The area of the Scottish Highlands is an exceptionally beautiful part of the world and attracts millions of tourists every single year. In particular, it attracts many walkers, which means that it is a great area for getting out and about and active. Of course, any kind of active holiday you might embark upon requires some sort of travel insurance and the Scottish Highlands are no exception.

Cheap holiday insurance is easy to find – all you have to do is log on to a website like MoneySupermarket.com and for travel insurance compare the deals that are available and choose the best one for you. It is a very competitive industry at the moment, so you should have no problem finding a cheap deal to suit your requirements.

If you are planning a trip to the Highlands and are not suitably prepared in terms of equipment, for example, with unsuitable footwear and ankle support, you could end up being injured in the rough terrain of the hills. Getting injured is on nobody’s holiday wish-list, but accidents can happen. By taking this into account and covering yourself with suitable travel insurance, you won’t have to pay any unnecessary medical and travel expenses and will be able to enjoy your holiday in confidence and relaxation.

Hiking might not be one of the most dangerous activities in the world, but hikers sustain their fair share of injuries on terrain like that of the Scottish Highlands. Much like any other holiday, it is not worth your while to jet off without insurance because, after all, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Enjoy the best the Highlands have to offer without a worry on your mind.

The picture was taken on the circular walk starting and finishing at Inverfarigaig. It's a lovely route which traverses a great variety of terrains including the Falls of Foyers. All in all a thorououghly enjoyable walk which can if you like be shortened if weather turns bad or if yo just want a short walk. To get a detailed printable description of the walk go to our Interactive map and check it out or choose a different walk. This one though is my personal favourite due partly to the variety and interest of scenery throughout the route.  See our Loch Ness area walking maps  

the South Loch Ness Trail is 30 miles from Fort Augustus to Inverness

Today is the launch of the brand new South Loch Ness Trail a new trail which covers the entire length of Loch Ness. Running for nearly 30 miles through wild country and infinately variable terrain from open moors and craggy hills to forests and villages - it will prove to be a hit with all types of walkers, horse riders and bikers (not motorised).

You can read The trail story  and  trail info  on Destination Loch Ness website which comes with a series of downloadable maps for the entire route.  Perhaps the most exciting significance of this new trail is that now it is almost possible to circumnavigate Loch Ness entirely on dedicated paths by using the Great Glen Way down the North side and this new south Loch Ness Trail on the quieter south side.  The two trails are not yet linked but but for experienced walkers this should be a minor detail! which should not deter anyone from planning a full Loch Ness circuit, but it is a long term objective to link the two routes.

The new trail starts just up the hill from Fort Augustus! a very long uphill trudge on tarmac but once you get to the start it is a glorious 30 mile route with little in the way of shops or habitation for most of the way. The only shop on route is at Foyers so anyone planning to have a go at this route should carry some supplies with them and be prepared for overnight camping along the route. There is accommodation though and with careful planning you could do the walk without camping if that is not your bag! a good website to look for  accommodation on the South Loch Ness Trail is www.lochnesswelcome.co.uk  it is the official tourism website for South Loch Ness, other places to find accommodation on the trail is Visit Loch Ness    

Happy hiking!

The trail has received widespread support from all sectors and has been funded by Leader, Highland Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, as well as the South Loch Ness Tourism Group, Stratherrick & Foyers Community Trust and the lead organisation Destination Loch Ness Ltd visitlochness.com

Verbal support has come from the local community councils, the local access group, as well as other public agencies, most notably VisitScotland and the Forestry Commission ( who are the largest landowner along the length of the trail) 

The simplicity of it. Over 80% of the trail involves simply connecting up existing trails. New trail only requires to be built over a few kilometres. Also it has involved negotiations with only 4 landowners. It is hoped that in the long term the South Loch Ness trail can be extended to link up with the Great Glen Way on the north side to create a complete round Loch Ness long distance trail.

