Things to do around Fort Augustus

Fort Augustus is in the historic and scenic Highland region of Scotland, situated between Fort William and Inverness on the shores of Loch Ness. Although the town only boasts a modest population of around 400 people it is a popular and busy tourist destination and with a wide range of activities to keep you occupied during your stay.

 

The Caledonian Canal

The five locks of the famous Caledonian Canal, built in 1803 by Thomas Telford it takes around an hour for boats to pass up or down the 40ft difference in height between Loch Ness and the canal

 

Cruising on Loch Ness

The Royal Scot departs every hour during peak season the boat has powerful Simrad sonar and has had many strange underwater encounters!. Alternatively we can arrange a private charter aboard the Augusta.

 

Golf Course                  
www.fortaugustusgc.webeden.co.uk                      

Forestry Commission
www.forestry.gov.uk/scotland                                                                      

Caledonian Canal Visitor Centre
www.scottishcanals.co.uk                                                

Great Glen Adventures
www. greatglenadventures.com

The Clansman Centre
www.scottish-swords.com

Rare Breeds Croft

Around Loch Ness

No holiday in Scotland is complete without a visit to Loch Ness.

Over 20 miles long, a mile wide and 700 feet at its deepest, Loch Ness is the largest lake in Scotland by volume.  The surrounding area is filled with historic attractions, natural wonders,  cosy places to stay, and superb eateries. The Loch Ness Monster is just one of the many myths and legends to be discovered in this particularly beautiful part of Scotland.

Drumnadrochit

In this nearby town, you will find the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition,  detailing sightings of Nessie going back hundreds of years right up to the present day.  Also the Urquhart castle is close by

Glen Affric,Glen Cannich & Strathglass

A short drive west of Drumnadrochit is the newly designated National Nature Reserve of Glen Affric. This is a beautiful, peaceful area with ancient Caledonian pine forests, secluded lochs,  remote mountains, waterfalls and sightings of Golden eagles. It is a great spot to either relax and get away from it all or go mountain biking, hill walking, trekking or fishing

South Laggan is famed for being the setting for the BBC series, the Monarch of the Glen. Ardverikie Castle, on the south shore of Loch Laggan, was the location of the film Mrs Brown, starring Judi Dench as Queen Victoria. The castle was used as a substitute for Balmoral Castle.  It also has an outdoor centre called Monster activities for various outdoor pursuits such as clay pigeon shooting etc.

Fort William
www.visit-fortwilliam.co.uk

 Further south and only 30 minutes from Fort Augustus is the Nevis Range gondola and ski centre. Take the gondola 2,150 feet up the mountain to the Snowgoose restaurant and enjoy the spectacular views of the west coast and up the Great glen. In summer you could cycle the world cup downhill mountain bike course. In winter, snow permitting you can ski and snow board

Take the Jacobite steam train from Fort William to Mallaig. Regarded as one of the most spectacular train journeys in the world, and famous as being the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films.

South beyond Fort William, you’re into the scenic splendour of Glencoe. With its dramatic peaks soaring to the skies, it is an awe inspiring place to spend time doing gentle valley walks or for the more experienced, tackling some of its Munros

Inverness  

34 miles north of Fort Augustus is the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. The city has loads to offer, from great shopping, bars and restaurants, to the castle and such historic sites as the Culloden Battlefield

Over the Kessock Bridge, north of Inverness and you’re on the Black Isle. Not actually an island but a peninsula sandwiched between the Moray and Cromarty Firths. Here the landscape is gentler, with its sleepy coastal villages and rolling countryside. Why not visit the Moray Firth Dolphin & Seal Centre just over the bridge and keep your eyes open for the rare Red Kites which nest in the area

Aviemore

Just one hour from the village and you are into the Spey valley, famous for its whisky, salmon fishing, the Cairngorm National Park and recently the BBC drama Monarch of the Glen.

Aviemore, with its steam railway and home of Scotland's largest ski area. Cairngorm Mountain has a spectacular funicular railway which whisks you up to 1100 metres in only eight minutes. Here you can enjoy the views in the restaurant and in winter go skiing or snowboarding.

Skye & Lochalsh

Sample the breathtaking scenery of the west coast of Scotland, only an hour’s drive from Fort Augustus. Visiting on the way, Glen Sheil with the dramatic backdrop of the Five Sisters of Kintail mountain range, then on to Eilean Donan castle with its spectacular site on the shores of Loch Duich, the castle was the setting for the famous Highlander films.

Tingle Creek Hotel is a great base to explore Skye and Lochalsh on the road between kyle to Plockton  www.tinglecreek-hotel.co.uk . A few miles down the road There is a lovely Garden centre and gift shop that is a must to go and see and take back a wee gift for that special someone or maybe just a treat for yourself, then check out www.duncraignursery.co.uk then you come to the road to the small fishing village of Plockton with its palm trees its a little piece of "Cornwall in the Highlands"..  

 

The Guesthouse

The Kettle House B & B
Golf Course Road
Fort Augustus, PH32 4BY