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9 Highly-recommended Things To Do in Loch Ness, Scotland You Should Not Miss

Loch Ness is a large and deep Highlands lake in Scotland. It is widely famous for the monster myth named Nessie. Despite numerous controversial arguments about Nessie, Loch Ness is a worth-visiting tourist attraction for its various magnificent natural scenes. Let’s discover 9 highly-recommended things do in Loch Ness, tips for camping, hotels and annual weather to schedule your best visit here.

Enjoy the iconic “Monster” Loch Ness view from Inverfarigaig Pier

Inverfarigaig Pier offers spectacular scenic views of this Loch. Furthermore, this is an ideal location because you will be able to avoid the crowds on the west side. The pier was built by the well-known engineer Thomas Telford.

inverfarigaig-pier-things-to-do-in-loch-ness
visit-inverfarigaig-pier

Kayaking on the Great Glen Canoe Trail

It would be an exciting activity to experience iconic Highlands scenery while traveling along the Caledonian Canal. The Canal runs from Fort William to Inverness and passes through Loch Ness.

If you are keen on having a Kayaking day at Loch Ness, you can hire your Kayak here in advance.

kayaking-on-the-great-glen-canoe-trail
kayaking-on-the-great-glen-canoe-trail

Visit Urquhart Castle

Impressive Urquhart Castle’s ruins stand on a tongue of land jutting out into Loch Ness. It is just a few minutes’ drive from Drumnadrochit. The castle was once one of Scotland’s largest fortifications. It places against a backdrop of lake and mountain. It was a typical motte and bailey fortification dating from the 12th century. In the 14th century, stone walls replaced the original wooden structure.

Hit The Loch Ness 360° Trail

The 360° Trail follows Loch Ness’ entire circumference in the Scottish Highlands. Therefore, it is an epic walking, cycling, running, and outdoor activity trail. You can start and finish in the Highland capital of Inverness, or you can join the trail at any point. This trail links the Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail into a single loop. It’s much more than a trail and a cycle route, stretching for 80 miles. The LN360° Trail is one of Scotland’s fantastic new walking and biking trails!

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take-the-360-trail

Immerse yourself in the Farigaig forest

Take to the trails at Farigaig to see colorful wildflowers, butterflies, and red squirrels. It’s a pleasure to enjoy panoramic views of Loch Ness and the iron age fort of Dun Dearduil. In autumn, you will love to wind your way to enjoy a mix of broadleaf woodland and conifers. The forest here is a haven for red squirrels and badgers. Woodland birds and dragonflies fliting across the water make a beautiful scene at the lochan in the summer.

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explore-farigaig-forest

Admire the Falls of Foyers waterfall

The Falls of Foyers was a beautiful waterfall located in the small hamlet of Foyers on the quieter eastern side of Loch Ness. This lovely waterfall can be reached via a well-established trail, and totally suitable for a family activity.

Escape from it all in The Village of Drumnadrochit

Drumnadrochit is an excellent destination for exploring the Highlands. Glen Urquhart and Glen Moriston surround the village, as does the Great Glen, which stretches from Inverness in the east to Fort William in the west. Activities in the area include exploring Urquhart Castle, a classic romantic ruin jutting out into the loch, horseback riding, cycling, cruising the length of Loch Ness, and fishing trips.

Uncover the hidden lochs nearby

There are numerous hidden lochs to discover, ranging from the remote Loch Mullardoch in the north to the scenic Loch Duntelchaig in the south.

  • Lochan Torr a Tuill, also known as “The Magical Loch,” is a lovely small lochan.
  • Loch Bran is managed by Scottish Natural Heritage and is home to some of the most diverse dragonfly and damselfly habitats in the UK.
  • Loch Tarff is a picturesque small loch just outside Fort Augustus, surrounded by low hills and scattered pine trees. Look for black-throated divers in the summer and red deer along its shores all year.

Explore ancient mysteries at Boleskine Burial Ground

Boleskine Burial Ground is located on the south-east side of Loch Ness. Although it’s the kind of place you might drive by without thinking twice, doing so would mean missing out on hundreds of years of history. Boleskine Brusial Ground is a peaceful spot to stop on your way around Loch Ness. It’s a place for quiet reflection, with views of the loch and hills beyond through the gravestones.

Tips for a good day Loch Ness camping

Wild camping is one of the best ways to experience Loch Ness’ natural side. Before your trip, keep the following tips in mind.

  • Don’t camp anywhere there are no-camping signs, and stay away from homes, buildings, and farms.
  • Drive cautiously on the narrow, winding roads of the Scottish Highlands.
  • Be careful with fire and always ensure that it is completely out before leaving.
  • Some of the best campsites are: Drumnadrochit, Invermoriston, Fort Augustus, Suidhe Viewport, and Foyers.
  • If you want comfort amenities, go to the available camping campsites such as: Beauly Holiday Park, Inver Coille Camping & Glamping, Cannich Woodland Camping, etc.
loch-ness-camping-campsite
loch-ness-camping-campsite

As a camping lover you might want to read more about Camping in Maui here.

Where to stay? Some of top best Loch Ness hotels

The Lovat

This charming hotel Loch Ness is located in the beautiful Scottish Highlands, just off the A82 and close to the lake banks.

Loch Ness Lodge

Offering a luxurious bed and breakfast in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, the Lodge that combines the best of traditional Scottish architecture and contemporary design.

Richmond House Fort

Richmond House Fort is a lovely hotel Loch Ness in Fort Augustus. It has its own restaurant, bar, and private garden. Because of its proximity to the Caledonian Forest, it is an ideal location for exciting outdoor activities such as mountain biking.

How is the weather like in Loch Ness?

Loch Ness weather enjoys a subpolar oceanic climate with cool summer. It has a mild sea climate because it is located in the Great Glen and is influenced by the warm Gulf Stream. It serves as a catchment area for all of the rain that falls in this area.

As a result, fog and mist are really common when talking about Loch Ness weather. The yearly average temperature is 10°C, ranging from 4°C in January to 17°C in July. In summer times, it is generally mild and dry. June, July and August are the rainiest month. In winters, precipitation is mostly in the form of snow. To sum up, Loch Ness weather are best in May, July, August and September when it’s not too foggy and cold.

Maris Lopez
Maris Lopezhttp:////my-lifestyle.co
Hey there! I'm Maris, an American girl who is passionate about adventure, the outdoors and all things travel!
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