and Ness Islands

    Whatever time of year you visit, the River Ness and Ness Islands have something magical about them. And there is something extra special about exploring them in the Winter. Your warm breath in the cold winters air and layers of clothes to warm you. Here you will take in the sounds of the river and its wildlife along the way on a crisp and chilly day. Wander across the array of Victorian bridges that connect each island. Here you can explore each one’s hidden treasures. Hidden bays, cocooned clearings, mature trees with benches dotted around are a few things you will find. And you can even explore this wonder at night as lights romantically illuminate the way. Well maintained pathways lead along the river and around the islands. So it is a great walk for all to enjoy during an Inverness winter!

    • A bridge crossing the River Ness
    • One of the Ness islands
    • A bridge connecting Ness islands
    • Inverness and the River Ness in winter

    Urquhart Castle

    If you fancy a bit of history then why not visit Urquhart Castle this winter? Open from November to March, daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm with last entry being 3.45 pm, you can enjoy a fascinating day out. And all on the banks of Loch Ness. Once this was Scotland’s largest castle witnessing many conflicts during its 500 years as a medieval fortress. Changing hands many times it eventually met its demise in 1692. The Britsh Government forces blew it up so that the Jacobite rebels could no longer use it as their fortress. And during the winter it offers a spectacular Scottish setting. Bare trees, low moody light and sometimes snow-dusted hills envelop the loch. All can be viewed from this historical ruin. A truly spectacular sight to behold and one of the best places to visit in the winter!

    • Urquhart Castle with snowy hills in the background
    • The ruins of Urquhart Castle in the winter
    • Urquhart Castle by Loch ness in the winter
    • Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness in the winter

    Glenmoriston Footprints

    If historical tales of the fascinating unknown excite you then you may want to pay a visit to these footprints. Said to have been imprinted in the ground East of the Torgolye bridge, by a preacher. No grass has grown on them since his sermon back in 1827! And you can see these footprints to this day. Here you can take a short walk along to the Cairn where this phenomenon lies. It is quite fascinating! You can read more about this intriguing story here.

    Cameron’s Tearoom

    Cameron’s Tearoom is a delightful place to head to on a winters day. Here you can snuggle up and enjoy some delicious food and explore the lovely range of gifts in their shop. And as you do you can look out over the stunning Scottish winter scenery. Enjoy your food and watch the Highland Cows enjoy theirs. Furthermore, you can pop outside and see the rescued reindeer residents who always enjoy a pat. Situated on the southside of Loch Ness between Inverness and Fort Augustus this tearoom lies a quarter of a mile from the Falls of Foyer. It’s a perfect stop for refreshments after a trip there. So head along and enjoy a hearty meal and some of Morag and her staff’s divine home baking!

    • Fresh home-baked cakes at Cameron's Tearoom
    • The gift shop in Cameron's Tearoom
    • Oils and soaps in the gift shop at Cameron's Tearoom
    • Highland Cows in the winter in a frosty field

    An Talla by Loch Ness

    Always a great place to stop, An Talla sits on the banks of the Caledonian canal. Here you can enjoy a first-class shopping experience with high-end gifts. Inspired by Thomas Telford the Loch Ness collection offers a beautifully crafted range of gifts. And they are only available to buy here. Furthermore, you can dine in their restaurant and enjoy a range of seasonal dishes. So head along on a chilly winters day for some retail therapy.

    Caledonian Canal

    Here at the Caledonian Canal, you can enjoy a lovely winters walk, cycle or run. Stretching through part of the Great Glen way this towpath links the Great Glen Way with the South Loch Ness Trail offering a choice of routes to explore. Be it a more exerted hike or a simple stroll you can choose whatever you fancy. Whatever you do along this unique waterway, you will enjoy an array of spectacular scenery and an abundance of wildlife. Another of the best places to visit this winter!

    • The Caledonian Canal going into Loch Ness on a snowy winters day with snowy mountains in the background
    • Th Caledonian Canal on a winters day with a snow covered path

    Drummnadrochit

    Another great place to visit during winter in the Highlands is Drumnadrochit. Not only does it have a truly Scottish name it offers a truly Scottish experience. Located on the northern shore of Loch Ness this village is surrounded by glens, including Glen Urquhart and Glen Moriston. And it is here that Nessie Land and the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre are located. Perfect for a ‘dreich’ Scottish day as there is much to do. And makes for a great family day out.

