Loch Ness 360° Trail

Tag: foyers

  • 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. 

  • Coronavirus Safe Holidays – Walks Around Loch Ness

    Coronavirus Safe Holidays – Walks Around Loch Ness

    Are you looking for a holiday with plenty of things for you to do here in the UK? It’s important to find a break that will let you experience as much as possible, whilst still staying safe from Coronavirus. You don’t need to go abroad to eat fine food, and you certainly don’t need to travel far to see stunning scenery. Those who choose to come to Inverness for walks around Loch Ness are greeted with warm hospitality and amazing adventures, and they leave with memories to last a lifetime.

    There is so much space around here that staying socially distant can be easy. Walking the trail with family and friends is a great way to enjoy a holiday with a difference together. 

    A rainbow over Loch Ness.

    Why come to Loch Ness for a socially-distant holiday?

    Loch Ness holidays can be everything from relaxing by the water to hiking up mountains. There’s something for everyone here, whether you are on your own or coming for a Loch Ness family holiday. One of the best ways to get the most out of the area is by following the Loch Ness 360° trail. This takes you along the entire circumference of the loch, taking you to amazing places you might not have found otherwise. Examples include the magnificent Falls of Foyer and the Wade Bridge at Whitebridge.

    Historic Bridge at Whitebridge, South Loch Ness

    At a time when we all need to be socially distant from each other to stop the spread of Covid-19, this is an excellent walk to take. That’s because of the wide open spaces you will pass through, plenty of room on paths and many opportunities to feel like you are a hundred miles from the nearest person. 

    And if you are looking for a dog holiday in Scotland, then this is perfect! Dogs are very welcome throughout the trail – just make sure you keep them on a lead or under close control when near livestock or wildlife. They will love walks near Loch Ness – and might even enjoy a dip in the water too!

    Staying safe on holiday

    There are plenty of amazing and fascinating places you can visit on the Loch Ness 360° trail which don’t require you to enter any buildings or interact with others.

    For example, did you know that off the banks of Loch Ness, near Boleskin Graveyard, there’s Boleskin House which was once owned by the occultist Aleister Crowley and later by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin? Although a fire nearly destroyed it, there are people working hard to restore it to its past glory. You’ll pass this house and graveyard on Section 4 of the trail. Although you cannot go into the house, you are free to walk around the graveyard. Keep an eye out for the tombstone of Donald Fraser of Erchit – can you see any bullet holes?

    Boleskine Graveyard

    All cafes and restaurants around the trail are working in accordance with the latest Scottish Government guidelines. However you are also welcome to bring a picnic for the family and sit with some of the best views in the world whilst munching down on your cheese and tomato sandwiches. This includes at the top of Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh, where you can see Loch Ness stretch out below you, and sights sometimes as far as Ben Nevis. 

    Seasonal walks around Loch Ness

    It doesn’t matter what time of year you come, Loch Ness walking trails all offer something different in spring, summer, autumn and winter. It’s a great place to come and avoid crowds and stay away from Coronavirus hotspots. There are so many amazing walks around Loch Ness that spending time here might just become an annual family tradition.

  • 5 Unmissable Viewpoints on the Loch Ness 360° Trail

    5 Unmissable Viewpoints on the Loch Ness 360° Trail

    Stunning Loch Ness Viewpoints

    The Loch Ness 360° trail has plenty of amazing locations and beautiful vistas. No matter where you are, there’s always something to see. Whether it’s a view over the loch itself, or out towards the rest of the Highlands of Scotland, there are plenty of Loch Ness viewpoints to make the heart race.

    Here are 5 viewpoints that you just can’t miss when visiting Inverness and Loch Ness. They are all accessible from the Loch Ness 360° trail. Some are easier to get to than others, but all of them are worthwhile. 

    Looking over the water to Inverness Castle in Scotland

    1. Inverness Castle

    This is a viewpoint that is right in the centre of Inverness! Inverness Castle can trace its origins back to 1057, with the current building dating from 1836. Although most of it is used as offices today, the north tower is accessible to the public.

    From here, you can experience a 360° view out over the River Ness and the city, and beyond into the Highlands. Getting there is via 94 steps – unfortunately, due to the ancient nature of the building, wheelchair access isn’t possible above the ground floor. 

    This viewpoint is on Section 1 of the LN360° trail. 

    Dores beach on Loch Ness

    2. Dores Beach

    Not all viewpoints require a climb. 

    Standing on Dores beach, you are able to look right down the length of Loch Ness. It really gives you a feeling on how big this body of water really is (23 miles or 36km to be precise). If ever there was a place to spot Nessie, this is it! That is why you will find local Nessie hunter Steve Feltham here. He’s been on the lookout for the monster since 1991. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse with him?

    Section six of the LN360° trail starts at Dores beach. 

    The Falls of Foyers, waterfall on the River Foyers

    3. Falls of Foyers

    Watching the Falls of Foyers cascade down into the gorge below is a great sight. It’s a 140ft waterfall that is called Eas na Smùide in Gaelic, meaning “the smoking falls”. 

    The Falls of Foyers in spate is a ground-shaking experience – literally! The ground shakes under the volume of water thundering down and a misty cloud of moisture hangs in the air. It’s enough to shake you to your core and admire the raw power of nature. Fortunately, Foyers Lodge is nearby and offers a perfect place to stay for the night and recover!

    This viewpoint can be seen on Section 5 of the LN360 trail. 

    View from Suidhe Viewpoint in Summer

    4. Suidhe Viewpoint

    Of all the viewpoints to try and visit on your trip to Inverness, this one tops many people’s lists. On the south side of Loch Ness, you can get close to the Suidhe viewpoint in a car – but the last climb to the top is really worth the effort, if you can. On a clear day, you can get uninterrupted views across the Highlands in all directions. Try to spot Loch Knockie, Loch Nan Lann, Loch Tarff and Loch Kemp – as well as Loch Ness, of course!

    Suidhe Viewpoint is on section 4 of the LN360° trail. 

    View of Urquhart Castle from Loch Ness

    5. Urquhart Castle

    Popular attractions are popular for a reason, and Urquhart Castle is no different. This stunning building sits proudly, jutting out into Loch Ness. It’s often busy with tourists, so coming early in the morning may suit those looking for a quieter visit. 

    Climb up the Grant Tower for an unmissable view over the loch and take in all its glory. There’s also a cafe to enjoy whilst enjoying the day. And remember to travel up the banks a little bit to make sure you get a photo of the loch with the castle in! It’s one of the most well known Loch Ness sights going.

    Urquhart Castle is present in section 1 of the LN360° trail.

    Views everywhere around Loch Ness

    Hopefully, this has given you a taste of some of the sights available around Loch Ness. But don’t just take our word for it – get out there and explore! And let us know your favourite Loch Ness viewpoints on our social media!

  • 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!

  • 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!