Caledonian Canal
Thomas Telford's masterpiece of engineering, connecting the North Sea to the Atlantic through the Great Glen via a chain of lochs and 29 locks.
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highlands
Loch Ness
Loch Ness is a place where myth and Highland majesty meet: a long, deep ribbon of dark water threading through the Great Glen, holding more fresh water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined. Its steep, wooded shores and rugged cliffs frame sweeping views, while the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle stand sentinel over the loch, echoing centuries of Scottish history. Beyond the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, visitors discover a landscape rich in natural beauty and culture, from the lively streets and riverside walks of nearby Inverness to tranquil paths along the Caledonian Canal, one of the 19th century’s great feats of engineering.
Attractions
Cawdor Castle
A romantic medieval castle forever linked to Shakespeare's Macbeth, surrounded by stunning gardens and ancient woodland in the heart of Cawdor village.
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Clava Cairns
A remarkably well-preserved Bronze Age cemetery featuring passage graves, ring cairns, and standing stones in an atmospheric woodland setting.
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Corrimony Cairn
A beautifully preserved Neolithic chambered cairn in Glen Urquhart, where visitors can crawl inside the 4,000-year-old burial chamber.
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Culloden Battlefield
The haunting site of the last pitched battle on British soil, where the 1746 Jacobite defeat changed Scotland forever, now preserved with a world-class visitor centre.
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Dores Beach
A peaceful pebbly beach at the northern end of Loch Ness, beloved by monster hunters and offering some of the best views down the length of the famous loch.
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Falls of Foyers
A spectacular waterfall plunging 140 feet through a wooded gorge on the quieter south side of Loch Ness, once described by Robert Burns as worthy of the journey alone.
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Fort Augustus
A charming village at the southern end of Loch Ness where the Caledonian Canal's flight of locks provides endless entertainment as boats navigate between loch and canal.
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Glen Affric
Often called Scotland's most beautiful glen, a pristine landscape of ancient Caledonian pine forest, shimmering lochs, and soaring mountains.
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Inverness Castle
A striking red sandstone castle overlooking the River Ness, currently being transformed into a major new visitor attraction celebrating Highland culture and history.
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Loch Ness Centre
The definitive exhibition exploring the legend of the Loch Ness Monster and the fascinating natural history of Scotland's most mysterious loch.
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Urquhart Castle
One of Scotland's most iconic castles, dramatically situated on a rocky promontory overlooking Loch Ness with a history spanning over 1,000 years.
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What You Can Experience
- Cruise the mysterious waters of Loch Ness
- Explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle
- Visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
- Walk along the Caledonian Canal towpath
- Discover Inverness, the Highland capital
- Photograph the spectacular Highland scenery
Best Time to Visit
May to September offers the best weather and longest days, ideal for boat trips and outdoor exploration. Autumn brings stunning colours to the surrounding forests, while winter provides a more atmospheric, quieter experience.
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