Fort Augustus

This picturesque village is situated at the southern end of Loch Ness right on the Great Glen Fault which cuts across the Highlands. The old Benedictine Abbey stands on the site of the fort built in 1720 by General Wade to subdue the Highlanders. It was named after the King's son, William Augustus - the Duke of Cumberland who later became known as 'The Butcher' after the Battle of Culloden near Inverness put paid to the Jacobite Uprising.

The village is cut in half by the Caledonian Canal and the road traffic is stopped when the swing bridge is opened. You can sit by the flight of locks watching yachts and cruisers as they navigate slowly up and down between the canal and Loch Ness.

Enjoy fish and chips or an ice cream as you marvel at this incredible feat of engineering. Owned by Scottish Canals, the visitor centre by the locks explains how the Canal was designed by Thomas Telford and opened in 1822. This 60-mile long canal significantly reduced journey times for merchant skippers by providing a direct link between the east and west coasts of Scotland.

Today you can hire a small cruiser or a canoe and enjoy a relaxing day on the water. There are also plenty of boat trips which will take you out onto Loch Ness with a chance of spotting the monster on the boat's radar.

Step back in time with a visit to The Clansman Centre where you can see how the clans lived in the 17th century and experience some of the live re-enactments with weapons demonstrations.

Fort Augustus is also a key stop on the Great Glen Way, a 79-mile trail across Scotland from Fort William in the west to Inverness on the east coast. You can walk this trail in stages taking 5 - 8 days. Alternatively, you can walk or cycle the new Loch Ness 360 which now enables you to complete the whole 80-mile circuit around this famous loch.

Fort Augustus is situated in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, some 30 miles south of Inverness and 30 miles north of Fort William.

Scotland's Best B&Bs in the Loch Ness area:

Binnilidh Mhor
This 4 Star B&B is situated in Glenmoriston near Loch Ness, half way between Inverness and the Isle of Skye. Set in its own grounds surrounded by open views and forests, it's perfect for hill walking or an ideal touring base. Choice of double/twin bedrooms or a large suite for 4 people. Only one household group will stay here at a time. Evening meals (1, 2 or 3 courses) are available with prior notice. Taste our Best award. BOOK NOW

Inverness House
4 Star elegant contemporary villa on the banks of the Caledonian Canal just 5 minutes drive from Inverness city centre. Relax in the garden or enjoy peaceful walks by the canal and nearby nature reserve overlooking the Moray Firth. You can even hire a kayak or bike from your hosts to explore more. Choice of 4 ensuite superking/twin bedrooms. An ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts or a romantic getaway. BOOK NOW

Ardmeanach House
This elegantly furnished Victorian villa is just short walk from Inverness city centre, the River Ness and Caledonian Canal. Choice of 5 ensuite bedrooms - 3 kingsize double rooms (2 with four-poster beds), 1 twin and 1 single. One of the double rooms is on the ground floor (no stairs). This historic property was built in the 1860s and has links to the Bishops of Inverness. It's within walking distance of all the city's attractions, shops and restaurants. An ideal base for touring the Highlands or exploring the North Coast 500. Open April - October. BOOK NOW

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