📌 Drumnadrochit, Highland
★★★
Loch Ness is the Scotland’s largest loch by volume, extending 23 miles southwest from near Inverness, and containing more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined. This is one of the most popular destinations in the Highlands. Why? Mostly because of the Loch Ness Monster which (probably…) inhabits the deeps here, reputedly contributing £41 million to the Scottish economy each year. Whether or not you catch a glimpse of Nessie doesn’t matter, as a varied set of visitor attractions and beauty spots encircle the loch, often irritatingly crowded in peak season. The distances involved make it an ideal day’s driving tour from Inverness, taking in Drumnadrochit, Urquhart Castle and Invermoriston on the busy west bank en route to Fort Augustus at the head of the loch. Carn an t-Suidhe, the Falls of Foyers and Dores on the slightly quieter east bank complete the usual circuit. There are several other places to visit just off the main route, shown on the map below – you could spend a good few days in the area if desired. As for whether it’s worth coming all the way here on a single-day tour from the Central Belt, we’re not so enthusiastic (there are dozens of closer lochs to visit which are equally beautiful), but plenty of visitors do.
🌍 Location
📌 Highland
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NH 545295
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.330832,-4.423381
🚌 Buses run down both sides of the loch | 🚢 Ferries call at Drumnadrochit, Fort Augustus & Dochgarroch Loch (on the Caledonian Canal)
🚗 Several car parks & laybys, especially on the east bank
📝 Loch Ness – 1 day itinerary
>> Available to download from the Itineraries page
