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Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal Self-Guided Walk

7 days

from

$1,949 USD

incl. taxes

View Dates & Prices

Walking & Trekking

Activity level:

Leisurely / Moderate

Trip code:

W06LN

Way to Travel:

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity:

Self-Guided Walking

Few places stir the imagination like Loch Ness; a jewel in Scotland's crown and a window to its wild and wistful soul. This is a magical place of undisputed natural beauty, shrouded in mystery and legend, where history and heritage are greatly revered.

Our 6-night self-guided walk explores the remote, southern side of Loch Ness where shady forests, tumbling waterfalls and rolling, heather-clad moors provide a misty backdrop to some of the most spectacular hiking in the Scottish Glens. It's a timeless and kaleidoscopic landscape and the place to visit if you want peace, tranquillity and an 'escape from it all' experience.

The walking is relaxed, with few serious climbs, taking in: the serene Caledonian Canal, a section of the Great Glen Way, pretty Beauly Firth and a wealth of lochs and rivers whose glassy waters mirror the seemingly endless sky. Plant and birdlife are prolific, and there's a high probability of spotting deer too.

Highlights

World-famous Loch Ness: wild, beautiful and slightly mysterious
Dramatic gorges, brooding lochs, tumbling waterfalls, breathtaking views at every turn
Superb bird-spotting: ospreys, red kites, peregrines, buzzards, magnificent golden eagles
Red squirrels, red deer, pine martens and even dolphin sightings!
Rich Scottish Highlands clan culture and history

Key information

6 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation
All Breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Route directions and maps
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers

Countries visited: United Kingdom

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

Varied walking following a mixture of woodland paths, country lanes and forest tracks. Some steep, but relatively short, ascents and descents, but a good head for heights is not necessary.

Day by day breakdown

Day 2 13.0km/8.0miles

Day 4 17.0km/11.0miles

Day 5 15.0km/10.0miles

Day 6 15.0km/10.0miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Expand all

Inverness

Day 1

Arrive in Inverness

Arrive in the wonderful waterside town of Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. (Staying at the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel & Spa, Breakfast only)
Day 2

The Great Glen Way

After a transfer this morning, from Inverness to Invergarry, set off along a section of the Great Glen Way, overlooking Loch Oich, to the historic Bridge of Oich. Continue along the Caledonian Canal towpath to Fort Augustus, at the southern tip of Loch Ness. (Staying at The Lovat, Breakfast only)

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3

At Fort Augustus

Spend the day in Fort Augustus, walking in the surrounding woodland or taking a boat trip on the world-famous waters of Loch Ness to visit Urquhart Castle. (Staying at The Lovat, Breakfast only)

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 4

South Loch Ness trail to Foyers

Follow the South Loch Ness Trail with spectacular views of the wild and timeless Highlands. Pass through the village of Whitebridge and on, through shaded forest, to Rabbie Burns' famous Falls of Foyers. (Staying at Craigdarroch Inn, Breakfast only)

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5

Foyers to Dores

Head up through the Boleskine woods to Inverfarigaig, with stunning views of the crags of Dun Deardail; from Fair-Haired Lad's Pass down over Loch Ness to the ruins of Urquhart Castle. (Staying at Pottery House, Breakfast only)

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6

Caledonian Canal and the Beauly Firth

After a short bus ride to Inverness, take in the Ness Islands, ancient Craig Phadrig, the sea locks at Beauly Firth and perhaps even spot some dolphins dancing in the waters! Loop back to Inverness to explore its shops, cafes and castle. (Staying at the Best Western Inverness Palace, Breakfast only)

Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7

Leave Inverness

Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Show map

Essential Info

Visas

United Kingdom

UK passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.

For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

Vaccinations

United Kingdom

No vaccinations are obligatory.

Is this trip for you?

Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance on move on days: 15km (9.4miles). Please note that these averages are based on the shortest daily distances but on two of the days there is the option to extend the walks.
No. of days Walking: 4
Terrain: Varied walking following a mixture of woodland paths, country lanes and forest tracks. Some steep, but relatively short, ascents and descents, but a good head for heights is not necessary.

Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There may be others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Accommodation

Hotels

Everywhere you'll be staying has its own unique appeal: a Victorian former mansion; a Highlands country inn; a friendly B&B with a nearby beach access, and a riverside hotel in the heart of Inverness.

Call for general departures:

1 844 227 9087

Call for private group trips:

1 844 227 9087

Live Chat >

Request a Brochure >

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes