Fort Augustus
At the more scenic southern end of Loch Ness stands the village of Fort Augustus, originally set up as a garrison after the Jacobite rebellion of 1715, and headquarters of General Wade's campaign to pacify the Highlands. Today Fort Augustus is a busy little place; full of monster-hunting tourists and boats using the flight of five locks to enter or leave Loch Ness on their journey along the Caledonian Canal.
The village hosts Highland Gatherings in late June and July, mid-August and early September, featuring traditional dancing and piping competitions, tossing the caber and sheep dog trials.
The Tourist Information Centre, Tel.01320-366779, is in the car park next to the petrol station and Bank of Scotland. It's open April-June Monday-Saturday 1000-1700; July-August 0900-2000; September-October 0900-1800.
Sport
Cycle hire: Maggies Centre offers some first come first served cycle hire. Loch Ness Ferry Co Ltd used to offer cycle hire, but we think they may have stopped. They do have a great outdoor clothing website: http://www.lochnessferrycompanyclothing.co.uk/
Pony trekking Fort Augustus Riding Centre, Pier House, Tel. 366418. Also
Fort Augustus to Dores
The road winds its way up into rugged hills before returning to the lochside at Foyers, where there's accommodation at Intake-House, Tel. 01456- 482258, open April-October; and the small independent youth hostel Foyers House, Tel. 01456-486623. It's worth stopping here to see the impressive waterfall where the River Foyers plunges into Loch Ness. To get there, follow the steep (and slippery) track down from opposite the shops.
Three miles further north, at Inverfarigaig, is the spooky and sinister Boleskine House, once home of Alastair Crowley, who is said to have practised devil worship here. In the 1970s the house was bought by Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin, but sold some years later after the tragic death of his daughter. Those of a nervous disposition may wish to pass on quickly and continue to the little village of Dores, at the northeastern end of the loch, where you can enjoy a good pint of ale and some decent grub at the Dores Inn.
You can then continue to Inverness, or return via the beautiful hill road that leads up to Loch Mhor and back to Fort Augustus via the Stratherrick valley. From Errogie, at the northern end of Loch Mhor, there's a dramatic section of road that winds down to the loch through a series of tight, twisting bends, reminiscent of an Alpine pass, and great for cyclists. There are also some interesting marked woodland trails around Errogie.
Tours
Augusta Tailor-made Cruises and angling trips on Loch Ness and minibus tours in the Highlands and all over Scotland. contact: Mrs Laurence Marquis-Northcote, Augusta Company, Fort Augustus / Tel: +44 (0) 1320 366579
You might also consider Tours with Celia based in Loch Ness area who offers tailored and guided one day tours. (+44 (0)1381 621151)
Eating Out
Other than the hotels in the village, there's the cosy Bothy Bite, Tel. 366710, by the canal bridge, which serves cheap meals from 1200-2100. The Loch Inn, by the canal, is the best place for a drink, and also serves decent pub grub.
Useful Websites
Region
Inverness & Loch NessTravel Directions to Fort Augustus
Fort Augustus is a convenient stopover between Fort William and Inverness, and there are several buses daily in either direction. It takes 1 hr to both towns. There is an additional service between Fort Augustus and Invergarry once a day Mon-Sat.
Fort Augustus to Dores
This route is only possible if you have your own transport. There are buses south from Inverness, but they only run as far as Foyers (3 times Mon-Fri, twice on Sat). Alternatively, it can be done by bike, as a full-day circular trip from Fort Augustus or from Inverness.
Local Sights & Activities for Fort Augustus
On the shores of Loch Ness is Fort Augustus Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery founded in 1876 on the site of the original fort. The abbey closed in 1998, but there are tours of the grounds and cloisters. Info - Easter-Oct daily 0900-1700; Nov-Mar 1000- 1600. Tel. 366233.
By the canal locks is The Clansman Centre, where young guides in traditional dress provide a lively and entertaining presentation of 17th-century Highland family life in an old turf house. There follows a display of weaponry and a mock sword fight in the garden. You can even have your picture taken wearing traditional Highland costume. There's also a craftshop selling the more tasteful kind of souvenirs. Info - Apr, May, Jun and Sep daily 1100-1700; Jul-Aug 1000-1800. Tel. 366444.
Loch Ness Cruises with Loch Ness Ferry Co Ltd, on board the Royal Scot, set off from the jetty in the abbey grounds. Info - Apr-Oct hourly from 1000. The trip lasts 50 mins. Also boat and bike hire. Tel. 01223-208939.
There are numerous good walks around Fort Augustus.
