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Activity Inverness, Scotland

Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour

5.0 (4 reviews) 6 hours Free cancellation Private tour
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour

About this activity

A full trip around Loch Ness done in half a day - Approx 6 hours

A little taste of the highlands of Scotland from the famous Urquhart Castle to Loch Ness with its beautiful scenery. All while enjoying our world award-winning best Gin local to our little area. Suitable for guests with not much time to do full-day tours. Perfect for guests wanting to do a full trip around Loch Ness to try and spot Nessie the Loch Ness Monster with not much time.

Local Guide

Private Tour

Comfortable Air Conditioned Vehicle

Customisable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)

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At a glance

Duration
6 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Your group only
People per booking
1–15
Guide
English
Operated by
Highland Guided Tours

What is included

Included

  • Included: Umbrella's
  • Included: Private Comfortable Vehicle
  • Included: Bottled water
  • Included: Fridge On-Board
  • Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Included: Customizable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)
  • Included: Local Guide
  • Included: Free Gin Tasting

Not included

  • Not included: Castle Admission
  • Not included: Lunch

Itinerary

  1. Dochgarroch

    20 min

    A popular location with boaters, locals, and tourists, Dochgarroch is a beautiful and busy hub where the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal meet and cross into the Head of Loch Ness, our famous Highland Coo’s can be seen here before we head up the loch to Urquhart Castle.

  2. Urquhart Castle

    one hour Admission not included

    The present ruins date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, though built on the site of an early medieval fortification. Founded in the 13th century, Urquhart played a role in the wars of Scottish independence in the 14th century. It was subsequently held as a royal castle and was raided on several occasions by the MacDonald Clan. The castle was granted to the Clan Grant in 1509, though conflict with the MacDonalds continued. Despite a series of further raids the castle was strengthened, only to be largely abandoned by the middle of the 17th century. Urquhart was partially destroyed in 1692 to prevent its use by Jacobite forces, and subsequently decayed. The castle, situated on a headland overlooking Loch Ness, is one of the largest in Scotland in size of area.

  3. Drumnadrochit

    30 min

    Drumnadrochit is a village on the shores of Loch Ness, known famously as the home to the Loch Ness Monster. Drumnadrochit is filled with novelty shops where Scottish clan items and other Scottish staples can be enjoyed.

  4. Great Glen Distillery

    30 min

    We also visit Great Glen Gin Distillery, Scotland’s smallest distillery where they offer world award-winning free Gin tastings made from the waters of Loch Ness so you get a true taste of Nessie.

  5. Invermoriston Falls

    30 min

    The burn here tumbles across the bands of rock in a determined effort to reach nearby Loch Ness, these aren’t the highest waterfalls by any means, but once you stand here you will truly enjoy the beauty of your surroundings with a spectacular view from the overhanging summer house.

  6. Fort Augustus

    one hour

    In the aftermath of the Jacobite rising in 1715, General Wade built a fort (taking from 1729 until 1742) which was named after the Duke of Cumberland. Wade had planned to build a town around the new barracks and call it Wadesburgh. The settlement grew and eventually took the name of this fort. Sitting at the end of Loch Ness right on the Great Glen Fault which cuts across the Highlands. A beautiful location with its upper canal locks. Visitors can have lunch and enjoy tranquil scenery on their Loch Ness trip.

  7. General Wade’s Military Roads

    20 min

    A viewpoint stop on our trip where can see miles of rugged Highland terrain as well as multiple lochs all in one view from General Wades Military Road. In-person is a truly breathtaking sight better than any person or camera can depict.

  8. The Falls of Foyers

    45 min

    The Falls of Foyers are two waterfalls on the River Foyers, which feeds Loch Ness, They are located on the lower portion of the River Foyers and consist of the upper falls, with a drop of 46 feet, and the lower falls, which drop 98 feet. Surrounded by woodlands and wildlife you truly enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature. To reach the falls can be a steady staircase down the hill but the nature reserve can be admired from the top just off the road.

  9. Dores Beach

    30 min

    On our way back to Inverness we come to Dores Beach which is one of the best viewpoints of Loch Ness – from here you can see all the way down the famous Loch, and you will see why this is a favorite spot for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie. Situated on Dores Beach is the only pub on Loch Ness where you can enjoy a pint of bitterness to round off your day on the Loch Ness tour.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • Meeting Point outside Inverness Town Hall, Located in City Centre.

End point

  • Meeting Point outside Inverness Town Hall, Located in City Centre.

Pickup points

  • Shore Street Apartments
  • Inverness Airport
  • Beinn Mhor Lodge
  • The King’s Highway
  • Courtyard by Marriott Inverness Airport
  • Columba Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express Inverness By IHG
  • Premier Inn Inverness Centre (Millburn Rd) Hotel
  • Rocpool Reserve
  • Premier Inn Inverness East hotel
  • Redcliffe Hotel
  • The Highlander B & B

and 33 more pickup points

For meeting point we will have a board with your name on it.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%

Good to know

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Specialized infant seats are available

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

  • Time for any Lunch period guests may want has been time managed into the tour.

  • Total travelling time has been included in total time.

Options

  • Private Group Vehicle Tour 5-7

    Minibus

    Pickup included

  • Private Vehicle 1-4, 2nd Car

    Private Vehicle 1-4 Passengers

  • Private Group Vehicle Tour 1-4

    Car/Minibus

    Pickup included

Traveller ratings

5.0 out of 5 · 4 reviews
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Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour

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