Attractions

South Loch Ness offers an excellent range of shops, restaurants and other attractions. The list below contains something for everyone.

Loch Ness Riding

Loch Ness Riding

Horse riding must be one of the best ways to experience the nature of the Highlands of Scotland. You will discover places that you would never find in a vehicle and you can cover more ground than you would on foot. Horses are the ultimate ÔÇ£4 hoof driveÔÇØ. They are also a fantastically good stress buster!

Loch Ness Riding takes experienced riders only out for hacks in the spectacular scenery of South Loch Ness, as well as providing qualified tuition and training for BHS exams.. We offer small group and private rides.



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Tomatin Distillery

Tomatin Distillery

Since 1897 Tomatin Distillery has been harnessing the soft waters of the Alt-na-Frith, or Free Burn, to produce quality single malt and blended whisky in an area of stunning natural beauty which has rich whisky making traditions dating back to at least the 1500s.

It stands proud in the wild and windy moorland of the Monadhliath Mountains and is home to Tomatin, a world renowned, award winning Highland single malt; C├╣ B├▓can, a subtly smoky and surprisingly sweet single malt that explores innovative finishes; and The Antiquary, a premium blend crafted with only the finest and rarest malts.

The Tomatin Distillery lies just 16 miles south of Inverness and 15 miles north of Aviemore on the A9.  If you would prefer to visit us from the South Loch Ness area directly, we can be reached in under an hour from most places via the B852, B862 and B851 roads which will join the A9 8 miles north of Tomatin.

Tomatin Distillery is the place for great tours and great drams, see www.tomatin.com/visit for prices and current opening times.

 
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Around Loch Ness Tours

Around Loch Ness Tours
Your Complete Loch Ness Experience

Around Loch Ness is the perfect choice for a memorable visit to the Highlands of Scotland....... You can walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, get up close to the rich natural heritage and history of the area, or simply relax and take in our spectacular scenery. The choice is yours. We offer tailor made and pre-planned tours for small intimate groups of up to 8 persons. Our knowledgeable and cheerful local guides will be happy to welcome you on board and share with you an experience you will never forget. Looking for something different? We have the knowledge and experience and can tailor a tour or journey to meet your specific requirements. Our bespoke tours are ideal for small groups whether celebrating a special occasion, a corporate day out or arriving by cruise boat and looking to make the most of a visit to the Highlands. Your itinerary will be designed from scratch to your exact requirements. Your pick-up point can be your hotel, airport, landing port or other location of choice.

At Around Loch Ness we aim to enhance visitor experience by providing the highest levels of comfort, care and personal attention. Explore the Highlands with us and experience first hand its unique blend of history, wildlife and scenery.
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Ness Gifts

Ness Gifts
Ness Gifts is a new gift shop situated in Dores, on the shores of south Loch Ness. We specialise in high quality gifts, crafts and homewares made locally and throughout Scotland. You will find Jewellery, Knitwear, Blankets & Cushions, Soaps, Candles, Wax Melts, Art, Glassware, Toys, Dog Accessories, Books and much, much more. From well known large brands such as ANTA to local honey and crafts, we aim to have something for everyone across a range of prices. Come along and pick up a gift for a loved one, a treat for yourself or a quality souvenir from your visit to the Highlands. 
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Cameron's Tea Room And Farm Shop

Camerons Tea Room And Farm Shop
A friendly welcome awaits

The Cameron's Tea Room & Farm Shop is now open for business on Glenlia Farm in the village of Foyers in the Highlands of Scotland.

Freshly made home made cakes daily, quality teas and coffee, home made soup, full Scottish breakfast, light lunch, free wi-fi cosy seating area, log burning stove,  quality local art and crafts.

Open 9:00am - 5:00pm   7 days.

It is situated a short stroll away from Camerons Holiday Cottage between Inverness and Fort Augustus on the peaceful South side of Loch Ness. Perfectly situated for refreshments while staying in the holiday cottage. It is only a quarter of a mile from thefamous Falls of Foyers waterfall.

Look out for the sign to Camerons Holiday Cottage, Camerons Tea Room and the highland cattle in the fields.

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Falls Of Foyers

Falls Of Foyers
A short walk, but the Falls Of Foyers is a must see sight on South Loch Ness

Parking is available by the Waterfall Cafe and Stores. The waterfall walk starts on the opposite side of the road and is a clealy marked path down to 2 viewing points.

Duration: 1 hour

Length: Approx. 1km

Difficulty: Moderate, steep climb, good woodland paths. Some mud.
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The Wee Dram, Foyers House

The Wee Dram, Foyers House
At Foyers House we are proud to serve locally sourced produce.