It is expected that the Trail will be complete by late spring 2011

In the long term, the Loch Ness Trail could link up with the Great Glen Way to form a complete circuit of Loch Ness, which is, in parts, pretty spectacular so we look forward to even better long term prospects for walkers and riders in our area. Along the length of the trail, at key points, there will be information points detailing the history, flora and fauna.

Have a look at our interactive Loch Ness map for a great selection of existing printable walks, rides and many more holiday ideas all in one place. The new loch Ness Trail willbe available here as soon as the trail is opened.

 When your out and about in a rural area, be it here  (or indeed anywhere!) its best to keep the country code in mind…..so here it is again!

Nessie thanks you in advance for helping her to look after this wonderful area!

Enjoy The Countryside And Respect Its Life and Work
Help those who live and work in the countryside by being a careful and considerate visitor, and by following the Country Code. A courteous approach to all you meet will help us all enjoy the countryside better.

Guard Against All Risk of Fire:Accidental fire is a great fear of farmers and foresters. Be careful to put out all used cigarettes and matches, and cook by stove rather than by fire. Be especially careful during dry periods, and never throw a cigarette out of a car window.

Leave All Gates As You Find Them:But if you find a gate closed, always make sure that you leave it closed, to avoid farm animals straying. Farmers sometimes leave gates open to allow their animals to graze in the next field or to get water. So help a farmer by leaving gates as you find them but, if in doubt, do close a gate.

Keep Your Dogs Under Close Control:Always keep your dog on a lead when walking on roads or when close to farm animals. Your dog may be well behaved but the farmer does not know this. At other times always keep your dog under close control so as not to disturb wildlife, or annoy or alarm other visitors.

Keep To Paths Across Farmland: Avoid damage to growing crops by walking around the edge of fields or by keeping to an existing path across it. Avoid entering fields with farm animals, especially where there are young animals, and if you are with a dog.

Use Gates And Stiles To Cross Fences, Hedges And Walls: Damage to a fence, wall or hedge can allow animals to get out, so help the farmer by using gates and stiles. If you must climb a gate because it is difficult to open, always do this at the hinged end.

Leave Livestock, Crops And Machinery Alone: Crops, animals and machinery are all of high value. Help the farmer, and care for your own safety too by not interfering with any equipment or animals – and don’t let others do so.

Take Your Litter Home: Broken glass, tins and plastic bags can be dangerous to people and farm animals, and wildlife can also be trapped and die. All litter is unsightly so always take yours, and any that you may come across, home with you to dispose of properly.

Help Keep All Water Clean: Not everyone living in the countryside is on the public water supply, so take care with your personal hygiene to avoid causing any pollution. Farm animals need clean water too, so don’t interfere with water troughs provided for livestock.

Protect Wildlife, Plants and Trees: Leave all natural places as you find them. Never uproot plants as they’ll be gone forever. If you come across wildlife, keep your distance and don’t watch for too long lest you cause disturbance and stress, especially if adults are with their young and in winter, when food may be scarce or weather harsh.

Take Special Care On Country Roads: Always drive with care and reduced speed on country roads. Park your car with consideration to others needs, especially to avoid blocking gateways or other drivers sight-lines. Walkers, particularly large groups, should take special care on country roads.

Make No Unnecessary Noise: People go to the countryside to enjoy its peace and quiet, so avoid noise or disruptive behaviour which might annoy residents or visitors, or frighten farm animals or wildlife.

Enjoy yourself and the wonderful scenery around you – and don’t forget your camera!

For more info on the Scottish Outdoor Access code click HERE 

One of the best ways to see Loch Ness and the Great Glen area is on foot. If you have a favorite walk in the area – why not tell us about it?

This is arguably where you’ll find much of the picture-postcard scenery for which Scotland is so renowned. This is just a selection of walks as listed in http://walking.visitscotland.com that you can find in the Loch Ness Area. Listed by type – you will find a walk suitable everyone from a family stroll to some serious hill & long distance walks.

Find out more about the Great Glen Way by clicking HERE