Loch Ness 360° Trail

Tag: south loch ness trail

  • 5 More Unmissable Highland Views

    5 More Unmissable Highland Views

    If you are coming to Scotland for some beautiful Highland views, then you are spoiled for choice! We’ve already suggested 5 stunning viewpoints to take in, but how could we possibly stop there? We asked around, and here are 5 more viewpoints which we think you should definitely get on your to-see list. This might mean coming back to Loch Ness a few times – and that’s a good thing!

    Fair Haired Lad’s Pass

    View over Loch Ness from the Fair Haired Lads Pass on the Great Glen Way

    If there’s something that Scotland is good at, it’s coming up with brilliant names for places. And so, the Fair Haired Lad’s Pass. This is the high point on the South Loch Ness Trail, and offers magnificent views out over Loch Ness. If you’re looking for Highland walks that are remote with amazing views out towards Urquhart Castle, this is the place for you. 

    The name, by the way, is believed to come from the Gaelic “Cadha a’ Ghille Bhain”, meaning the Pass of the Fair Haired Lad. The story goes that a pensioner, collecting his first pension, got lost in the area one stormy night and died. A sad tale for such a beautiful spot.

    You can take in the Fair Haired Lad’s Pass by travelling along Section 5 of the Loch Ness 360° Trail. 

    Borlum Bay

    a view over loch ness near borlum bay

    Not all great views need you to climb a summit. The view from Borlum Bay up the length of Loch Ness to Dores is magnificent. It’s on the north side of Loch Ness near Drumnadrochit and offers wonderful views across the water. On a sunny day, you will see what looks like an island at the Dores end. But it’s just a mirage!

    While you’re there, be sure to visit Urquhart Castle. It’s one of the busier attractions of the Loch, but certainly worth a trip. And definately spend some time in Drumnadrochit too – especially at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition to find out more about this beautiful stretch of water.

    You’ll pass through this area when on Section 2 of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

    Craig Dunain

    Walking trail through the woods near Inverness, Great Glen Way

    Craig Ferguson, Craig David, Craig Charles – they’re all good, but none of them offer as good a view as Craig Dunain! A craig in Scotland is a rocky hill, and Craig Dunain, just outside Inverness, offers lovely views down its slopes towards Inverness city. 

    It’s popular Inverness walk with locals and if you have any dogs, they can run freely around here. You will pass through Dunain Community Woodland, which gives you the chance to see some forest wildlife.

    You will pass this area on Section 1 of the Loch Ness 360° Trail.

    Allt na Criche

    People standing on a Caledonian Canal key at Fort Augustus

    The view of Fort Augustus and Loch Ness from the Allt na Criche viewpoint on the Great Glen Way is spellbinding. Meaning ‘boundary stream’, Allt na Criche is just north of Fort Augustus and offers a woodland experience. There’s a steep and strenuous rise, but once at the top you can admire the view, including down onto Fort Augustus Abbey. It’s a wonderful place to sit and enjoy the scenery.

    You will pass this area on Section 3 of the Loch Ness 360° Trail

    Balchraggan Farm

    View of Loch Ness from the South Loch Ness Trail near Balchraggan

    Balchraggan farm sits on the South Loch Ness Trail, and offers a wonderful vantage point of the area. After some Highland hiking you can look down to the towering rocky bluffs of Dun Dearduil above Inverfarigaig and over Loch Ness. For history enthusiasts, there are what is left of two Iron Age forts on Dun Dearduil. 

    You will pass this area on Section Five of the Loch Ness 360° Trail. 

    So what are you waiting for? With plenty of stunning vistas around Inverness and Loch Ness, get out there and enjoy the Highland views!

  • 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
  • LN360° : The Story So Far

    LN360° : The Story So Far

    The Loch Ness 360° Trail is a long-distance walking and cycling route, developed by Visit Inverness Loch Ness. To create this epic route, which loops around the whole of Loch Ness, we joined two great Scottish trails together. Here’s the story so far …

    2002 … The Great Glen Way is launched

    The first of these trails is the Great Glen Way. A long-distance path, which opened in 2002 and is maintained by the Great Glen Ways Partnership (The Highland Council, Scottish Canals and Forestry Commission Scotland). 79 miles / 127 km in total, it follows the Great Glen, from Inverness to Fort William via Fort Augustus, on the northern side of Loch Ness.  Taking 4-7 days to complete, the route is mainly low-level, yet challenging in sections. It quickly became popular with walkers and cyclists and is one of Scottish Natural Heritage’s Great Trails.

    Cyclist passing The Viewpoint sculpture on the Great Glen Way high route

    2011 … We introduce The South Loch Ness Trail

    Next came the South Loch Ness Trail in 2011. Visit Inverness Loch Ness developed this trail, reaching from Loch Tarff to Inverness. The path is 36 miles / 58 km long and follows the wilder, more unspoilt south side of the loch, with varied scenery and superb views down onto the famous waters.  

    Walker on the South Loch Ness Trail between Whitebridge and Foyers

    2018 … The two trails form The Loch Ness 360° Trail

    At this point, there was the Great Glen Way starting in Inverness and passing through Fort Augustus on the way to Fort William. And the South Loch Ness Trail, which started in Loch Tarff, just above Fort Augustus and went up to Inverness. So, there was just one additional path needed to connect Fort Augustus and Loch Tarff. This would allow walkers to leave the Great Glen Way at Fort Augustus, and continue along the South Loch Ness Trail back to Inverness. Thus creating a full loop around the world-famous Loch Ness. What a great idea!

    In 2018, Visit Inverness Loch Ness opened a final section of path, linking Loch Ness’s two spectacular trails together. We called this new complete loop, starting and ending in Inverness, the Loch Ness 360° Trail. Split into six recommended sections, walkers can do the whole loop over six days, one section per day. Cyclists may be able to complete two sections per day.

    Loch Tarff on the South Loch Ness Trail in summer

    2022 … Loch Ness Challenge coming soon

    The latest chapter in our story, is the launch of our exciting new sporting event. Happening for the first time this spring, the Loch Ness Challenge is a three-day festival of running and cycling, which offers the choice of:

    1. Running three marathons over three days around the whole of Loch Ness. (Or, running one or two of the marathons).

    2. Runnning an ultra marathon around the full 129km of the trail. 

    3. Cycling the full trail in the mountain bike challenge.

    The challenges will test participants’ strength and stamina. Most the trail is off road on a mixture of built trail, rough tracks and forest paths. The event takes place between Friday 20th and Sunday 22nd May 2022. If you’re interested in entering, you can find out more here.

    Man running along the Loch Ness Trail in winter

    That’s The Story So Far …

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