    Drumnadrochit in the Highlands

    John Cobb Memorial

    Another great place to visit on a winters day in the Highlands is the John Cobb memorial. It was here on Loch Ness that John Cobb died trying to break the water speed record. Having broken the Land Speed record three times he successfully reached 206.89mph on the first run on the water. However, due to rules saying time speed records require two runs, he attempted the second one. And this was when he tragically lost his life after hitting an ‘unexplained wake’ in the water on 29th September 1952. Nessie enthusiasts believe the monster had something to do with this. Now, you can visit the memorial of John Cobb. Just 1 mile south of Urquhart Castle, overlooking the loch sits a beehive-shaped cairn. Known as the ‘Gentle Giant’ this quiet unassuming man will always be remembered at Loch Ness.

    Loch Ness 360 trail

    And of course, there is the Loch Ness 360 trail to add to this list. All the above destinations are accessible from the trail. However, you can explore any section of this wonderful route at your own accord. Each section offers its own bit of magic. Whatever you chose to do you will not be disappointed. During the winter months, the views are spectacular. This really is one of the best places to visit in the winter. So come along and see what it is all about!

    • The Loch Ness 360 trail covered in snow
    • A loch on the Loch Ness 360 trail with snow capped mountains in the background
    • Dores beach on a winters day with snowy mountains in the background
    • The Loch Ness 360 trail with snow on the path
    • The Loch Ness 360 trail covered in snow with footprints in the snow

  • Highland Villages on the LN360° Trail

    Highland Villages on the LN360° Trail

    Villages to visit around Loch Ness

    The Loch Ness 360° Trail is a full circuit route around the vast expanse of water that is Loch Ness. Covering some 80 miles, it passes through many interesting places. While exploring the trail, be sure to stop off at one of these Loch Ness villages. Enjoy the scenery, grab a bite to eat and take in some local history …

    Abriachan

    Found in Section One of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

    Abriachan is a tiny village on the north side of Loch Ness, along the Great Glen Way. Here, you’ll find Abriachan Nurseries and Garden, where you can enjoy woodland walks in the tranquil gardens, or visit the nursery, where you can buy from a huge range of plants. There are also many nearby woodland and moorland walks laid out by the Abriachan Forest Trust. There are a number of different trails to explore, from short strolls to longer hikes.

    Signposts at Abriachan on the Great Glen Way

    Drumnadrochit

    The end point for Section One and starting point for Section Two of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

    Drumnadrochit sits on the north side of Loch Ness, along the Great Glen Way. Famous for its links with the Loch Ness Monster, attractions include Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, Nessieland and Urquhart Castle. The village green has tourist shops, pubs, cafes and good local facilities. Nearby hill Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh is a great local climb with stunning views on a clear day.

    View of Urquhart Castle from Loch Ness

    Invermoriston

    The end point for Section Two and starting point for Section Three of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

    Invermoriston is a small village on the north side of Loch Ness, along the Great Glen Way. The Invermoriston Falls and Thomas Telford’s Bridge are popular attractions. There are also a few shops and cafes. Climb to the top of Sròn Na Muic for spectacular views of Loch Ness.

    Old stone bridge at Invermoriston with river flowing below and people walking across

    Fort Augustus

    The end point for Section Three and starting point for Section Four of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

    Fort Augustus lies at the bottom of Loch Ness, where the Great Glen Way and South Loch Ness Trail meet. A busy little village on the Caledonian Canal with lots of tourist shops and places to eat and drink. Many people enjoy watching the boats coming through the locks on the canal from here.

    Water gateway in Fort Augustus

    Whitebridge

    Found in Section Four of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

    Whitebridge is a very small village on the south side of Loch Ness, along the South Loch Ness Trail. There is a hotel with bar and restaurant. The main attraction here is the Wade Bridge, an 18th century bridge which forms part of a series of military roads, constructed under the direction of General George Wade.

    Historic Bridge at Whitebridge, South Loch Ness

    Foyers

    The end point for Section Four and starting point for Section Five of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

    Foyers is a small village on the south side of Loch Ness, along the South Loch Ness Trail. Visit here for the Fall of Foyers, a magnificent waterfall near the shores of Loch Ness. There is a café and shop here too.

