How to visit Loch Ness

When you visit Loch Ness, you’re exploring more than just a lake—it's a vast region of Highland scenery, historic castles, and charming villages. A trip to Loch Ness involves choosing a focused route, whether it's hunting for Nessie from a boat, exploring the ruins of Urquhart Castle, or simply enjoying the scenic drives along its shores. The sheer size of the loch means smart planning is key to make the most of your time and have a memorable visit to Loch Ness.

What are the key logistical considerations?

The main hubs for those who visit Loch Ness are Fort Augustus at the southern end and Drumnadrochit, home to the Loch Ness Centre, near the north. These towns are connected by the A82 road, which runs along the western side of the loch and is the primary route for visitors. While buses and guided tours offer a stress-free way to visit Loch Ness, renting a car provides the most flexibility to stop at viewpoints and lesser-known spots. Be aware that the single road can get congested, especially in summer. To make the most of your time, consider starting your Loch Ness adventure at one end and working your way back, perhaps starting in Fort Augustus and heading north.

How can I make the most of my time?

Quick visit (2–3 hrs)

If you only have a short time to visit Loch Ness, focus on the lake and the Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit and take a quick photo op from one of the nearby viewpoints.

Half-day (4–5 hrs)

For a more in-depth experience, take a boat tour from either Fort Augustus or Drumnadrochit. Afterwards, explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle, a must-see for anyone who wants to visit Loch Ness.

Full day (6+ hrs)

An extended visit to Loch Ness could include a boat tour and a visit to Urquhart Castle, followed by a scenic drive to Fort Augustus to see the Caledonian Canal locks.

Handy tips

Tickets: Pre-book your tickets for boat tours and Urquhart Castle, especially during peak season, to save time and secure your spot when you visit Loch Ness.
Best times: Arrive before 10am to avoid crowds at popular sites like Urquhart Castle. The late afternoon can also be a quieter time for a boat trip.
Rules: Dress in layers! The weather in the Scottish Highlands can change rapidly.
Cruise: To truly get a sense of the scale of the loch, take a boat tour. The views from the water are completely different from those on land, and it’s the best way to get a feel for the mysterious loch.

Must-see attractions when you visit Loch Ness

Urquhart Castle

An iconic ruin with over 1,000 years of history, located right on the banks of the loch—a must-see on any Loch Ness itinerary.

Loch Ness Centre

Explore the science and history behind the famous monster myth through engaging exhibits and immersive storytelling. This is an essential stop for anyone who wants to learn more about the legend on their visit to Loch Ness.

Falls of Foyers

A 165-foot waterfall nestled in a woodland gorge and a natural wonder to include in your Loch Ness trip.

Fort Augustus

A picturesque village at the southern end of the loch, known for its series of locks on the Caledonian Canal. This is a great base for your visit to Loch Ness.

Inverness

A vibrant city with a rich history, serving as the main gateway for your visit to Loch Ness.

Dores Beach

A scenic shingle beach with one of the best viewpoints of the loch, perfect for a photo opportunity and a peaceful moment on your visit to Loch Ness.

Things to know before booking Loch Ness tours

If you plan to visit Loch Ness, choosing the way to get there is key to making the most of your adventure. Whether you book a guided tour or decide to go DIY, there are several factors to consider. A guided day trip to Loch Ness often includes transfers from major cities like Inverness, Edinburgh, or Glasgow, saving you the hassle of navigating on your own. This is a significant advantage, especially if you want to visit Loch Ness and other remote Highland locations in a single day.
When you visit Loch Ness, consider what’s included in your tour. Many guided trips do not include tickets for key attractions, such as a Loch Ness cruise and entry to Urquhart Castle, so remember to book them separately.
Accessibility is another important factor; while some boat tours are wheelchair accessible, certain parts of Urquhart Castle may not be.

Getting to Loch Ness

A guided tour is the most convenient way to visit Loch Ness and explore the Highlands without the stress of driving or planning. These tours often include transport from Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Inverness, and a guide, making for a truly hassle-free experience to visit Loch Ness.

Time: 11–13 hours to/from Edinburgh/Glasgow; 8–9 hours to/from Inverness
Cost: £60 - £100+, depending on inclusions and starting city
Pros: Hassle-free, curated itinerary, includes key sights and commentary
Cons: Less flexible than self-driving, long day trip from major cities

While there is no direct train to Loch Ness, you can travel to Inverness by rail. The journey offers scenic views, especially from Glasgow. Once in Inverness, you'll need to arrange onward transport to the loch itself.

