At Fort Augustus, boats using the Caledonian Canal are raised and lowered 13m by a ‘ladder’ of five consecutive locks. It’s fun to watch, and the neatly landscaped canal banks are a great place to soak up the sun or compare accents with fellow tourists. The Caledonian Canal Centre, beside the lowest lock, has information on the history of the canal.
Caledonian Canal
Loch Ness
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
26.73 MILES
This place features a drive-through safari park as well as animal enclosures offering the chance to view rarely seen native wildlife, such as wildcats,…
27.55 MILES
The Jacobite Steam Train, hauled by a former LNER K1 or LMS Class 5MT locomotive, travels the scenic two-hour run between Fort William and Mallaig…
27.85 MILES
The main attraction in Inverness is a leisurely stroll along the river to the Ness Islands. Planted with mature Scots pine, fir, beech and sycamore, and…
Glen Affric National Nature Reserve
15.29 MILES
The upper reaches of Glen Affric are designated as the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, a scenic wonderland of shimmering lochs, rugged mountains and…
15.39 MILES
Commanding a superb location 1.5 miles east of Drumnadrochit, with outstanding views (on a clear day), Urquhart Castle is a popular Nessie-hunting hot…
15.4 MILES
This Nessie-themed attraction adopts a scientific approach that allows you to weigh the evidence for yourself. Exhibits include original equipment – sonar…
22.46 MILES
This open-air museum comprises a collection of historical buildings and artefacts revealing many aspects of Highland culture and lifestyle. Laid out like…
24.77 MILES
Ruthven Barracks was one of four garrisons built by the British government after the first Jacobite rebellion of 1715, as part of a Hanoverian scheme to…
Nearby Loch Ness attractions
0.09 MILES
This visitor centre beside the lowest lock of the Caledonian Canal houses a gift shop, an information desk and a small museum chronicling the history of…
0.12 MILES
This exhibition of 17th-century Highland life has live demonstrations of how to put on a plaid (the forerunner of the kilt) and how the claymore (Highland…
11.04 MILES
A forestry car park 3 miles south of Tomich is the starting point for a short (800m) walk to pretty Plodda Falls. A restored Victorian viewing platform…
4. Glen Affric National Nature Reserve
15.29 MILES
The upper reaches of Glen Affric are designated as the Glen Affric National Nature Reserve, a scenic wonderland of shimmering lochs, rugged mountains and…
15.37 MILES
This attraction is a miniature theme park aimed squarely at the kids, though we suspect its main function is to sell you Loch Ness monster souvenirs.
15.39 MILES
Commanding a superb location 1.5 miles east of Drumnadrochit, with outstanding views (on a clear day), Urquhart Castle is a popular Nessie-hunting hot…
7. Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition
15.4 MILES
This Nessie-themed attraction adopts a scientific approach that allows you to weigh the evidence for yourself. Exhibits include original equipment – sonar…
18.3 MILES
The Clan Cameron Museum records the history of the clan and its involvement with the Jacobite rebellions, with exhibits that include items of clothing…