Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour

A popular location with boaters, locals, and tourists, Dochgarroch is a beautiful and busy hub where the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal meet and cross into the Head of Loch Ness, our famous Highland Coo’s can be seen here before we head up the loch to Urquhart Castle.

The present ruins date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, though built on the site of an early medieval fortification. Founded in the 13th century, Urquhart played a role in the wars of Scottish independence in the 14th century. It was subsequently held as a royal castle and was raided on several occasions by the MacDonald Clan. The castle was granted to the Clan Grant in 1509, though conflict with the MacDonalds continued. Despite a series of further raids the castle was strengthened, only to be largely abandoned by the middle of the 17th century. Urquhart was partially destroyed in 1692 to prevent its use by Jacobite forces, and subsequently decayed. The castle, situated on a headland overlooking Loch Ness, is one of the largest in Scotland in size of area.

Drumnadrochit is a village on the shores of Loch Ness, known famously as the home to the Loch Ness Monster. Drumnadrochit is filled with novelty shops where Scottish clan items and other Scottish staples can be enjoyed.

We also visit Great Glen Gin Distillery, Scotland’s smallest distillery where they offer world award-winning free Gin tastings made from the waters of Loch Ness so you get a true taste of Nessie.

The burn here tumbles across the bands of rock in a determined effort to reach nearby Loch Ness, these aren’t the highest waterfalls by any means, but once you stand here you will truly enjoy the beauty of your surroundings with a spectacular view from the overhanging summer house.

In the aftermath of the Jacobite rising in 1715, General Wade built a fort (taking from 1729 until 1742) which was named after the Duke of Cumberland. Wade had planned to build a town around the new barracks and call it Wadesburgh. The settlement grew and eventually took the name of this fort. Sitting at the end of Loch Ness right on the Great Glen Fault which cuts across the Highlands. A beautiful location with its upper canal locks. Visitors can have lunch and enjoy tranquil scenery on their Loch Ness trip.

A viewpoint stop on our trip where can see miles of rugged Highland terrain as well as multiple lochs all in one view from General Wades Military Road. In-person is a truly breathtaking sight better than any person or camera can depict.

The Falls of Foyers are two waterfalls on the River Foyers, which feeds Loch Ness, They are located on the lower portion of the River Foyers and consist of the upper falls, with a drop of 46 feet, and the lower falls, which drop 98 feet. Surrounded by woodlands and wildlife you truly enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature. To reach the falls can be a steady staircase down the hill but the nature reserve can be admired from the top just off the road.

On our way back to Inverness we come to Dores Beach which is one of the best viewpoints of Loch Ness – from here you can see all the way down the famous Loch, and you will see why this is a favorite spot for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie. Situated on Dores Beach is the only pub on Loch Ness where you can enjoy a pint of bitterness to round off your day on the Loch Ness tour.