    The Falls of Foyers, waterfall on the River Foyers

    Dores

    The end point for Section Five and starting point for Section Six of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

    Dores is a tiny village on the south side of Loch Ness, along the South Loch Ness Trail. Popular for Beach Walks with great views of the loch. Local pub, The Dores Inn offers refreshments and homecooked meals.

    View of Loch Ness from Dores beach with flowers in the foreground
  • Preparing for the Loch Ness Challenge Ultra Marathon

    Preparing for the Loch Ness Challenge Ultra Marathon

    The second in our series of blogs from ultra-athlete and journalist Sean McFarlane. If you’re planning on taking on the Loch Ness Ultra Marathon Challenge, read on for some expert tips …

    What makes an ideal ultra for you?

    An epic course, constantly changing terrain and slick logistics all set in a truly iconic location? Yup, thought so, and that’s what makes the Loch Ness Challenge the ultra to do in 2022. Make no mistake, this is big stuff. 80 miles long with over 10,000 feet of ascent, it’s a huge day and a challenge like nothing else. Yet this is an extraordinary event within the grasp of many. It really is amazing what you can do with some decent training and smart decisions on race day, combined with a head and body committed to getting to the finish.

    An anti-clockwise route starting and finishing in Dores on the north east edge of Loch Ness, the race goes around Scotland’s most famous body of water and takes in plenty of other stuff en route. At times you’ll be heading well away from the loch, helping to feel deeply immersed in this most stunning of landscapes. One distinctive aspect of the Loch Ness 360 ﹾ is the varied terrain. With its wide forest roads to narrow single track, and newly built gravel paths to hairpins ascents and descents, you can guarantee that boredom will never be an issue.

    Running along path with Loch Ness in background

    Preparation and nutrition are key

    The event really is all about those who can keep going forward and slow down the least. Time on feet in your training is particularly important, pace less so. Also look to mentally break things up during the race, using all the landmarks and places dotted around the trail to do so. Don’t view it as an 80-mile event and consider it as say 8 ten-mile runs. The variety of the Loch Ness 360 ﹾ makes it perfect for creating manageable chunks in your head.

    As for the all important issue of nutrition, the trick is constant grazing. Test your nutrition on longer runs in training and go with what works for you. Remember taste is important, so consider using some real food. Make clear notes of the aid stations and what is available at each one.  They’re conveniently spaced at regular intervals so make sure you know where they are. Remember you can send stuff in advance to the aid station at Fort Augustus at 49.5 miles in. Avoid carrying too much, unless you really want to.

    So what can you expect on race day?

    Preparing

    Ultras have a habit of starting at all times of day. Here it’s a 10 pm start so do what you can to cope with that. Adjust your body clock, take caffeine nutrition at the appropriate time, mentally prepare for and accept dips in moods and enthusiasm. With a good plan and mental approach, the body will follow.

    Getting Started

    Don’t get caught up in racing from the off. Find a rhythm and even a friend or two and let yourself settle into things from the start. The field will spread out very quickly so just jog, relax and take it all in. Inverness is your first major landmark and a good place to take stock of things.

    Keeping Going

    Heading through the city you climb out onto its western side and from here it’s through the forest and then onto the back road at Blackfold, well away from the loch for the time being. Into Abriachan, it’s now a wide forest trail which eventually narrows up and spits you out just above Drumnadrochit. Into the town you then climb out once more and from here to Fort Augustus you take the aptly called “high route”. . This really is a tough section as you climb, traverse, descend and repeat, so just do what you can to get it done. Walk, eat, stretch. Anything you like. And remember that with effort comes reward so take some time along the way to soak up some of the finest views on the planet.

    You will eventually reach Fort Augustus, a good old town and gloriously infected by all things Nessie. There’ll no doubt be several admiring tourists and for good reason – you’re now on the final push of this epic adventure. The newly built gravel path out of the town is a steep and long climb so be mindful not to overcook things here. You’re well into the ‘absolutely fine to walk’ territory.

    Things level out above Loch Tarff and now is the time, more than ever, to stop and marvel. In any conditions this is a special place and view. Scotland at its unbeatable best. Gather the energy around and head down when you’re ready, through the felled forest, along the river and into Foyers. The end is now almost in sight, well if it wasn’t for the trees. For those of you still running at this point, enjoy but pay attention on the impressive single track to Inverfarigaig. Once there, you’re onto the final climb (I promise) up the broken tarmac known locally as the Corkscrew.

