Loch Ness 360° Trail

Tag: food and drink

  • An Talla by Loch Ness

    An Talla by Loch Ness

    On the banks of the Caledonian Canal, just a few miles from Inverness, sits An Talla by Loch Ness. For anyone visiting our beautiful area, this is a great place to stop and have a rest. With a fresh lunch menu, wide range of stunning Scottish gifts and a beautiful canal-side location, it’s a great way to spend time on your holiday. 

    Delicious lunch menu

    Finding somewhere nice to eat is always high on people’s agendas on holiday. Fortunately, An Talla ticks that box. With a name that means ‘gathering place’, you can be sure of a warm welcome here. They use many local suppliers in Scotland, ensuring you get a real taste of the country when you visit. And these suppliers offer seasonal produce too, giving you the best flavours of Scotland’s larder whichever time of year you visit. 

    Suppliers include Highland Fine Cheeses in Tain, Three Little Bakers in Inverness and George Cockburn Butcher in Dingwall. By doing this, they can keep food mileage low, and keep the time from farm to dish as low as possible too. 

    the eating area at An Talla by Loch Ness

    Enjoy a delicious breakfast menu, served 10am – 1.30pm, of a good old Scottish fry up. Or maybe have some filled rolls instead. A favourite in Scotland is the lorne sausage – sometimes just called a flat sausage – in a roll. Add a bit of ketchup or brown sauce and you’ll be ready to start the day with that!

    Whatever lunch you are in the mood for, An Talla will be sure to meet your needs. Homemade margarita pizza, BBQ pulled pork, cheese & bacon burger are all delicious. There’s also a fantastic sandwich and soup menu to get you through the day. 

    Gift Shop

    Finding somewhere that sells quality gifts can often involve trekking around shops all day. Fortunately, you’re sure to find that special something in An Talla by Loch Ness. It has a wide range of lovely gifts to suit any budget. In fact, you can take a look at their online shop for a selection of their range and buy some now. For example, everyone is sure to appreciate a tartan hip flask, or a gorgeous cashmere scarf. There are also many collections at this Highland gift shop from prominent designers, including Jo Malone and Alice Wheeler. 

    • Some of the gifts at An Talla by Loch Ness
    • The shop at An Talla by Loch Ness
    • A Highland Cow made of chains at An Talla by Loch Ness
    • Dochgarroch Lock

    Dochgarroch Lock

    Remember we said that An Talla by Loch Ness was in a beautiful setting? We weren’t kidding. Nestled next to the Caledonian Canal, it serves as a perfect place to relax and watch the canal boats drift by. The lock is also where many Loch Ness cruises set off from, including Loch Ness by Jacobite. It’s also a great place to start and end the Dochgarroch Loop. This trail is suitable for walking, running and cycling and is a great place to spot local wildlife.

    Just a short walk from here is the Highland Lassie, a unique place to spend a few nights! If you have always wanted to stay on a canal barge, this is your chance. It just goes to show you that you never know what’s around the corner here by Loch Ness!

    So if you are looking for things to do in Inverness, make sure you spend some time by Dochgarroch Lock and An Talla by Loch Ness. It’s a beautiful area, and worth a visit. You’ll pass this area on Section 1 of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

  • Camerons Tea Room in Foyers

    Camerons Tea Room in Foyers

    Travelling around Loch Ness can be exhausting! There’s so much to see and do that if you don’t plan for a break and bite to eat, you might forget to eat at all. And nobody wants that! One of the great joys of following the Loch Ness 360° route is you get to discover hidden gems that you might otherwise miss. One of these is Camerons Tea Room in Foyers. This is a great place to stop for a rest and some food – and you might even get to see some Scottish wildlife too!

    • Exterior of at Camerons Tea Room
    • Outside eating area at at Camerons Tea Room
    • Highland Coo at Camerons Tea Room

    Take a break with a view

    One of the best things about Scotland is the fresh taste of local and in-season produce. One of the other things about eating in Scotland is the relaxing views – and both of these combine at Camerons. Here you can sit out at the decking and enjoy a range of tasty breakfast and lunch meals. Perhaps if you’re starting your day you might want to fill up with a good old Scottish fry up, or some rather more healthy porridge. At lunch, there’s an excellent menu including soups, sandwiches and nachos. And at any time, you can settle down to a nice cup of tea and some delicious home-baked goodies. These include scones, cakes, traybakes and much more. Nobody will judge you if you want to go back for seconds…

    Eating indoors is also wonderful. You can admire the specially commissioned Red Deer antler chandeliers which throw light into the room. These give you a sense of how large deer actually are. And you’ll also find cycling jerseys adorning the walls, as a thank you for all the cyclists who have passed by and enjoyed their break at Camerons. 

    Camerons also has a shop where you can buy a range of fresh food, paintings and prints from local artists. It’s a great place to find that unique gift you’ve been searching all over for. 

    Say hello to the Highland Coo!

    It’s not every tearoom or cafe that welcomes regular large, hairy visitors. But at Camerons, Highland Cows often stroll down the hill for a drink at the big pond near the tearoom. This is a great chance to get up close with one of Scotland’s most beautiful and well-known animals. From behind the safety of a fence, you can take great photos with them (always a hit on Instagram!). And if you come in the summer, you might even see a calf. These are gorgeous little things that are full of curiosity and energy. So if you are wondering where to see Highland Cows in a safe and fun environment, then Camerons Tea Room is the place to visit. 

    • Red Deer antler chandeliers at at Camerons Tea Room
    • A baby Highland Cow at at Camerons Tea Room
    • Cakes at at Camerons Tea Room
    • Gift shop at at Camerons Tea Room

    Nearby attractions to Camerons Tea Room

    While you are at this cafe by Loch Ness, make sure you have a look at the nearby Falls of Foyer. This is a beautiful waterfall that, when in spate, can often shake the ground around you. This happens often in the winter, which is a great time to visit Loch Ness. And just along the road is Boleskin Graveyard, a must-see for any fans of the Outlander series. 

    This is a beautiful area of the loch, and very friendly too. You’ll receive a warm welcome from Morag Cameron and her staff when you arrive, who will make sure you are seated comfortably and served quickly. So make sure you pop by Camerons Tea Room in Foyers whether driving, walking or cycling Section Four of the Loch Ness 360° trail for a comfortable rest and delicious bite to eat. 

  • 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

  • Dog Walking Holidays

    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.

    Loch Tarff in the Autumn with golden bracken in the foreground

    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:

    Family in bed with dog on floor

    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:

    Man with dog in lap at a cafe

    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

    Lady sitting in a forest with her dog

    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.

    Two stags rutting with one another
  • 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
  • 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.