Discover Fort Augustus on Loch Ness

Fort Augustus combines the landscape of Loch Ness with a distinctive canal history, cultural discoveries and various ways to actively experience the surrounding area. The village lies at the southern end of Loch Ness, while the Caledonian Canal runs through its centre. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Fort Augustus can therefore base their choice of destination on very different daily plans: a cruise on the loch, historical impressions, a hike or a tour on the water.

Loch Ness, the canal and experiences on the water

Cruise Loch Ness offers daily cruises on Loch Ness. This allows you to experience the loch from a perspective that differs significantly from a tour on land. In the village itself, visitors can watch boats travel up the flight of locks on the Caledonian Canal. The operation of the locks makes the canal's function immediately clear and gives a walk through Fort Augustus a special focus.

Those who would like to be on the water themselves can join guided canoe tours from Fort Augustus with In Your Element. One-hour introductory sessions or 2.5-hour experiences are available. These two formats give your trip planning different time-based options without requiring you to dedicate the entire day to a single activity.

Military history and Highland culture

The history of the village is also visible. The military Fort Augustus was built between 1729 and 1742 and is partly incorporated into the present-day Abbey buildings. Fort Augustus Abbey, Monastery and School is classified as a Category A listed building. Those interested in architectural history and the development of historic places can connect several layers here: the military past, the later Abbey buildings and the ensemble's present-day appearance.

At the Clansman Centre, a display reconstructs the interior of a Highland turf house. During the Clansman Show, one male and one female audience member can also wear traditional clothing: the Feilidh Mhor and the Arisaid as a women's plaid, respectively. Such offerings add a distinctive cultural accent and complement the landscape and water experiences with insights into Scottish traditions.

Hiking and travelling through the Great Glen

Fort Augustus lies at the midpoint of the Great Glen Way, which is predominantly a walking route. For visitors wishing to combine their trip with a longer route, this course is an important reference point. The Caledonia Way reaches Fort Augustus on its section from Fort William to Inverness via the towpath of the Caledonian Canal, cycle paths and forest roads. Another section follows the canal towpath and the former railway line from Invergarry to Fort Augustus; the route then continues to Laggan Locks.

The landscape accompanies these routes as well: the Caledonia Way offers impressive views over Loch Ness and along the Great Glen. Depending on the type of day you want for your trip, you can therefore give different weight to culture, water and activity without having to define the village as a base for just one type of experience.

Guidance for finding your accommodation

The Caledonian Canal Centre offers facilities for visitors and local residents all year round. These include information, a gift shop with relevant and regionally sourced goods, and a café with homemade Scottish products. When looking for accommodation in Fort Augustus, you can therefore first consider which elements will shape your trip: daily cruises, a guided canoe tour, the Great Glen Way, the canal's history or the cultural offerings.

Discover more destinations

If you would like to explore more places for your trip planning afterwards, you can find Dundreggan, Glenelg, Aviemore, Corpach, Carbost, Totscore, Invermoriston and Strathan here.

For the higher-level travel overview: Highland.