    Crossing the Finish Line

    Your wheels may well be coming off now, but rest assured everyone else’s are too. And really by now who cares? Things level out and then you’re through the woods and down the classic zig zagging path called Fair Haired Lad’s Pass with Loch Ness in full display in front of you. Muster any last energy to head through the forest and finally onto Dores where it all began.

    Two men running near Loch Ness

    The Ultra to do in 2022

    If you can honestly think of a more epic, memorable and rewarding physical challenge this year, we don’t believe you!

  • A Marathon Resolution

    A Marathon Resolution

    In the first of a series of blogs, ultra-athlete and journalist Sean McFarlane talks about setting targets and entering 2020’s newest Inverness marathon – the Loch Ness Challengeﹾ.

    New year, new you

    How are those resolutions going? No meat, dairy or alcohol? And soon no laughing or talking no doubt! Most of us either start the year by going without something, or at least considering it. How about sporting challenges? They’re also firmly on the radar of several of us at this time of year. Hands up who’s entered an ironman? And hands up who actually knows what an ironman involves?! Striking that vital balance of finding something that is ambitious but realistic is all-important but very difficult to do. Running events of some sort or other have long been the most common of such targets, and for good reason. From 5k fun runs to ultras, there’s plenty to choose from. A marathon is undoubtedly a great challenge and more established than really anything else. But why not avoid the tarmac this year and take your pick of a choice of three off-road Inverness marathons, set right in the heart of Scotland’s most famous location?

    Castle Urquhart on Loch Ness

    What is the Loch Ness Challenge?

    The Loch Ness 360ﹾ trail, an off-road track of 80 miles around Loch Ness, is perfect for a whole host of outdoor activities, none more so than running. The end of May this year sees three marathon distance events run on consecutive days around this world-famous body of water. It starts on Friday 29th with a race from Dores to Drumnadrochit. Then Saturday 30th sees competitors run from Drumndrochit to Fort Augustus with finally Sunday 31st having competitors heading from Fort Augustus to Dores. Take your pick from any of the three or do all three! And just in case that’s not enough for you there’s even a race of 80 miles taking in the entire trail!

    Dores to Drumnadrochit

    The first off-road Inverness marathon race is from Dores to Drumnadrochit and being on a Friday requires a day off work for most. What better excuse do you need? Starting by the lochside, you’ll soon climb away from the water then head along the trail, wide to start with then narrowing up at Torbreck and from here round the south-west side of Inverness itself. No time to relax though as you climb again to the north of the city and out eventually to Abriachan high above the loch on its north-west side.

    From here it’s more forest trail which narrows up before the trees fall away and you see the magnificent Urquhart Castle. Not far now but still a few miles before reaching Drumnadrochit and the finish line. What a way to start the weekend!

    a runner in the hills of Scotland

    Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus

    Saturday’s route sees you quickly pulling up high out of Drumnadrochit and onto the forest track. After plenty of very pleasant forest running, you descend into Invermoriston. What goes down must go up though, or something like that, and climb you do out of the village to more forest trails of varying width. On several occasions, the trees lessen and you’ll catch a glimpse or two of the loch.

    Then the trees thicken once more and as they do you descend into them and the outskirts of Fort Augustus. Try to avoid the Nessie hunters, all snapping photos of anything monster related. The finish line is in the centre of town. You’ve thoroughly earned your pint, or two, tonight.

    running men in the Highlands of Scotland

    Fort Augustus to Dores

    Sunday’s offering is back to Dores where all the fun began. Perhaps the most defining aspect of the Loch Ness 360ﹾ trail is its ever-changing terrain, which fundamentally adds to its enjoyment. And that changing terrain is very much on display on this route. First climbing on the perfect smooth gravel trail out of Fort Augustus, the beauty of the track does somewhat alleviate the pain of climbing up to over 400 metres and the signature location of the whole Loch Ness 360ﹾ trail. Above Loch Tarff, in
    any weather, is special.

    Even if you’re in the lead at this point, stop, even just for a few seconds and marvel. This is why we run, so pause to reflect on how lucky we are to be able to do so. Ok leaders crack on, others feel free to gaze a bit longer! From here the trail meanders so pay attention and enjoy. It’s not difficult to do. Resist the strong temptation to stop at Cameron’s Tea room in Foyers, or not! This south-east side of the Loch has a very different feel to its northwestern cousin. Far less busy but equally if not even more worthwhile, certainly for us on two feet.