Dinner is served from 7pm

Telephone for reservations: 01456 486405

In the evening you can relax and enjoy a home cooked meal in our fully licensed restaurant where we serve the famous Scottish Haggis with Whisky Sauce as well as a tempting selection of Traditional Highland foods including West Coast Salmon, Black Isle Venison and Orkney Beef.

The Bar at Foyers House is open from 6.30pm to 11pm.

Choose from over 100 Malt Whiskies or for those who prefer a beer we have a great selection of Scottish beers and local ales. Tea, Coffee and soft drinks are also available.

Food and drinks can be served on our terrace which has one of the highest and finest views over the Loch and mountains beyond, an ideal vantage point for Nessie spotting!
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Wildlife

Wildlife
South Loch Ness is a haven for wildlife. There is of course what you'd expect in the Scottish Highlands, deer, red squirrels and pine martens, but there's a host of other animals, birds and insects to discover in the natural beauty and rural tranquility of South Loch Ness
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Caley Cruisers

Caley Cruisers

Cruise Loch Ness & the Caledonian Canal on board a fully equipped modern motor cruiser, available for weekly and short break charter. Based in Inverness, Caley Cruisers is the family business which pioneered holiday cruising on Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal in 1970. During our 45 years in operation, we have introduced thousands of couples and families to the splendours of the Great Glen.

 

No previous boating experience is necessary as we provide a comprehensive handover and 24 hour support service during your stay. Details of the Caley Cruisers hire fleet, availability & prices, the cruising area and the holidays we offer are available on our website. It is also possible to place a booking online. However, please feel free to give us a call or send an email, and we would be delighted to assist with any queries.

 

Whichever boat class you choose, you can be assured it will be the perfect vantage point to explore 60 miles of one of EuropeÔÇÖs most stunning inland waterways. The spectacular scenery, combined with a beautiful cruiser and our first class service will ensure your holiday with Caley Cruisers is one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences you will ever have.  

 

We look forward to hearing from you!
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Dores Beach And Torr Point

Dores Beach And Torr Point
A beautiful walk taking in some of the best and most iconic views of Loch Ness.

The walk starts from the Dores Inn car park and then makes it's way across Dores beach with stunning view sdown Loch ness. From the end of the beach make your way up onto the track and then follow this along the waters edge out to the far end of Tor Point. The path then curves round to the right and continues to follow Loch Ness down towards Aldourie Castle. From here the path doubles back towards Dores and arrived back behind Dores beach.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Length: Approx. 7km

Difficulty: Easy, relatively flat, good woodland paths. Some mud.
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Name The Squirrel Competition

Name The Squirrel Competition
Name That Squirrel
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Loch Ness Spirits

Loch Ness Spirits

Kevin & Lorien Cameron-Ross are Loch Ness Spirits and everything they create is born from their connection to Loch Ness and the land around it. Their family have lived on the banks of the loch for over five centuries and their knowledge, love and thorough understanding of the natural landscape fuels their passion and approach.


With great care, they produce premium spirits, using ingredients sourced from the surrounding area and the rich water of the loch. ItÔÇÖs this ethos of natural quality that makes their products taste as pure, refined and original as they do.


They release limited-edition handmade batches, and each and every one of their bottles is treated with the utmost respect for the ingredients, the process and their home.


The distillery is not open to the public. However, their office/shop is available by appointment. Please contact 01463 751773 or info@wearelochness.com for further information.


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Dores Community Market

Dores Community Market
Dores Community Market takes place 4 times a year and brings together producers from all over the South Loch Ness area.
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Caledonian Discovery Cruising Holidays

Caledonian Discovery Cruising Holidays
Caledonian Discovery - Cruising holidays with activities on the Caledonian Canal

Cruising activity holidays aboard our converted barge on the Caledonian Canal through the Great Glen.

We have 2 large holiday barges that cruise Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal in the Highlands of Scotland, providing a unique holiday experience amidst superb Highland scenery.

You can have a holiday of gentle relaxation or fun and adventure, it's up to you.

Optional outdoor activities include walking, cycling and watersports and in addition, on our themed weeks we offer wildlife, music and our very popular Walk the Great Glen week.

Accommodation is in twin ensuite cabins, food is freshly prepared by our resident cook and instruction for all activities is provided by a friendly, helpful instructor.

Visit our website at www.caledonian-discovery.co.uk for more information.

Your barge moves each day to a new location and guests can just relax aboard and enjoy the views or take part in a wide variety of fully inclusive outdoor activities.

The food is fantastic, freshly prepared by our resident cook.

Each barge has 6 twin cabins each with their own ensuite facilities to accommodate a maximum of 12 guests.

