Things to Do

The Caledonian Canal is one of the defining features of Fort Augustus, running right through the heart of the village and linking the east coast of Scotland at Inverness with the west coast at Corpach, near Fort William. Designed by the renowned engineer Thomas Telford in the early 19th century, the canal is an impressive feat of engineering and remains a working waterway today. The highlight for visitors in Fort Augustus is the series of locks that step down into Loch Ness. Watching boats navigate this system is a fascinating experience, especially during the summer months when yachts, cruisers, and leisure craft pass through regularly. Visitors can stroll along the towpath, enjoy the scenic views of the Great Glen, or sit in one of the nearby cafés to watch the action. The locks are also a fantastic place for photography, particularly at sunrise or sunset when the light over the water creates a magical scene. The canal walk is flat and accessible, making it enjoyable for families, dog walkers, and cyclists alike. Interpretive boards along the way provide insight into the canal’s history, construction, and role in connecting the Highlands. For those wanting a longer adventure, the Great Glen Way, a long-distance walking and cycling route, follows the line of the canal from coast to coast. In Fort Augustus, the Caledonian Canal is more than just a landmark – it’s the lively hub of the village, bringing together history, engineering, and a vibrant atmosphere.

No visit to Fort Augustus would be complete without exploring the legendary Loch Ness. From the village pier, daily cruises depart to take visitors out onto Scotland’s most famous loch, offering a chance to learn about its history, wildlife, and of course, the enduring mystery of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Modern cruise boats are equipped with sonar, radar, and underwater imaging, so passengers can see beneath the surface of the water as well as take in the breathtaking scenery above. As you sail across the deep, dark waters, the surrounding landscapes of rolling hills and rugged mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. Along the way, guides share fascinating stories of the loch’s geology, Jacobite history, and the countless reported sightings of Nessie over the years. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles along the Great Glen fault line, making it one of the most photogenic experiences in the Highlands. Wildlife enthusiasts may also spot ospreys, golden eagles, or red deer on the shoreline. Cruises typically last around an hour, making them a perfect short excursion for families, couples, or solo travellers. In the evening, sunset cruises offer a particularly enchanting perspective as the golden light reflects on the still waters. For those looking to experience the loch at its best, a boat trip from Fort Augustus provides the perfect blend of natural beauty, mystery, and adventure.

The Clansman Centre in Fort Augustus offers visitors a unique journey back to the Highlands of the 17th century. Located in a converted schoolhouse by the canal, this living history museum provides an immersive experience that is both educational and entertaining. Here, costumed guides bring to life the traditions, dress, and weaponry of Highland clansmen, offering demonstrations of how people lived, fought, and survived in one of Scotland’s most turbulent periods. Visitors can see authentic weapons such as broadswords, targes, and muskets, while also learning about clan structure, daily life, and the struggles of the Jacobite uprisings. The interactive demonstrations are lively and engaging, often involving the audience, which makes the Clansman Centre especially enjoyable for families and children. Beyond the historical shows, there are exhibits displaying artefacts and information about Highland culture, as well as a gift shop selling traditional crafts, books, and souvenirs. Unlike a standard museum, the Clansman Centre focuses on atmosphere and storytelling, transporting guests to a time when loyalty, kinship, and survival were paramount in the Highlands. For those seeking to understand the human side of Highland history, this is an unmissable stop. With its central location near the canal and welcoming staff, it makes history feel immediate and alive.

Fort Augustus Abbey, with its striking gothic-style architecture, dominates the southern tip of Loch Ness. Originally a Benedictine monastery founded in the late 19th century, the abbey was built on the site of an earlier military fort constructed by the British government in the 18th century to suppress Jacobite uprisings. The abbey buildings are grand and imposing, with sweeping views over the loch and surrounding hills. Today, the abbey is no longer an active monastery, but parts of the complex have been converted into apartments, while other areas remain accessible to visitors. Walking around the grounds, you can admire the beautiful stonework, tranquil gardens, and the sense of peace that permeates the site. For history enthusiasts, the abbey offers a fascinating insight into the changing fortunes of the Highlands, from rebellion and control to religion and community. Visitors can also learn about the Benedictine monks who once lived and worked here, maintaining traditions of prayer, study, and self-sufficiency. The location makes it a perfect spot for photography, particularly with Loch Ness stretching into the distance. While not all areas are open to the public, the abbey’s presence is an essential part of Fort Augustus’s character, combining history, spirituality, and breathtaking scenery in one remarkable setting.

The Great Glen Way is one of Scotland’s most famous long-distance trails, stretching 79 miles from Fort William to Inverness. Fort Augustus sits at the heart of the route, making it an ideal stopping point or base for shorter walks and cycles along the way. The path follows the natural fault line of the Great Glen, linking a chain of lochs including Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and the world-famous Loch Ness. For walkers, the section around Fort Augustus offers a wonderful combination of canal-side strolls, woodland paths, and high-level routes with panoramic views. Those who prefer cycling can also enjoy well-maintained paths suitable for mountain and touring bikes. From Fort Augustus, the climb up to the high route above Loch Ness is particularly rewarding, offering spectacular vistas across the loch and the surrounding hills. The trail is well signposted and accessible, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife such as pine martens, red squirrels, and birds of prey. For more casual visitors, shorter circular walks starting in the village provide a taste of the Great Glen’s landscapes without requiring a full-day trek. Whether you’re embarking on the entire trail or just enjoying a leisurely walk, the Great Glen Way gives a sense of the scale and beauty of the Highlands, with Fort Augustus as a welcoming stop along the journey.

A short walk or drive from Fort Augustus takes you to some of the most spectacular viewpoints over Loch Ness. The South Loch Ness Trail, which passes near the village, offers excellent vantage points where the vast expanse of the loch can be seen in all its glory. Unlike the busier northern shore, the south side of Loch Ness is quieter and less developed, allowing visitors to enjoy unspoilt scenery and a more tranquil atmosphere. From elevated points along the trail, you can see for miles down the loch, with the water often appearing an inky black due to its depth and peat content. These viewpoints are perfect for photography, particularly when the weather changes and shafts of light break through the clouds to illuminate the water. The South Loch Ness Trail also offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, with red deer, buzzards, and even otters occasionally seen along the shores. For walkers, the trail provides a mix of woodland, moorland, and loch-side paths, suitable for various levels of ability. It’s a wonderful way to experience the raw natural beauty of the Highlands while escaping the crowds that gather in the busier tourist spots. For anyone visiting Fort Augustus, setting aside time to take in a Loch Ness viewpoint is essential – it’s here that the scale, mystery, and majesty of the loch truly come alive.