    Soak it up and have fun on the surprisingly technical section to Inverfarigaig. More climbing follows up the broken tarmac and hairpins, aptly named the Corkscrew by locals. From here, that ever-changing terrain is once more on full display as you head through the Fair Haired Lad’s Pass and the winding and loose descent.

    Hopefully down in one piece, a final section of forest track and road is all that lies between you and the finish in Dores. Which Inverness marathon race to do? It’s a genuine dilemma. So forget abstaining from things in January and instead enter one of these truly iconic events!

  • An Insider’s Guide to the Loch Ness 360° Marathon Routes

    An Insider’s Guide to the Loch Ness 360° Marathon Routes

    Scotland’s newest marathon route, the Loch Ness 360° trail, will welcome runners from all over the world for the first time in 2020. Combining stunning views and challenging terrain, it’s going to be a race to remember. As it is brand new, we thought you might like a few marathon running tips from local runners who know the route, and can give you a few tips to prepare for the run.

    Now, there are three marathon routes in total to be run over three days. You can enter one, two or all three marathons. 

    Route 1 is from Dores to Drumnadrochit. This is the best marathon to enter if trail running is new to you and are looking for a challenge or wish to try something new.

    Route 2 is from Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus. This is a testing route, and by far the most challenging.  It should only be attempted by experienced and confident trail runners. 

    Route 3 is from Fort Augustus back to Dores. The challenge level of this route sits in between the first two. It’s great for experienced runners who want to enjoy both a challenging trail and the scenic view. 

    Tips for running Marathon 1 – Dores to Drumnadrochit

    This marathon is the best one to run if you have never attempted trail running before, but want to give yourself a challenge. And the challenge begins straightaway, as this section almost immediately takes you steeply uphill. This won’t be something you’re used to if you have only previously run on flat roads. Our advice is to make sure you’re fully warmed up before starting, and take this part easy. Shooting off at top speed from the starting gun will only see you suffer soon down the line. 

    This route takes you into Inverness city centre, running safely on the pavement here. After a couple of miles through this beautiful city, you will rejoin the Great Glen Way and head towards Craig Dunain Hill. Here you will meet another rise, this time of around 700 feet. This is a nice section of the trail where you will run through wild woods.

    When you come out, you’ll have a couple of miles on a road, then enter some more woods. It’s a great way to finish, as you’ll have a steep descent down towards Drumnadrochit. 

    If you are planning on running this route, don’t expect to match – or come anywhere near – your usual road-running marathon times. This is a completely different type of race. The best training to do in advance is to practice running on hills. Get out on rough ground when you’re training to get a feel for the ground beneath you. 

    As with all our routes, there are cutoff points and aid stations all the way. Make sure you take advantage of these, and the energy drinks and food too.

    This is a challenging, but do-able, route for your first trail run. Good luck!

    Tips for running Marathon 2 – Drumnadrochit to Fort Augustus

    This is, by far, the hardest marathon of all three. There’s a total ascent of 1,250 metres, and it doesn’t give up. There’s a sharp rise from Drumnadrochit before heading towards the Great Glen Way. There aren’t any road sections for around 9 miles as you head towards Invermoriston. 

    You’ll run across what’s known as the “High Route”, and as you can imagine it’s quite a climb to get there. The views are worth it though, and this section gives you a true sense of running in the wilderness. But it is testing, so don’t lose focus.

    There’s a sharp descent coming up towards Invermoriston, but then you’re running uphill straight away again. This is going to be your slowest mile on the whole section.  When we said there’s no respite on this route, we meant it! However, once you get over this mile, you’ll be treated to fantastic views again. 

    Fort Augustus is where you will end up, but it’s not going to be as easy as you hoped. Once you get here, there are a few more miles to run along the River Oich before, finally, finishing at Morag’s Lodge and earning a good rest. 

    Make no mistake, this route is a big challenge. But if you succeed, you’ll be one of the first to have accomplished this marathon section of the Loch Ness 360° trail. 

    Tips for running Marathon 3 – Fort Augustus to Dores

    The challenge level of this route sits in between the first two, in that it is achievable for casual yet experienced trail runners. 

    You’ll start a little uphill from Fort Augustus, and head out onto perhaps the most scenic and varied of the routes. Ranging from very high quality to more basic paths, you’ll enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness. 