The friendly crew and home comforts are excellent. Many of our guests return again and again and still find new things to do and new places to explore. It's unique, it's relaxing and it's every cruising holiday you want it to be, it's the Caledonian Discovery experience!

We also run special interest weeks :
  • Walk the Great Glen - Coast to Coast 78 mile Long Distance Walk
  • 4-day Mini Cruise
  • Music on a Classic Cruise
  • Wildlife - Moray Firth and The Great Glen or Loch Linnhe
Follow the link below to visit our website for up to date information.
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Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat

Tazball Paintball & Lazer Combat
Tazball is now the most commonly used and re-visited paintball & lazer combat arena in
Inverness and the Highlands & Islands, run by a professional paintballer for
the paintball enthusiast.
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South Loch Ness Trail

South Loch Ness Trail
A trail from Loch Tarff above Fort Augutus to Torbreck near Inverness

A brand new trail opened in 2011 and runs 28 miles up the beautiful and rural south side of Loch Ness.

Duration: several days

Length: Approx. 45km

Difficulty: Considerable walk rising 1200ft to Suidhe Viewpoint above Loch Tarff.
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Lyne Mhor Croft

Lyne Mhor Croft

We are Adam and Jane Mason and we own a small working Croft here in Gorthleck, in the heart of the Highlands overlooking the Monadhliath Mountains. We aim to produce high quality Goat, Lamb, Hoggat and Pork meat. Being small, we believe that helps with the welfare of all the animals, individually. Our animals have 100% traceability with their meats. They are born here, reared here and then sold on as live animals or as meat ÔÇô if you would like a price list and availability please email us on the address below.

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Inverfarigaig

Inverfarigaig
Various Woodland walks With Spectacular Loch Ness Views

There are a number of officially Forestry Commission marked paths through woodlands in the hills around the South Loch Ness village of Inverfarigaig. All paths start from the Forestry Commission car park in Inverfarigaig.

Duration: 1-2 hours (various)

Length: Approx. 1-4km (various)

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate, some moderate climbs, good woodland paths. Some mud.

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Bird Life

Bird Life
With its mix of lochs, native woodlands and moorland, South Loch Ness holds a rich and varied birdlife. The real star is the Slavonian grebe, one of BritainÔÇÖs rarest breeding birds with only about 30 pairs all on south Loch Ness ÔÇô Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve is the best place to see them.  Also keep an eye out on the lochs for fishing ospreys, a variety of ducks including wigeon and mergansers, and both red- and black-throated divers occur too but in low numbers.
 
The farmland still echoes to the cries of curlews and lapwings, rare sounds elsewhere and on the fringes of the moor look out for black grouse strutting around on their traditional display grounds.  The hills arenÔÇÖt the most dramatic in Scotland but are home to an increasing golden eagle population as well as some other birds of prey like merlins. Soaring red kites are also becoming an increasingly common site.
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Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing

500ROCK CLIMBING IN THE SOUTH LOCH NESS AREA

South Loch Ness has some 12 listed crags in the area grouped between Inverfarigaig and Loch Duntelchaig and bounded to the south by the River Nairn. These cater for Traditional Climbing (Trad), Sport Climbing (Sport), there are also some popular bouldering locations (Bouldering).


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Ticket To Ride Bike Hire

Ticket To Ride Bike Hire
Explore Loch Ness by bike with Ticket To Ride - Bike Hire!

The quiet roads to the south of Loch Ness are great for cycling and
there are plenty off-road trails to discover too.

Our range of Specialized hybrid, road and mountain bikes is replaced
each year and carefully maintained between each trip by fully qualified
bike mechanics.

We will provide you with the best hire bikes and all the route
information and advice you'll need to make sure your cycling trip is as
adventurous or relaxed as you are.

Helmet, pump, lock and spares are supplied with every hire.

Discounts for multiple day hires.

Delivery and collection service also available.
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Fungi

Fungi
Fungi can be found all year round here but the best time to find lots of different varieties is in
autumn.

The native, well-established woods of Scotland provide one of the richest fungal habitats in the whole of the British Isles. Larger fungi are generally confined to woodland and grassland ranging from lowlands to uplands. Moss beds are another great place to look for fungi as moss protects the fungus from desiccation and provides insulation and a damp environment which encourages fungal growth. But woodlands are the best place to look for fungi as they provide such varied places for them to live.

Each species has its own particular niche, be it on old wood, tree roots or simply gaining nutrition from the humus. The more species of trees and other flowering plants present, the more species of fungi are likely to be found. Some fungi are found only on certain parts of that host. For instance some grow only on the leaves, fruit or woody debris of a particular species, while others may be confined to large boughs or the finer twigs.

