Few places stir the imagination like Loch Ness; a jewel in Scotland's crown and a window to its wild and wistful soul. This is a magical place of undisputed natural beauty, shrouded in mystery and legend, where history and heritage are greatly revered.
Our 6-night self-guided walk explores the remote, southern side of Loch Ness where shady forests, tumbling waterfalls and rolling, heather-clad moors provide a misty backdrop to some of the most spectacular hiking in the Scottish Glens. It's a timeless and kaleidoscopic landscape and the place to visit if you want peace, tranquillity and an 'escape from it all' experience.
The walking is relaxed, with a few serious climbs, taking in: the serene Caledonian Canal, a section of the Great Glen Way, pretty Beauly Firth and a wealth of lochs and rivers whose glassy waters mirror the seemingly endless sky. Plant and birdlife are prolific, and there's a high probability of spotting deer too.
The south side of Loch Ness was once the main military route from Fort Augustus to Inverness, and its undiscovered woodland, quiet paths and remote villages are steeped in history. Everywhere you'll be staying has its own unique appeal: a Victorian former mansion; a Highlands country inn and a luxury riverside hotel in the heart of Inverness.
Varied walking following a mixture of woodland paths, country lanes and forest tracks. Some steep, but relatively short, ascents and descents, but a good head for heights is not necessary.
Arrive in the wonderful waterside town of Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands.
You stay at the Best Western Inverness Palace (breakfast included)
After a transfer this morning, from Inverness to Invergarry, set off along a section of the Great Glen Way, overlooking Loch Oich, to the historic Bridge of Oich. Continue along the Caledonian Canal towpath to Fort Augustus, at the southern tip of Loch Ness.
You stay at The Lovat (breakfast included)
Spend the day in Fort Augustus, walking in the surrounding woodland or taking a boat trip on the world-famous waters of Loch Ness to visit Urquhart Castle.
You stay at The Lovat (breakfast included)
Follow the South Loch Ness Trail with spectacular views of the wild and timeless Highlands. Pass through the village of Whitebridge and on, through shaded forest, to Rabbie Burns' famous Falls of Foyers.
You stay at the Craigdarroch Inn (breakfast included)
Head up through the Boleskine woods to Inverfarigaig, with stunning views of the crags of Dun Deardail; from Fair-Haired Lad's Pass down over Loch Ness to the ruins of Urquhart Castle. Take a short bus ride back to Inverness.
You stay at the Best Western Inverness Palace (breakfast included)
Take in the Ness Islands, ancient Craig Phadrig, the sea locks at Beauly Firth and perhaps even spot some dolphins dancing in the waters! Loop back to Inverness to explore its shops, cafes and castle.
You stay at the Best Western Inverness Palace (breakfast included)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199, use our live webchat (we open again 9am tomorrow) or email sales@headwater.com
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Opposite Inverness Castle, Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa is located on the banks of the River Ness. Only a 5-minute walk from Inverness city centre, this hotel offers a swimming pool, leisure club, spa and free WiFi.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
NEARBY:
The Lovat is an award-winning eco-conscious hotel, situated on the southern tip of Loch Ness. The beautiful Victorian building with authentic decor is located in the loch-side village of Fort Augustus and has a restaurant which, in 2007, was named a Top 10 Restaurant in Scotland by the Press and Journal. It was recently awarded three AA rosettes for culinary excellence.
Room upgrades: Please contact us for details.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Situated in the village of Foyers on Loch Ness' southern side, surrounded by heather covered hills, sparkling lochs and breath-taking views, with the famous 'Falls of Foyers' waterfall just minutes' walk away. This recently refurbished country hotel has a peaceful ambience, with the comfortable feel of a Highland lodge. The public rooms offer spectacular views over Loch Ness; a perfect place to sit, relax and do a spot of Nessie hunting. It's also possible to sample one of the many whiskies available.If you'd like to extend your trip with extra nights at the start or end, or if you'd like to arrange a stop off point en-route, then we recommend the following hotels.
Find out more on the hotel website.
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Opposite Inverness Castle, Best Western Palace Hotel & Spa is located on the banks of the River Ness. Only a 5-minute walk from Inverness city centre, this hotel offers a swimming pool, leisure club, spa and free WiFi.
Extra nights: Please contact us for details.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Inverness train station at any time (5 mins), no transfer is included at the end of the trip.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Here at Headwater we thrive on feedback and pride ourselves on our excellent customer service. Below is a small selection of reviews we've received from our satisfied customers.
Exemplary
Good communication and rapid responses to questions by e-mail and later by ‘phone. We anticipate the holiday to meet all our expectations.
Brilliant ***
Enthusiastic sales person
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 6 night self-guided walking holiday includes:
Hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of hotels
All breakfasts
Briefing at the start of your holiday
Comprehensive route directions provided prior to departure
Standard transfers to your first hotel (if booking inclusive flights), pay locally for return transfer
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 (we open again 9am tomorrow) or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
We do not currently have departure dates and prices available on-line. The season may have ended for this tour, or we are still in the process of adding these details to our website. Please contact us for further details.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed by Headwater rep.
Departures
Meals
All breakfasts
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Inverness train station at any time (5 mins), no transfer is included at the end of the trip.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 (we open again 9am tomorrow) or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.