Time: ~3.5 hours from Glasgow, ~3.5-6 hours from Edinburgh (with changes)
Cost: £25 - £90+ depending on booking time
Best for: Independent travellers who prefer rail travel and a scenic journey
Cons: No direct service to Loch Ness; requires additional bus or taxi from Inverness

The most budget-friendly option to visit Loch Ness. Buses connect major cities to Inverness, from where you can take a local bus or taxi to the loch. The journey can be long, but it's a great way to save money and enjoy the views from the road.

Time: ~4-5 hours from Edinburgh/Glasgow to Inverness; ~30 mins from Inverness to Loch Ness
Cost: £20 - £40 for the main leg, plus local bus fare
Best for: Budget travellers and solo trips
Cons: Can be slower due to traffic; requires a change in Inverness

Driving offers the ultimate flexibility to visit Loch Ness and explore the surrounding Highlands at your own pace. The A82 road that runs along the loch is particularly scenic, but be prepared for narrow sections and potential peak-season traffic.

Time: ~3.5 hours from Edinburgh/Glasgow, ~30 mins from Inverness
Cost: Rental + fuel (~£60+ per day)
Best for: Groups, families, and those wanting a flexible itinerary
Cons: Navigation stress, parking challenges at popular spots, peak-season traffic

How to get around near Loch Ness

Walking around

The Loch Ness area is beautiful, but not designed for walking from one end to the other. Footpaths exist around key towns like Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus. The Loch Ness 360° Trail, an 80-mile loop, is for serious hikers, not casual sightseeing.

Time: Varies greatly. A village walk is 15-30 mins, but longer trail sections can take hours.
Cost: Free
Best for: Exploring small towns, short nature trails, and taking in local sights.
Cons: Sites are far apart, terrain is steep and rugged, and weather can be unpredictable. You can’t walk around the entire loch easily.

Local transport (Bus)

Bus services connect the main villages along the loch, such as Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus, to the nearby city of Inverness. This is a budget-friendly way to visit Loch Ness and its main attractions.

Time: Inverness to Drumnadrochit is about 30 mins.
Cost: Varies, but a typical fare is around £4.
Pros: Cost-effective, covers major attractions.
Cons: Services are not frequent, especially in the off-season. It can be slow due to multiple stops.

Taxis/Private hire

Taxis are available in major hubs like Inverness and can be pre-booked for travel in the Loch Ness area. This is a convenient option for getting directly to your destination, particularly if you want to save time.

Time: Flexible, direct routes.
Cost: Varies, but expect a minimum charge and a higher cost for longer distances.
Best for: Saving time, small groups, or travelling to/from trailheads.
Cons: Significantly more expensive than the bus; availability can be limited in more rural spots.

Car rentals

Renting a car offers the most flexibility for your visit to Loch Ness. It allows you to explore at your own pace, stop at hidden viewpoints, and drive the full scenic route around the loch.

Time: Flexible
Cost: Rental fee, plus fuel and parking.
Best for: Groups, families, and those who want a flexible itinerary.
Cons: The roads can be narrow, especially on the less-travelled B862 (south side). Traffic can be heavy in peak season, and parking at popular sites can be a challenge.

Efficiency tip: To get the most out of your visit to Loch Ness, combine a car rental for flexibility with a boat tour for an unforgettable view of the loch from the water.

Where to eat near Loch Ness

Here are a few recommended spots where you can enjoy authentic dishes, convenient locations, and great value when you visit Loch Ness. To truly visit Loch Ness and appreciate its charm, make sure to sample the local flavours.

The Dores Inn

A charming loch-side pub offering classic Scottish fare with views of Loch Ness.

Where it is: Located right on the shore of Loch Ness in the village of Dores. [View on map →]
Cuisine: Scottish/pub grub
Rating: ⭐ 4.5/5 on Google
Price point: ££ (mid-range)
Must-try: The Cullen Skink and the fish & chips

Fiddler's Highland Restaurant

A welcoming spot known for its extensive whisky selection and hearty Scottish dishes.

Where it is: In Drumnadrochit, a short walk from the Loch Ness Centre. [View on map →]
Cuisine: Scottish/European
Rating: ⭐ 4.6/5 on Google
Price point: ££ (mid-range)
Must-try: The Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties

Cobbs Restaurant

The hotel restaurant offers a classic dining experience with panoramic views of the loch.