Some of the fungi you may come across on the South Side of Loch Ness are Shaggy Inkcap, Fly Agaric, Birch Polypore, Amethyst Deceiver, Turkeytail, Grey Spotted Amanita, Hedgehog Fungus, Cep and Chicken of the Woods to name a few.
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Astronomy / Night Sky

Astronomy / Night Sky

Scotland is fast becoming established as a European mecca for stargazers.  Low levels of light pollution, particularly in the Highlands, give residents and visitors access to fantastic dark skies, with breathtaking views of the Milky Way and, occasionally, mesmerising displays of northern lights.  Dark Sky discovery sites have been springing up in the Highlands to capitalise on this, with nearby Abriachan Forest recently granted Milky Way class status.  

Photographs Copyright and used by kind permission of Jamie Fraser Fernweh Photography. and Claire Rehr.
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Loch Ness Alpacas

Loch Ness Alpacas
Enjoy a unique alpaca experience on the shores of south Loch Ness. Meet and feed our friendly boys, or enjoy their company as you stroll through the trees to the beach, where you can take selfies with the famous Loch as your backdrop. Located just outside the village of Dores, only 10 minutes from Inverness by car.
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Waterfall Caf├®, Foyers

Waterfall Caf├®, Foyers
The Waterfall Caf├® is open for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with a full Take-Away service available.
  • A large selection of teaÔÇÖs (including decaffeinated).
  • Fairtrade filter coffee.
  • Freshly ground and brewed Espresso, Latte, Cappuccino and Americano (decaffeinated available).
  • Large selection of soft drinks
  • Freshly cooked Danish Pastries
  • Homemade Soups, Cakes & Bakes
We offer: free Wi-Fi; disabled toilet facilities; local art, photography, crafts and jewellery. There is also a book swap or buy the proceeds of which supports local groups.

Live Red Squirrel camera; spot these beautiful elusive creatures while enjoying your food and drink.
Dogs welcome.

Community: a monthly coffee club (open to all) is held every 2nd Thursday of the month, 10am ÔÇô 12 (not held during July & August).
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Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruises and Tours

Loch Ness by Jacobite Cruises and Tours
Multi-award winning year round attraction 

Don't leave the magic of Loch Ness purely to the imagination - experience the unique atmosphere of Scotland"s most enigmatic water with a cruise or tour.

Established in 1973, Loch Ness by Jacobite has extensive experience in creating memorable tourism experiences, particularly through its range of cruises and tours.

Cruising the loch and Caledonian Canal, visiting Urquhart Castle and the Loch Ness 2000 Exhibition, enjoying on-board entertainment from a drink at the bar to a full-scale celebration, Jacobite offers something for everyone.

Make waves with Jacobite!

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The Trail of the Seven Lochs

The Trail of the Seven Lochs
A 50 mile route above Loch Ness

Taking in stunning views and varied terrain suitable for both walkers and riders.
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The Craigdarroch Hotel

The Craigdarroch Hotel
The Craigdarroch Hotel gives you the chance to experience local hospitality at the onsite restaurant and bar. A mouth watering range of local drinks and fresh dishes with locally sourced ingredients are on offer during the day and into the evening. A very popular Sunday Roast is available every week from 12.30pm to 6pm. Relax by the open fire with homemade cake and coffee from freshly roasted beans. When the sun is shining, there is no better spot than the garden at the front of the hotel to keep your eyes peeled for the infamous resident of the Loch.
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Foyers Stores

Foyers Stores
Foyers stores and Post Office is a traditional Village Store that is well stocked with essential Groceries, Daily Newspapers, Dairy Produce, Confectionery and Tobacco. The shop also has an Off Licence and Lottery terminal. Other goods available include: Ice Cream; Cold Drinks; Fishing Tackle; Souvenirs; Postcards; over the counter Medicines; Household Cleaning Products. There are regular deliveries of sensibly priced, quality meatsÔÇá supplied by the award winning butcher 'Grants of SpeysideÔÇÖ and Fruit & VegÔÇá by WilliamsonÔÇÖs of Inverness (locally sourced where possible).

ÔÇá Ordering facility available.
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Wild Flowers

Wild Flowers
Scottish Wildflower light up the South Side of Loch Ness in an array of colour from spring until autumn. A surprising variety of wild flowering plants and ferns find places to grow amongst patches of ravine woodland, grassland, scree and cliff still found among roads and buildings are havens for flowering plants not found elsewhere in urban areas. Some flowers you have to work harder to find and others wave hello in a gentle breeze on the verges from the roadside.

