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Can you walk around Loch Ness?

Walking the Loch Ness 360° Trail This route is 80 miles (129.5 km) long, and we recommend walking it over six days – one section per day. Or, if you're looking for a shorter walk, take any of the six sections and follow that part of the trail. Each part of the walk has its own unique things to see and enjoy.



Yes, you can walk around the entire circumference of Loch Ness using the Loch Ness 360° Trail. This epic long-distance route covers approximately 80 miles (128 km) and connects the Great Glen Way on the north side with the South Loch Ness Trail. It typically takes 6 to 7 days to complete on foot. The trail begins and ends in Inverness and takes you through dramatic Highland scenery, including the Falls of Foyers, Urquhart Castle, and the steep "Suidhe Viewpoint." While the path is well-marked and generally moderate in difficulty, some sections involve significant elevation changes. In 2026, it is a high-value strategy to book your accommodation (B&Bs or campsites) months in advance, especially during the peak season from May to September. For those who don't want to walk the full loop, many travelers choose to walk the "South Side" for a more secluded, quiet experience away from the busy A82 road that dominates the north shore.

People Also Ask

Loch Ness is long and skinny, stretching from Fort Augustus up to Inverness. Halfway up the loch, on the western shore, is Urquhart Castle. This is the most scenic spot to view Loch Ness and the prime location to spot Nessie. If visiting Scottish castles excites you, Urquhart Castle is a great one to visit.

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The best free attraction in the neck of the woods also happens to be the main attraction. It doesn't cost anything to take in the splendour of Loch Ness and have a walk along its shores.

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We talked to people who lived their whole lives in Scotland and still have not seen Loch Ness. What does that tell you? If you believe in Nessie, then yes, a visit here is absolutely worth it. If you are not a believer, then maybe your time is better spent in other areas of Scotland.

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There are so many options for things to see and do, here are some of our favourites.
  1. Firstly, we suggest driving around Loch Ness in an anti-clockwise direction. ...
  2. Falls of Foyers. ...
  3. Dores. ...
  4. Inverness. ...
  5. Drumnadrochit. ...
  6. Urquart Castle. ...
  7. Invermoriston Falls. ...
  8. Fort Augustus.


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Edinburgh, Scotland Split into two distinct halves, Edinburgh is one of the most walkable cities around.

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''Loch Ness is one of those rare destinations that engages everyone, from children enchanted with Nessie, to adults interested in photography, hiking and more. It combines Jacobite history, stunning scenery and the possibility of a monster sighting, ensuring it's a perfect destination all year round, for all ages. ''

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The great lake that Hogwarts is surrounded by was filmed at two different lochs, one being Loch Shiel. However, Loch Shiel was used for Buckbeak's flight and as the lake that the astronomy tower looked out over. With beautiful views, which is probably why the film team chose this Loch!

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There are bus services from Inverness to both sides of Loch Ness. The easiest way to catch a bus to Loch Ness is by visiting Drumnadrochit on the North Side. The Citylink 919 bus route runs from Inverness to Drumnadrochit in about a half hour. Buses on this route run about every two hours, beginning at 9:00 AM.

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Let's start with the basics. If you look at a map of Britain, Scotland is at the top, look at the far northern tip of the island ? that's John O Groats. Now move south along the east coast until you get to the pointy end of the V shape ? that's Inverness, the nearest city to Loch Ness.

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