Where it is: On the A82, right on the shores of Loch Ness. [View on map →]
Cuisine: Scottish/British
Rating: ⭐ 4.2/5 on Google
Price point: £££ (upscale)
Must-try: Locally sourced venison

Ness Deli

A perfect stop for a quick, delicious sandwich, coffee, or a sweet treat.

Where it is: In Drumnadrochit, across from the Loch Ness Centre. [View on map →]
Cuisine: Deli/café
Rating: ⭐ 4.4/5 on Google
Price point: £ (budget)
Must-try: A freshly made sandwich and a hot coffee

Where to shop near Loch Ness

There's no better way to remember your trip than by bringing home a unique keepsake. As you visit Loch Ness, you'll discover a charming collection of local shops and markets that offer authentic Scottish crafts, food, and souvenirs. Whether you're looking for a special gift or a memento to mark your journey, these spots are a must-see when you visit Loch Ness.

The Clansman Centre

Step back in time in Fort Augustus with a shop specialising in Celtic crafts, unique souvenirs, and traditional Highland weaponry.

Pro-tip: Look for hand-made clan shields and Harris Tweed products.

Loch Ness Clay Works Pottery & Cafe

A vibrant studio and shop near Drumnadrochit, where you can find handcrafted pottery and ceramics, each piece reflecting the beauty of the Highlands.

Pro tip: The vibrant, handcrafted pottery and ceramic pieces are a must-buy.

Loch Ness Gifts

This family-owned shop in Drumnadrochit is a treasure trove of Scottish and Nessie-themed gifts, from quality clothing to local shortbread.

Pro-tip: Look out for Nessie-themed soft toys, books, and locally sourced food products.

The Victorian Market

Located in nearby Inverness, this historic covered market features a collection of unique, independent shops.

Pro-tip: Wander through the stalls for artisanal crafts, fine jewellery, and local produce.

The Camerons Tea Room & Farm Shop

Situated on the scenic south side of the loch near Foyers, this spot combines a tearoom with a shop full of local gifts and food products.

Pro-tip: Don't miss the homemade treats, cards, and small gifts.

Tips from locals

Go in the shoulder season: To avoid the crowds and find a bit more solitude on your visit to Loch Ness, plan your trip for April, May, or October. You'll still get a good chance of clear weather and views, but with fewer tourists.
Take the scenic route: Most visitors drive the A82 along the northern shore, which is the main tourist trail for a visit to Loch Ness. For a more peaceful and quieter journey, take the B862 along the south side of the loch. The road is narrower and windier, so drive with caution and use the designated passing places to allow cars to pass in either direction.
Don't skip the lesser-known villages: While Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus are popular stops for a visit to Loch Ness, consider exploring smaller communities. Consider a town like Foyers, on the southern shore, home to the Falls of Foyers.
Don’t skip Dores Beach: Located at the northeastern end of the loch, Dores Beach is a quieter alternative to the more popular tourist spots. It offers views down the length of the loch and is a perfect place to sit and watch the sun set. There's also a pub, the Dores Inn, nearby that is a favourite with locals.
Try the local fare: Beyond the pubs, look for smaller, independent cafes and tearooms. In Drumnadrochit, the Quila Cridhe Tearoom offers fantastic food and a view of the loch with Highland cows roaming nearby. In Foyers, Cameron's Tearoom is a local favourite.
Give way on single-track roads: If you find yourself on a single-track road, be courteous and use the designated passing places. The rule of thumb is that the vehicle closest to a passing place should pull in and wait for the other car to go by.
Avoid the mid-day rush at Urquhart Castle: This castle on the shores of the loch is a must-see for anyone on a visit to Loch Ness, but it can get very crowded. To avoid the long lines and packed grounds, arrive right when it opens or visit an hour or so before closing for a more peaceful experience.
Bring midge repellent: If you're planning a visit to Loch Ness during the summer, particularly in June, July, or August, be aware of the "midge," a tiny biting insect. Locals know to carry a good repellent, often called "smidge," to ward them off, especially in wooded areas or near the water.
Explore the Ness Islands in Inverness: While not on the loch itself, these beautiful, natural islands in the River Ness are a local gem. Linked by Victorian suspension bridges, they offer a peaceful escape and are a great place for a picnic. It's an easy walk from the city centre of Inverness.
Try the Loch Ness 360° Trail: If you're a keen hiker or cyclist, this 80-mile trail circles the entire loch. You don't have to do the whole thing to enjoy it; locals often tackle smaller sections. It's a great way to see the scenery away from the main road, as it provides some of the best viewpoints.