Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
12.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
Few places stir the imagination like Loch Ness; a jewel in Scotland's crown and a window to its wild and wistful soul. This is a magical place of undisputed natural beauty, shrouded in mystery and legend, where history and heritage are greatly revered.
Our 6-night self-guided walk explores the remote, southern side of Loch Ness where shady forests, tumbling waterfalls and rolling, heather-clad moors provide a misty backdrop to some of the most spectacular hiking in the Scottish Glens. It's a timeless and kaleidoscopic landscape and the place to visit if you want peace, tranquillity and an 'escape from it all' experience.
The walking is relaxed, with a few serious climbs, taking in: the serene Caledonian Canal, a section of the Great Glen Way, pretty Beauly Firth and a wealth of lochs and rivers whose glassy waters mirror the seemingly endless sky. Plant and birdlife are prolific, and there's a high probability of spotting deer too.
The south side of Loch Ness was once the main military route from Fort Augustus to Inverness, and its undiscovered woodland, quiet paths and remote villages are steeped in history. Everywhere you'll be staying has its own unique appeal: a Victorian former mansion; a Highlands country inn and a luxury riverside hotel in the heart of Inverness.
Varied walking following a mixture of woodland paths, country lanes and forest tracks. Some steep, but relatively short, ascents and descents, but a good head for heights is not necessary.
Arrive in the wonderful waterside town of Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.
You stay at Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa.
Mastercard
Visa
AmEx
Pool
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Safe
Tea/coffee
Opposite Inverness Castle, Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa is located on the banks of the River Ness. Only a 5-minute walk from Inverness city centre, this hotel offers a swimming pool, leisure club, spa and free WiFi.
Each en-suite room has a flat-screen TV, radio and tea/coffee making facilities. All rooms also feature a private bathroom with a power shower and hairdryer. The accommodation is located in either Victorian properties or garden cottage. Some rooms overlook the castle and river.
Guests have free use of the Palace Leisure Club & Spa’s indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Beauty treatments are available in Sleeping Beauty Spa, and there is a modern on-site gym.
The Brasserie offers informal lunch and evening meals, whilst restaurant Eight on the River offers evening dining and a hot and cold breakfast buffet. You can enjoy Afternoon Tea along with Matthew Algie Freshly Ground Coffee in the refurbished River View Lounge.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
After a transfer this morning, from Inverness to Invergarry, set off along a section of the Great Glen Way, overlooking Loch Oich, to the historic Bridge of Oich. Continue along the Caledonian Canal towpath to Fort Augustus, at the southern tip of Loch Ness.
You stay at The Lovat.
MastercardAmExHairdryerWiFiTV
MinibarSafeTea/coffee
The Lovat is an award-winning eco-conscious hotel, situated on the southern tip of Loch Ness. The beautiful Victorian building with authentic decor is located in the loch-side village of Fort Augustus and has a restaurant which, in 2007, was named a Top 10 Restaurant in Scotland by the Press and Journal. It was recently awarded three AA rosettes for culinary excellence.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Spend the day in Fort Augustus, walking in the surrounding woodland or taking a boat trip on the world-famous waters of Loch Ness to visit Urquhart Castle.
Follow the South Loch Ness Trail with spectacular views of the wild and timeless Highlands. Pass through the village of Whitebridge and on, through shaded forest, to Rabbie Burns' famous Falls of Foyers.
You stay at Craigdarroch Inn.
MastercardHairdryerWiFiTVMinibarSafeTea/coffee
Situated in the village of Foyers on Loch Ness' southern side, surrounded by heather covered hills, sparkling lochs and breath-taking views, with the famous 'Falls of Foyers' waterfall just minutes' walk away. This recently refurbished country hotel has a peaceful ambience, with the comfortable feel of a Highland lodge. The public rooms offer spectacular views over Loch Ness; a perfect place to sit, relax and do a spot of Nessie hunting. It's also possible to sample one of the many whiskies available.
Head up through the Boleskine woods to Inverfarigaig, with stunning views of the crags of Dun Deardail; from Fair-Haired Lad's Pass down over Loch Ness to the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Take a short bus ride back to Inverness.
Take in the Ness Islands, ancient Craig Phadrig, the sea locks at Beauly Firth and perhaps even spot some dolphins dancing in the waters! Loop back to Inverness to explore its shops, cafes and castle.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, Inverness.
MastercardVisaAmExPoolHairdryerWiFiTVSafeTea/coffee
Opposite Inverness Castle, Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa is located on the banks of the River Ness. Only a 5-minute walk from Inverness city centre, this hotel offers a swimming pool, leisure club, spa and free WiFi.
Each en-suite room has a flat-screen TV, radio and tea/coffee making facilities. All rooms also feature a private bathroom with a power shower and hairdryer. The accommodation is located in either Victorian properties or garden cottage. Some rooms overlook the castle and river.
Guests have free use of the Palace Leisure Club & Spa’s indoor pool, sauna, steam room and hot tub. Beauty treatments are available in Sleeping Beauty Spa, and there is a modern on-site gym.
The Brasserie offers informal lunch and evening meals, whilst restaurant Eight on the River offers evening dining and a hot and cold breakfast buffet. You can enjoy Afternoon Tea along with Matthew Algie Freshly Ground Coffee in the refurbished River View Lounge.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website.
Please contact our sales team on 01606 720199 to for further details or to discuss alternavie trip options.
Self-guided walking
6 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 1+
Leisurely plus
12.0Kg CO2e
Printed route
directions