    As you wind your way towards Foyers, you’ll first need to run up to the highest point of the whole trail: The Suidhe. You can then look forward to a 7km climb up towards the Fair Haired Lad’s Pass. All in all, there is approximately 1000m of ascent on this section, but the final stretch towards Dores is, fortunately, mostly downhill. 

    Choose your marathon!

    Whatever you choose – some or all of the marathons – you’ll have a great experience with us. The views are going to be unlike anything you’ve run before, and the feeling when you cross that finish line will be one of the best yet.

    For more information on the challenge and how to enter, visit our overview.

  • Loch Ness 360˚ Trail and Inverness Mountain Biking

    Loch Ness 360˚ Trail and Inverness Mountain Biking

    A man and friends biking in the woods.

    Touring Loch Ness and Inverness mountain biking is a thrilling way to see the area. See more in a day than walking, and visit areas you can’t reach by car. Up hills and along forest paths, it’s a thrilling ride that takes you along the loch’s banks and through beautiful Highland towns and villages. 

    The Loch Ness 360˚ trail is one of the newest outdoor trails in Scotland, and has been planned out so that it is as accessible to mountain bikers. There are just a few minor tweaks to make to the standard walking trail to ensure safety for all. 

    For convenience, the trail is split into 6 sections. On mountain bike, we recommend following two sections per day to get the most out of your trip. This means it can be done over a long weekend, or over a few days throughout the year. Just pick a couple of sections that take your fancy and ride! The best thing is, the trails change so much throughout the year from spring to winter that doing them at different times can feel like completely different rides. 

    We’ve written a full description and overview of sections all the routes, but below highlights some of the changes you will need to make on a mountain bike.

    A man pauses on his bike in the hills.

    LN360˚ Sections 1 & 2

    If you plan on starting the trail from Inverness, you’ll take the route of the Great Glen Way. Opened in 2002, Scottish Natural Heritage designated it as one of Scotland’s Great Trails. It’s a stunning route, and you will begin it in front of Inverness Castle. You’ll cross the Caledonian Canal and cycle away from Inverness and towards Loch Ness. 

    As you continue cycling, Inverness will fade into the distance. You will head along towards Drumnadrochit. Follow the guidance on the section 1 route as written – there are no changes required for mountain bikers. 

    Section 2 does require a modification. After you set off from Drumnadrochit, you will head towards Invermoriston. At stage 3, we advise mountain bike users to select the Great Glen Way low route here. 

    LN360˚ Sections 3 & 4

    On the second day of the trail, you will begin in the lovely village of Invermoriston. There is a Thomas Telford bridge here that is worth a look before you set off. Follow the trail set out in the main section. The only amendment here is on your way to Fort Augustus, take the alternative  low-level route. Just use the signage for Great Glen Way low route.

    Section 4 of the trail starts in Fort Augustus. It’s worth spending some time in Fort Augustus – there are some excellent pubs serving terrific local food. You can watch the canal activity as you eat. Once re-stocked, you can continue up towards Foyers. There is a part of Loch Ness 360˚ trail between Inverfarigaig and Foyers which is not suitable for cyclists. The alternate route is via Glen Lia (Gleann Liath).

    A group of friends chatting on their bikes.

    LN360˚ Sections 5 & 6

    On the final leg of this Loch Ness 360˚ cycle trail, you will begin your day in Foyers. This is a great spot to get in some Nessie hunting! Once you start your journey, continue along towards Dores. There is an alternative route here that is suitable for cyclists.  Take the low-level alternative between Torbreck Woods and Dores, and not the route over Drumashie Moor. The best route for mountain bikes can be taken by following the cycle route at the side of the B862 to Scaniport (Sustrans Route 78).

    In Section 6, simply enjoy the trip all the way back to Inverness as described – no alterations, no amendments, just some excellent trail riding!

    We hope you love your time around Loch Ness and Inverness mountain biking. Remember to stay in touch and let us know of any problems, hidden gems or excellent service you get. And share your photos with us on Facebook and Instagram – we love seeing them!

  • Preparing for an Emergency: A Jobby Bloggy

    Preparing for an Emergency: A Jobby Bloggy

    A man sits on a toilet in the outdoor wilderness.

    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. 

    A Scottish sign for the toilets, including an image of a man in a kilt.

    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…

    Three Scotsmen have a wee outdoors.

    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.