As the frosts begin to fade away spring brings with it a delight for the eyes with pockets of wild Daffodil and long swathes of Primrose adorning the banks of the roadside along the B852. Getting off the road and taking to the trails at Inverfairgaig Forest and the small wood in lower Foyers you will see woodland flowers come early in spring before the canopy overhead closes again until winter. Carpets of Bluebells appear with bursts of
Wood Anemone here and there. As spring rolls on Ramsons fill the woodland floor and fill the air with their pungently perfumed aroma. Between April and June you can enjoy Yellow Flag Iris from the roadside between Foyers and Whitebridge.

As the woodlands darken verges, heathland and bogs come in to their full summer beauty drifting numerous scents on the breeze. Bog Myrtle loses its leaves in the winter and at the end of spring / beginning of summer sees its young reddish leaves turn green again. As its name suggests it likes wet areas to grow. Bog cotton can usually be found near by along with Bog Moss with its rainbow of colours from red wine, orange, brown, pink and green. Bright splashes of yellow and orange from Bog Asphodel and dusky pink from the Heath
Milkwort. Contrary to popular belief, boglands are not dreary places at all! 

Small patches of grassland and meadow can be found along South Loch Ness with Wild Orchids in mid summer, Yellow Rattle, Cow Parsley, Dog Daisy and Red Clover. Hugging the edges of woodland and hedgerows are Wild Roses, Forget-me-nots and Foxglove. Foxglove also love to grow on bracken slopes and are irresistible to bees. Higher above the Loch you will find the carnivorous beauty Sundew glistening red in the sun waiting to catch its next meal and Moss Campion close by with its pink starry flowers and moss like
foliage.

As autumn comes the hills are a blaze of purple with Heather in full bloom. The Brambles start to loose their delicate white flowers as their fruits begin to appear. Yellow Gorse gradually loose there bright yellow blooms as the frost start to come bringing winter with them, it leaves us waiting for the first signs of Snowdrops at the end of the winter.
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Northern Lights

Northern Lights

The Highlands are far enough north to witness spectacular northern lights (or aurora) and are sometimes bathed in high activity flows from Scandinavia. Our dark skies make it an excellent place to view this amazing display -  but thereÔÇÖs a great deal of luck involved in observing it.  Find a good vantage point and make sure youÔÇÖre looking north is a good start, and keep tabs on the many aurora apps and websites that will alert you to incoming solar activity. Getting out there as often as possible is the main thing and setting up a wee observing camp is a fun thing to do - an old deck chair, picnic rug and plenty of warm chocolate to sip on is all you really need. 




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Libra Holistics

Libra Holistics
Libra Holistic's is the only Therapy Room on the South Side of Loch Ness. Offering Massage, Hopi Ear Candles, Reflexology, Reiki and Reiki Training.

Whether you have been Climbing Mountains, Cycling or just want to Relax and Renew your energy while staying on the Southside of Loch Ness I tailor each treatment to suit your individual needs. There may be times when a combination of therapies are used to ensure you receive maximum benefit. I will discuss your needs before each session to ensure it is perfect for you, leaving you refreshed and de-stressed 

 Please go to my website to find out more information on the Therapies available. I work on an appointment only basis so please call or email to book an appointment. 
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Inverarnie Stores, Farr

Inverarnie Stores, Farr
Make a mental note, if you are taking a holiday at South Loch Ness then you will need to know that we are at your service at Inverarnie stores.

Newspapers, Post Office, Licenced Grocers, fresh and frozen, Ices,Greetings cards, gifts, Scottish plants and Hanging baskets, to take home.

Better still write our phone number and address in your diary and visit the shop anytime between the hours of:

7.30am and 6.30pm weekdays,

and

8.30am to 5.30pm at weekends.

Telephone Isobel for your requirements on 01808 521266
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Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve

Loch Ruthven RSPB Reserve
Loch Ruthven is a RSPB reserve near Farr in the hills above Loch Ness.

This beautiful, tranquil loch is fringed by sedges and birch woods. Visit in early spring, when our must-see bird, the rare Slavonian grebe, looks its best in gorgeous red and golden plumage, the jewel of the Highland Lochs. Spend time in the hide and watch their fascinating behaviour. While youÔÇÖre here youÔÇÖll also see ospreys, divers and toads.

Duration: 1-2 hours

Length: Approx. 3km

Difficulty: Easy, relatively flat, good woodland paths. Some mud.


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Three Lochs Circuit

Three Lochs Circuit
A varied walk through quiet countryside, taking in three Lochs of very different character.

Duration: 2.5 - 3.5 hours

Length: Approx. 12km

Difficulty: Easy relatively flat , good woodland paths. Some mud.
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