Top Things to do in Loch Ness
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Top 10 Things to do in Loch Ness, Scotland
With depths reaching 700 feet and a length of more than 20 miles, Loch Ness provides plenty of hiding places for its legendary monster. Should you tire of searching for Nessie, this scenic section of the Scottish Highlands also delivers charming villages like Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus, open-air Shakespearean productions, multiple golf courses and medieval Urquhart Castle. Wildlife of the non-mythological variety and ancient Caledonian pine forests can be found in the Glen Affric nature reserve.
Restaurants in Loch Ness
1. Urquhart Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,250 reviews
Discover 1,000 years of drama, experience a glimpse of medieval life and enjoy stunning views over Loch Ness from the ruins of the greatest castle in the Highlands. Climb the Grant Tower that watches over the iconic loch, peer into a miserable prison cell, said to have held the legendary Gaelic bard Domhnall Donn, and imagine the splendid banquets staged in the great hall. A more comfortable view of the iconic ruins, against a backdrop of Loch Ness and the hills of the Great Glen, can be enjoyed from the café. Urquhart’s stories are also told through a remarkable collection of artefacts left by its residents, historic replicas, including a full-sized, working trebuchet siege engine, and a short film. The castle has a distinctly Highland heritage and the site has witnessed some of the most dramatic chapters in our nation’s history. This is where St Columba is said to have worked miracles in the 6th century, where acts of chivalry and defiance provided inspiration during the Wars of Independence and where the MacDonald Lords of the Isles struggled with the Crown for power.
Reviewed By 882davidh - Seamill, United Kingdom
What an amazing castle, even though it is a ruin. We were there nearly 2hrs wandering around and taking pictures. It was a brilliant day of still water and bright sunshine, almost shorts and tee shirt weather, and this was in mid November!! We were told in the summer that is very busy. If I was going to make one recommendation, be there as soon as it opens. We were able to walk around, take loads of pictures solely of the castle and grounds, and not other visitors. There is an excellent visitor centre as well, full of information (including a short film on the history), things to buy (obviously), and a large café with panoramic views of the castle (indoor and outdoor seating). There is also disabled facilities, a lift to the lower level and they provide 4 wheel mobility scooters as well to get down the pathway to the castle. The staff are really friendly, so helpful and very knowledgeable about the ruin.
2. Loch Ness
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,707 reviews
Many people believe that this brooding lake in Northern Scotland, 21 square miles in size at an average depth of 800 feet, could certainly hide a large dinosaur-like "monster," the lake's long-time and elusive resident.
Reviewed By Elksmommy - Frisco, United States
Loch Ness is beautiful. Any view of it is just gorgeous. Thankfully, there are several places along the loch designated for stopping so that people can enjoy the view and take pictures.
3. Corrimony Chambered Cairn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By Getaway21242946528 - Palm Harbor, United States
We love seeing the old sites from ancient civilizations, so this one was a quick stop after Urquhart Castle. A 15 minute drive with a slight detour on our way back to Inverness took us to a small car park about 150 yards away from the Cairn that is simply on the edge of the road. An amazing, almost intact cairn dating 4,000 years old.
4. The Falls of Foyers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 747 reviews
Reviewed By MercuryBelle - Glasgow, United Kingdom
We hiked from Whitebridge to the falls but you can drive here easily - there is a car park and public toilets so definitely worth seeing if you're driving through the area. The cafe across the road is also lovely! The walk down the stairs to the falls is quite steep so if you have accessibility issues it might be a struggle. The falls themselves are stunning though, you can see why great poets were inspired by the view. There is an upper viewing point and a lower, and on the way down you can find rocks with Burns' poem about the falls inscribed on them. Absolutely worth a visit!
5. Village Green
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By lowribevans
The village green is very pretty, and a lovely place to enjoy some local food when the weather permits. The floral displays and well maintained grass really make the experience, as do the pretty B&Bs around the outside Whilst the tourist shops can be a little tacky, they’re a necessary boost for the economy in these areas so try not to be too harsh on them!
6. Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh
7. General Wade’s Military Roads
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By Markybug73 - Perth, United Kingdom
Lovely scenic drives along this road. Well maintained too. Road was quiet at this time of year , might be trickier driving in summer.
8. St Ninians Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Historic church in lovely setting by Loch Meiklie. Built 1853 by architect Alexander Ross, features crowstepped gable and belfry, oriel and lancet windows. Early Christian cross, possibly 4th. century, set into altar. Walks and picnic table by the loch. Visitors welcome at services and at any time.
9. Suidhe Viewpoint
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By chicurbanhippie - Inverness, United Kingdom
When driving around Loch Ness you will come across this view point. If the weather is good it is amazing. Worth pulling over & going for a walk along the the trail.
10. South Loch Ness Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
The South Loch Ness Trail meanders its way for 58km down the south side of Loch Ness from Torbreck near Inverness to Fort Augustus on a mixture of minor roads, forest tracks and purpose-built trail. To walk, cycle (mountain bike only) or ride this trail is a fantastic experience. It has what every long-distance trail should have – spectacular views, historical interest and peace and quiet...
