Local Walks

Caledonian Canal:

With its dramatic-looking mountains, ancient woodland, long, sandy beaches, thunderous waterfalls and deep, mysterious Loch’s, there’s a trail to suit every explorer’s needs! Here’s our guide to the best walks around Loch Ness:

Abriachan Forest walk:

At the top of the hills overlooking Loch Ness on the North side, you’ll find Abriachan Forests walks. Here you can choose from several different well-marked trails leading off through moorland and woodland. As if the stunning views along the Great Glen Way weren’t enough along these trails you can find different pieces of art such as sculptures, an old whisky still and a bronze age bothy which makes for the perfect picnic spot!

Loch Ness 360 Trail:

If you’re looking for a challenge, then why not try completing the Loch Ness 360 trail? This trail links up the Great Glen Way and South Loch Ness path making a complete circuit around the beautiful Loch Ness. This trail covers around 80 miles so it’s not for those looking for a leisurely stroll!

Meall Fuar – Mhonaidh:

If you want to view Loch Ness from the Highest natural point then this is the walk for you! Meall Fuar – Mhonaidh (bit of a mouthful!) is the tallest hill on Loch Ness, for the more advanced hill walker it would be classed as a Graham and takes around 3 – 5 hours to complete. If you’ve been to Loch Ness the chances are you have already spotted this hill towering above the glen!

Dores/Aldourie Forest walk:

From the small village of Doors on the banks of the Eastern side of Loch Ness, you can walk along the pebbled beach and take in the breathtaking views looking up the loch. The beach will eventually lead into Aldourie Estate wood where you can do a round circuit eventually leading back to Dores. Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels, roe deer, birds of prey and of course the world-famous Nessie! This is the perfect option for a weekend walk with family or friends before returning to the Dores Inn for a yummy pub lunch.

Falls of Foyers and Dun Bonnet’s Cave:

Set in a dramatic gorge on the Southside of Loch Ness you will find the tumbling Falls of Foyers. The walk down to the falls is short but very steep so not for the faint-hearted! If you would like a longer walk you can carry on down to the shore of the Loch before returning to Foyers café. For any Outlander fans whilst you’re in the area you may be interested in visiting Dun Bonnet’s cave (also known as Bonaid Odhair’s cave) hidden deep in the Foyers woods, it is in this cave that the real James Fraser hid from the ‘red coats’ for 7 years after the battle of Culloden giving inspiration to the storyline recently used in Series 3 of the very popular Outlander series!

Tomnahurich to Dochgarroch Lock:

Starting from Tomnahurich Bridge on the outskirts of Inverness City Centre you can walk along the Caledonian Canal towards Dochgarroch Lock, a popular trail amongst Locals. During the spring and summer months, you can see an abundance of wildflowers that scatter the banks and the trees before the leaves turn in the Autumn. Once at Dochgarroch visit the luxury shop and cafe of An Talla for a spot of lunch and some shopping, if you are keen for your adventure to continue then jump on a Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruise departing daily!

Local Walks