Hotels near Fort Augustus
Featured
-
Kintore Self Catering Holiday cottage sleeps 4
Kintore Self Catering Holiday cottage is situated in the village of Fort Augustus at the head of Loch Ness in the highlands of Scotland.
- Sleeps: 4
-
Highland Club Scotland, Loch Ness
37 Luxury Apartments,from 1- 3 bedroom all self catering and to suit all budgets in the converted Fort Augustus Abbey, situated on the banks of Loch Ness. On site facilities including Swimming pool, Sauna and Steam room, gym. Tennis, Badminton, Football, Table Football and on site Boathouse restaurant.
- Sleeps: 2-8
-
No 3 The Old Convent Apartment, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 2+2
Recently renovated to a very high standard this 1st floor holiday apartment at The Old Convent is situated in the very picturesque village of Fort Augustus which is geographically the centre of the Highlands, perfect for touring the area.
- Sleeps: 2+2
Fort Augustus Cottages and Holiday SelfCatering
-
Laundry Cottage Sleeps 2
Charming cottage for 2 near Glenmoriston on a river bank. Located in remote location north of Fort Augustus in village of Ceannacroc. -
Glen View, Loch Ness - Sleeps 6
Situated within the former St Benedict’s Abbey, one of the finest old buildings in the north of Scotland. Converted to a high standard, this holiday apartment retains original features including a ro... -
Cawdor Cottage, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 4+1
In the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, this listed end-terraced former estate cottage is quietly situated away from the main road yet within 5 minutes walking distance of shops, pubs and .... -
Ivy Cottage, Loch Lochy - Sleeps 2
This little, detached, single-storey holiday cottage is attractively situated by the water’s edge at the north end of Loch Lochy, surrounded by some of Scotland’s most beautiful Highland scener... -
Laundry Cottage, nr Fort Augustus - Sleeps 2
This delightful, peaceful, detached holiday cottage is just yards from the River Doe. Lovingly restored, it lies in the heart of Glenmoriston on a large hill farm (with three munros) in acres of land. Ther... -
Little Dell, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 2
This cosy holiday studio is close to the centre of the popular village of Fort Augustus, and makes the perfect base for exploring this lovely part of the Highlands. Take a cruise on Loch Ness, or meander a... -
Rivendell Cottage, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 4
This bright, very pleasant apartment occupies a wing of the owner’s house and has lovely views over the surrounding countryside towards the hills beyond. This is a comfortable holiday property within... -
River Cottage, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 4
This beautifully presented, detached holiday property is situated in the popular village of Fort Augustus overlooking the waters of the River Oich. There are mountain bike and forest trails on the doorstep... -
The Old Lock Keepers Cottage, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 4
Centrally located in the beautiful village of Fort Augustus, this cosy, semi-detached holiday cottage with open fire enjoys an enviable position just a few yards from the Caledonian Canal with views down t... -
Lock View Apartment , Fort Augustus - Sleeps 4/5
Set in the heart of Fort Augustus and looking out over the locks of the Caledonian Canal, these beautifully presented holiday apartments make the perfect base for enjoying the village amenities and also fo... -
Lock Side Apartment, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 4/5
Set in the heart of Fort Augustus and looking out over the locks of the Caledonian Canal, these beautifully presented holiday apartments make the perfect base for enjoying the village amenities and also fo... -
The Dell, Fort Augustus, sleeps 8
In the picturesque village of Fort Augustus at the southern tip of Loch Ness, this well-equipped detached holiday home makes an ideal base for touring. Walk or cycle along the Great Glen Way, take a pleasu... -
Pine Tops, nr Fort Augustus, sleeps 6
This detached holiday cottage enjoys a peaceful wooded setting with magnificent views. 2½ miles from Fort Augustus, Pine Tops sits at the southern tip of Loch Ness. Walk or cycle from the door, driv... -
Little Forest Cottage, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 4/5
This lovely semi-detached holiday cottage is situated just 2 miles from the picturesque village of Fort Augustus in the heart of the Great Glen. Enjoying a peaceful wooded setting, it is ideally placed for... -
Ness View Cottage, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 3
This traditional semi-detached cottage enjoys a commanding view over the locks of the Caledonian Canal and across Loch Ness beyond. Just a minutes walk away from all the amenities in the centre of the vill... -
Woodbine Cottage, Fort Augustus, sleeps 4
At the southern tip of Loch Ness and within easy walking distance of all the village amenities, this comfortable and charming detached holiday cottage, a family home for 150 years, was originally a croft o... -
Lilybank Cottage, Fort Augustus - Sleeps 6-7
Lilybank is a traditional Highland holiday cottage situated alongside the River Oich, in a secluded position in the picturesque village of Fort Augustus. Loch Ness is at the end of the garden and can be se...