Local Attractions & Activities

Being located in the centre of the Highlands you will find lots to do, either on the "door step" or a little further field. This is just a brief taster of what is on offer, and we recommend a visit to the Fort Augustus tourist information centre located at the main car park, for a more comprehensive guide.

Salmon and trout fishing. River Cottage offers Trout fishing immediately outside the front door. Salmon fishing (subject to permit) available in Fort Augustus. In addition there are a number of hill lochs in the area and sea fishing can also be enjoyed as you are only about 1 hours drive to the coast.

Urquhart Castle is surely one of the most picturesquely situated castles in the Scottish Highlands. Located 16 miles from Fort Augustus, the castle, one of the largest in Scotland, dominates a sandstone bluff overlooking much of the length of Loch Ness. In the past the location endowed Urquhart with strategic importance; as far back as the beginning of the Christian era, a small Iron Age fortification occupied this promontory.

The Official Loch Ness Monster Exhibition
The exhibition is centred upon a walk-through forty minute audio / visual presentation displays a lot of the actual equipment used in the exploration of Loch Ness. There is also a selection of shops and craft demonstrations. Your photograph can be taken outdoors beside a 'life-size' Nessie monster. Free parking space and disabled facilities are available.

Hill walking The famous Corrieyairack Pass starts in Fort Augustus and enables walkers to experience the true beauty and stunning scenery of Scotland. Alternatively there are many forestry tracks and hill walks in the area including the Great Glen Way. Ben Nevis the UK's highest mountain is only 40 minutes drive away for those feeling a little more energetic.
Mountain Biking The Great Glen Cycle Route can be picked up just outside the village, enabling safe traffic free cycling. The Great Glen Mountain Bike Trail (80 miles) is a fully way-marked mountain biking route and runs from Fort William to Inverness. The Route is managed by the Forestry Commission and further information and a guide can be obtained from local Tourist Offices.

Skiing Annoch Mor ski area is just 20 miles away and Aviemore 45 miles away. All areas have modern lifts and prepared slopes.

Golf Scotland is the home of Golf, so where better to enjoy a round? Fort Augustus has its own 9 hole course that runs parallel to the Caledonian Canal. Larger courses can be found in and around Inverness, with championship courses at Royal Dornoch, Tain, Nairn West and Nairn Dunbar.
Highland Games During the summer months most towns and villages hold their own Highland Games, tossing the caber, highland dancing and cycling all form part of the games. Enquire locally for details.

Cruise Loch Ness - The Royal Scot. This purpose built ship can accommodate 111 people inside or out. Hi tech sonar equipment and huge display screen allows you to see what lies underneath the water!!! A licensed bar serves light snacks, tea and coffee or something a bit stronger. The Royal Scot is located just before the swing bridge in the village, all information regarding cruise times can be found here.

The Clansman Centre Fort Augustus This is a living history museum located on the canal. Giving a fascinating insight to local history.

The Highland Wildlife Park Discover the amazing variety of animals found in present day Scotland, then step back in time. Meet the animals that roamed hundreds, even thousands of years ago: the animals of our ancestors. Drive around the Main Reserve and then investigate the themed Habitat areas by foot.

Whiskey tasting One of Scotland's most famous products. Many distilleries welcome visitors for guided tours and tasting. A must for Whiskey lovers.
 

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