Local area

The majestic and unspoiled landscapes of mountain, loch, glen and beach converge with the rich wildlife, history and culture to create the unique destination that is the Scottish Highlands. At Loch Ness Lodge, in the very heart of the Highlands, we can make it possible for you to roam as far and experience as much as your stay allows.

History

If your interest is for the historical, then some of the ancient sites to choose from include: Culloden Battlefield where Bonnie Prince Charlie led the 1745 Jacobite uprising; Fort George, the mightiest artillery fortification in Britain; or perhaps the ancient Clava Cairns and Standing Stones dating back to around 2000BC, to name but a few.

Scenery & Wildlife

Many areas of outstanding scenic beauty - home to a plethora of wildlife - can be easily accessed from the lodge including Glen Affric, a National Nature Reserve and reputed to be the most beautiful glen in Scotland. Or perhaps you may prefer to watch for golden eagles and red deer in the remote and rugged Glen Strathfarrar.

A trip to the magical Isle of Skye is also a possibility stopping off en-route at Eilean Donan Castle where you will learn that its enchanting setting belies a tumultuous past. And of course, the stunning west coast of Scotland with its melange of dramatic cliffs, towering mountains, secluded beaches and picturesque villages provides a breathtakingly different panorama around every bend in the road.

In contrast, to the east lies the rolling country and charming fishing villages of the Black Isle. From the quaint village of Cromarty on the furthermost tip of the peninsula, a wildlife watching boat trip departs in search of the resident colony of dolphins, porpoise, seabirds and any manner of sea life which should choose to make an appearance including the minke whale at certain times of year.

Loch Ness

Around Loch Ness itself there are many options from a Jacobite cruise on the loch perhaps calling in at the ruined Urquhart Castle which dates back to the 13th century; a visit to the splendid waterfalls at Foyers; or a tour of the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre where you can explore the nature and geology of the Great Glen, the engineering feat of the Caledonian Canal and of course the legend of the elusive monster.

Shopping

If an afternoon of retail therapy is what your heart desires, then the nearby village of Beauly offers a shopping experience with a difference. Its selection of individual, privately owned shops line the square at the heart of this attractive village and the House of Beauly carries a superior range of Scottish gifts, jewellery, clothing, foods and more.

Alternatively a little further north, the picturesque village of Dornoch is well worth exploring with a quality antique shop, interesting bookshop and in particular the 'Jail Dornoch' (a former 19th century jail now converted into a unique shopping experience while still retaining many of the original features and even some cells) offers the discerning shopper an exclusive choice of gifts, pottery, jewellery, clothing including cashmere, accessories and much more.  Dornoch also offers a good range of cafes, tea rooms and restaurants to ease the away the strains of an afternoon's shopping!