Prolong your stay, expand your mind.
Ceud Mìle Fàilte - or a hundred thousand welcomes - to Loch Ness and the Great Glen, one of the most celebrated holiday destinations in the UK, renowned not only as the home of the legendary Loch Ness Monster but as the home of iconic Scottish scenery and vibrant Highland culture.
A vast array of sights and attractions are on offer in the area. Whether you wish to view the landscape from a mountain summit or admire the panorama from a comfortable setting, there is a style to suit all. If your sense of adventure tends towards the stimulating or towards the sedate, Loch Ness and the Great Glen can provide a range of activities to suit any taste.
Things to do & sights to see - Locally
• There is no better way to appreciate the wonders of Loch Ness than to view the loch on board one of the cruises or boat trips.
• Gain insight into the significance of Loch Ness and discover more at one of the two Loch Ness Exhibition Centres.
• Visit Urquhart Castle, once one of Scotland's largest castles, now a ruin rich with history. Learn of the castle's past at the informative centre featuring an interpretation area and audio-visual presentation.
• Explore the Loch Ness area on foot on the many marked walks, ranging from the gentle stroll to the more demanding hike.
• Enjoy the tranquillity of the surrounding landscape on horseback on the varied and magnificent rides available around Loch Ness and the Great Glen.
• Take a scenic bike ride on the growing network of trails in the area or challenge yourself at Balnain Bike Park - the cycling equivalent of a skateboard park.
Things to do & sights to see - Further afield
• Discover Glen Affric, said to be one of Scotland's most beautiful Glens and also a designated National Nature Reserve. Located west of Drumnadrochit, Glen Affric offers a unique combination of mountain scenery, ancient Caledonian forests, rivers and impressive waterfalls.
• Visit Corrimony chambered cairn - an ancient highland burial ground.
• North East of Inverness is Fort George, a large 18th century fortress with what is considered to be the mightiest artillery fortifications in Europe. Situated on the coast of the Moray Firth, visitors to Fort George may be lucky enough to spot dolphins.
Day Trips
West of Drumnadrochit
• Take a journey to the West Coast of Scotland, only 1 hour from Drumnadrochit. Visit the famous Eilean Donan Castle, and perhaps take a trip to Skye or admire the dramatic coastline, home to quaint coastal villages.
North of Drumnadrochit
• Travel north to view some of Scotland's most awe-inspiring country. Contemplate the landscapes of the Highland Clearances. Play golf at the many golf courses in the Highlands. Visit Dunrobin Castle and the Queen Mother's Castle of Mey, or experience the surf at Thurso - recently voted in the top 10 waves in Europe.
East of Drumnadrochit
• Travel east of Drumnadrochit and you will be in Whisky Country. Speyside is home to numerous distilleries offering guided tours. The area is also famous for the Speyside Way, a long distance walking route that follows the River Spey through some of Morayshire's most beautiful scenery.
South of Drumnadrochit
• Visit the Cairngorms National Park and its surroundings, often called ‘Monarch of the Glen country', named after the TV series filmed in the area. Enjoy a family day out at Landmark Forest Theme Park, ideal for all the family.
Events in the area
• The Glen Affric Walking festival takes place each May/June and offers walks ranging from the easy to the strenuous, each guided by an expert from the Forestry Commission.
• The annual Rock Ness music festival takes place on the shores of Loch Ness in June.
• Highland games are held throughout the summer months at various locations a way of celebrating Scottish culture and heritage. Glenurquhart Highland Games are usually held on the last Saturday in August.
• There is a great programme of entrertainment at the Craigmonie Centre and Blairbeg Hall. Go to www.craigmoniecentre.co.uk and www.glenurquhart.info to find out more.
• Belladrum Festival is an eclectic, two-day family-friendly festival which takes place in August. Belladrum, also known as the Tartan Heart Festival, features live music and performing arts, ceilidh dancing, and kids' entertainments.
• The Loch Ness Beer Festival in September offers its visitors the chance to sample a wide variety of ales and cider.
• Recognised as one of the UK's leading marathons, the Baxters Loch Ness Marathon takes place every October and follows a spectacular point-to-point route through stunning Highland scenery. In addition there is a River Ness 10k run and a 5k fun run.
• The Loch Ness Hogmanay festival is a true Highland celebration on New Year's Eve that includes live entertainment, dancing and a torchlight procession.
Take advantage of what's on offer. Take time to relax. Take pleasure in the surroundings. And when your visit to Loch Ness and the Great Glen comes to an end, take home fond memories.