Hidden Scotland
Sign in
A sign reading Loch Ness, Welcome to Fort Augustus on the stony shore, the loch running north between wooded hills.
Inverness

Loch Ness Viewpoint

The shore at Fort Augustus where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness, with the whole length of the loch running away north between its hills.

Welcome

At the southern end of Loch Ness, on the edge of Fort Augustus, the land runs out onto a stony shore, and in front of you the whole loch opens up.

It runs away north for more than twenty miles, straight as a road between steep, wooded hills, the far end lost in the distance.

A sign on the beach reads Loch Ness, Welcome to Fort Augustus, and a path follows a rocky breakwater out to a railing over the water. On a still day the loch lies like glass and the hills are doubled in it; on a wild one the wind comes straight down the glen.

Just behind you, the Caledonian Canal steps down through the village in a flight of locks before entering the loch here. Watching a boat work down through them is a fine way to spend an hour, and the village centre lies along them.

Close byFort AugustusThe village and its locks.1 min by roadSee itFort Augustus
Before you go

Open land, there at any time.

Where
Fort Augustus, PH32 4DJ.
Looking
North up Loch Ness.
Nearby
The canal locks.
Where it is

At the south end of Loch Ness in Fort Augustus, by the mouth of the Caledonian Canal, PH32 4DJ.

Close byFort Augustus.
  1. Aerial view of Fort William's river with a tour boat moored beside a parkCruise Loch NessUnder a mile1 min by road
  2. Station Road at The LovatStation Road at The LovatUnder a mile2 min by road
  3. Caledonian CanalCaledonian CanalThe canal from Fort William to Inverness.2 miles3 min by road
  4. Winding hill track above forestry and a distant loch under cloudy skiesSuidhe Viewpoint2 miles4 min by road
  5. Invermoriston FallsInvermoriston FallsFalls a few miles north.6 miles9 min by road
Directions
A yacht moored on a pontoon where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness at Fort Augustus, trees and hills beyond.AttractionsFort Augustus0.3 miles
The Lovat at dusk: white front, slate roof and dormers, lit lamps and the glowing bay window, a planter on the drive.Fort AugustusThe Lovat HotelPlace to stay · 0.4 miles
Walkers cross rocky coastal grassland towards a distant headland under grey skiesAttractionsSt Columba's Well, Invermoriston6.6 miles
Café counter with espresso machine, blue tiled wall and world map muralCafeGlen Rowan Cafe6.6 miles
The tall roofless stone walls of Invergarry Castle among trees under a bright sky.AttractionsInvergarry Castle8.3 miles
AttractionsWell of the Seven Heads9.1 miles
Wooden building with sign reading "The Camerons Tea Room & Farm ShopCafeThe Camerons Tea Room13 miles
Wooded gorge with rocky cliffs, forested hills and a mountain beyondAttractionsFalls of Foyers13 miles
Lichen-covered gravestone inscribed "Sacred to the memory of Jane, spouse of Thomas Fraser of BalnainAttractionsBoleskine Burial Ground15 miles
Stay nearby

Places to stay near the shore, and when each is next free.

The Lovat at dusk: white front, slate roof and dormers, lit lamps and the glowing bay window, a planter on the drive.The Lovat Hotel
  • A hotel
  • In Fort Augustus
  • Under a mile from the viewpoint
Check datesGlen Affric Estate, Inverness-shireGlen Affric Estate
  • Sleeps 14
  • In Inverness
  • 15 miles from the viewpoint
Check datesLog cabin porch with lantern-lit door, snow falling on the wooden walkwayEagle Brae
  • To stay
  • In Struy
  • 18 miles from the viewpoint
Check datesFrom above, Aquila's turf-roofed log cabin and wrap-around deck on the edge of the ridge, the glen stretching away in autumn colour.Aquila at Eagle Brae
  • Sleeps 6
  • In Struy
  • 18 miles from the viewpoint
Check datesPlaces to stayEvery stay in InvernessAll our places to stay nearby, to search by date and by who is coming.See them all
Hidden Scotland, the magazine

Scotland, in print.

Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.

Get Issue 13Read it here
Find out more

For further reading, before you go.