Loch Ness (Fort Augustus), United Kingdom

Loch Ness Fort Augustus

A long, deep loch with a canal village of locks at its southern end.

  • Apr–Oct
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
GlencoeUnited Kingdom · Nature spotGlencoe57 kmPitlochryUnited Kingdom · Hidden townPitlochry76 kmObanUnited Kingdom · Hidden townOban94 kmIsle of Skye (Portree)United Kingdom · Nature spotIsle of Skye (Portree)96 kmLoch LomondUnited Kingdom · Nature spotLoch Lomond127 kmGlasgowUnited Kingdom · CityGlasgow145 kmSt AndrewsUnited Kingdom · Hidden townSt Andrews146 kmDunnottar CastleUnited Kingdom · Hidden townDunnottar Castle152 km

Things to do

2 days in Loch Ness

Day 1

  1. MorningWalk along the flight of Caledonian Canal locks in Fort Augustus and watch the boats rise.
  2. AfternoonTake a boat trip on the loch, or visit Urquhart Castle on its headland.
  3. EveningHave dinner by the locks.

Day 2

Visit Inverness, or walk a stage of the Great Glen Way.

What to eat

Scotch broth, smoked salmon and a slice of clootie dumpling.

Local tips

Make the most of Loch Ness

Beat the crowds

Summer is busy along the main road and at Urquhart Castle. Fort Augustus is calmer in the evening.

Best photo spot

The staircase of canal locks at Fort Augustus with the loch behind them.

Getting there

Buses run between Inverness and Fort William along the loch.

Don't miss nearby

Urquhart Castle and the Great Glen Way trail.

Good to know

Watch boats climb the five locks of the Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus. The loch is very deep and always cold.

Secret spots

3 secret spots near Loch Ness

Our most hidden places around Loch Ness: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Loch Ness to take with you.

52 km away
52 km away
54 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Loch Ness

Getting there

  • Inverness Airport (INV)60 km away
  • Glasgow Airport (GLA)140 km away
  • Glasgow145 km away
  • Edinburgh160 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeApr–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryUnited Kingdom

Questions

Loch Ness: good to know

Is Loch Ness worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature. A long, deep loch with a canal village of locks at its southern end.

How many days do you need in Loch Ness?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Loch Ness?

The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Summer is busy along the main road and at Urquhart Castle. Fort Augustus is calmer in the evening.

How do you get to Loch Ness?

The nearest airport is Inverness Airport (INV), about 60 km away. Buses run between Inverness and Fort William along the loch.

What is there to see near Loch Ness?

Nearby hidden places include Glencoe (57 km), Pitlochry (76 km) and Oban (94 km).

More hidden places in United Kingdom (45)