Introduction

This evening I am reporting on a one-day trip around the Loch Ness region for a small group.

Loch Ness from eastern side.

Information on the Loch Ness Region Tour- Part 1

First, we departed our lodgings in Fort William and headed north.

Weather today was an improvement on the persistent rain experienced previously. Today, comprised a blend of sunshine and showers, which did provide some useful light conditions for photography.

Our first destination was Fort Augustus where we had an enforced stop at a swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal. This allowed boats to pass from the adjacent flight of locks into Loch Ness. We also took a short diversion to connect with the southern tip of the famous Loch.

Boat traffic entering Loch Ness from the Caledonian Canal

Next we tracked the western side of Loch Ness to Castle Urquhart, about half way up the Loch. This castle provides a good vantage point to view the Loch both north and south.

Castle Urquhart

Loch Ness looking north from Castle Urquhart

After Castle Urquhart we continued north toInverness. Then east to Culloden Moor where we visited the site of the last battle on British soil, in 1746. Combatants were the Jacobites under Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Hanoverian forces of the British Government. Result of this conflict was defeat for the Jacobites and ultimate exile of their leader.

Collective grave of Clan Fraser at Culloden

Culloden Battlefield, Scotland

Information on the Loch Ness Region Tour- Part 2

After Culloden we moved on to the nearby prehistoric site of Clava Cairns. This is a revered burial-place from the Bronze Age, about 4000 years ago.

Clava Cairns Passage Grave.

Clava Cairns prehistoric burial site.

Next, we returned to Inverness and then tracked Loch Ness south back to Fort Augustus. However, this time we travelled along the eastern side of the loch. On this route we encountered glorious scenery, the Falls of Foyers and Red Deer both farmed and wild.

Glen Mor landscape

Glen Mor landscape, Scotland.

Finally, we returned to Fort William and our lodgings for the night.

Next destination is the Isle of Skye.

More information

For information on Scotland’s extensive history, wildlife, geology, castles, sightseeing and much more please refer to the publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.