About Loch Ness and the villages near Loch Ness

At 23 miles long, Loch Ness covers a large area, filled with many different points of interest. In fact, as you travel along the shoreline, you’ll notice the character of the landscape shifting – with every new horizon offering different things to see and explore.

The main A82 road links Fort William in the south to the Highland capital, Inverness in the north and hugs the northern shoreline of Loch Ness along its length. At the southernmost tip of the Loch you’ll find Fort Augustus, a picturesque village filled with warmth and character – and an ideal spot to view the boats navigating through the impressive lock system of the Caledonian Canal.

Eight miles further north, you’ll find Invermoriston – another attractive village, steeped in Jacobite history. Venture further north and you’ll come across the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle with its commanding views of the Loch – and the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre at Drumnadrochit, which unlocks the cultural, historic and geological significance of Loch Ness (not to mention a word or two on a certain monster).

On the peaceful South Loch Ness, you’ll find the famous 100ft waterfalls at Foyers, opportunities for spotting red deer and secluded guests houses – ideal for ‘getting away from it all’.

Travel a little further afield and you’ll find Inverness (the Capital of the Highlands), the Culloden battlefield and skiing at the Cairngorms. To the west of Inverness and Loch Ness is Beauly also an important part of thegeographic area of this guide.

The links in this section will tell you more about some of the attractions to be found in the areas surrounding Loch Ness. Enjoy your travels…