Lochaber, on the west coast of Scotland, is a huge scenic area, with Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the British Isles, at its heart.
The Great Glen is an area in the Scottish Highlands which follows the landfall course of an extensive geological feature known as the Great Glen Fault. The Great Glen is actually a series of glens, which run for over 100 miles between Fort William and Inverness, bisecting the Highlands into the Grampian Mountains at one end and the Northwest Highlands at the other.
Loch Ness is a huge, deep expanse of freshwater, 23 miles in length and famous the world over for alleged sightings of a crypto-zoological aquatic beast, the ‘Loch Ness Monster’, which is more affectionately known as ‘Nessie’. Although Loch Ness has a smaller surface area than Loch Lomond, its great depth makes it the largest Scottish loch in terms of volume.
Things to do in Lochaber, Loch Ness and the Great Glen The Great Glen Way is a 79 mile, long-distance route that has been developed for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, connecting a series of local footpaths, canal towpaths and forestry tracks across the Highland countryside; where necessary, the route is linked by brief stretches of road, but the majority of the distance can be negotiated on unadopted country tracks.
More uniquely for a long-distance path, it is possible to travel the route by boat, canoe or kayak along the Great Glen, using a combination of the lochs and the Caledonian Canal: this varied waterway crosses Scotland from sea-to-sea and is a popular route for both day-trippers and more committed explorers. A slightly shorter stretch of the Great Glen Way is also accessible by users of mobility scooters.
As with elsewhere in Scotland, golf is a key leisure pursuit, with numerous fine courses available to visitors across the region.
Top Destinations
Dingwall – A lovely market town, sitting at the head of the Cromarty Firth, Dingwall was once an east-coast port, but now lies inland. Tulloch Castle sits just outside the town, and is now used as a hotel, while little remains of the nearby Dingwall Castle. A heritage trail leads visitors to points of interest around the town.
Strathpeffer – A former Victorian spa town lying in a glen just to the west of Dingwall, Strathpeffer was of strategic importance in Highland history, and the scene of a number of notable battles. In more modern times it has become a popular base for Highland touring, with a good range of shops, as well as wonderful walks, and a particularly scenic golf course, which claims to have the largest drop between tee and green of any course in Britain.
Elgin – Scotland’s smallest city is situated in Moray, just 36 miles from Inverness, and in the heart of whisky manufacturing country. Elgin Cathedral has presented a dramatic ruin on the landscape for hundreds of years, and is known locally as ‘the lantern of the North’.
Invergarry– This pretty village is perched close to where the River Garry flows into Loch Oich, with numerous areas of beautiful woodland and opportunities for walks, as well as being a popular location for the activities of fly fishermen. Each year, the Invergarry Highland Games takes place just to the west of the village.
Fort William – With its proximity to Ben Nevis and the other Munros (the highest of Scottish mountains), and its position on the ‘Road to the Isles’, this large Highland town likes to promote itself as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’. It is certainly well-placed between the West Highland Way and the Great Glen Way, and is an important regional centre for both hill-walking and climbing.
The Caledonian Canal – Britain’s longest inland waterway utilises four freshwater lochs and a series of man-made canals and lock systems to create an amazing route across the country from east to west.
Inverness – The capital of the Scottish Highlands, and the northern most city in the UK, Inverness is also one of Europe’s fastest growing cities. Positioned at the mouth of the River Ness and at the south western tip of the Moray Firth, it is also an important centre for bagpiping, with the city hosting an annual competition. The striking red sandstone structures of Inverness Castle sit on a cliff overlooking the city; although the castle itself houses a Sheriffs Court, the surrounding grounds are open to the public. The twin-towered Inverness Cathedral is a similarly dramatic structure, which is located on the banks of the River Ness.
Nairn – A market town and seaside resort, Nairn boasts two golf courses. The town stretches from a harbour built by Thomas Telford, through narrow streets of fisherman’s homes and cottages, into the ‘West End’ area of well-spaced Victorian villas.
Pinewood, Gairlochy Bay, near Spean Bridge, Highlands
Superb panoramic viewsThis spacious detached family house enjoys superb panoramic views across Gairlochy Bay to the Grey Corries and the Nevis Range. Undoubtedly one of the best locations in the heart of this all year ...
Glencoe Haven, Ballachulish, near Glencoe, Highlands
This delightful semi-detached cottage sits at the head of historic Glencoe, making it a perfect base for exploring the west coast of Scotland. Cosy, tastefully furnished and well equipped, the cottage is ideal for couples, ...
Kintore Cottage, Canalside, Fort Augustus, Not VAT registered
Original lock keepers cottage situated on the Caledonian Canal within the village of Fort Augustus. Kintore cottage offers high quality self catering holiday accommodation for up to 4 people in a renovated and extended ...
At the southern tip of Loch Ness and within easy walking distance of all the village amenities, this comfortable and charming detached holiday cottage, a family home for 150 years, was originally a croft on the site of an ...
This is a single story cottage located at the entrance to Glen Nevis at the foot of Ben Nevis - Britains's highest mountain and the end of the West Highland Way. It is also within walking distance of various hotels, ...
A rural retreat with stunning views to Loch Linnhe and Ben Nevis and direct access to local walks from the property, this superbly furnished apartment is attached to the owners property and is approximately 1 mile from ...
Overlooking the waters of Kentallen Bay and on towards the hills of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula, this lovely detached house is set in large grounds just yards from the shore of Loch Linnhe. It is centrally located for ...
Tucked away on a small street in the renowned seaside town of Nairn, this delightful 19th century, end-terraced stone cottage oozes charm and character. This one bedroomed cottage has been completely refurbished throughout ...
Nestling at the foot of the spectacular Glencoe Mountain range and just on the edge of the lovely village of Glencoe, Bidean Lodge has been tastefully furnished to provide spacious and comfortable accommodation. Only 1 ...
This wonderful semi-detached property is situated in the heart of Fersit, less than 3 miles from the main road, and surrounded by mountains. The nearby village of Roybridge has a couple of hotels for eating out and a few ...
We are peacefully situated in Glenmoriston, with far reaching views across the forest and towards the mountains. Faebuie Cottages offer 4 newly built cottages arranged around a courtyard in traditional style.
Decorated ...
Tucked away on a small street in the renowned seaside town of Nairn, this delightful 19th century, end-terraced stone cottage oozes charm and character. This one bedroomed cottage has been completely refurbished throughout ...
In the picturesque village of Fort Augustus, next to the Caledonian Canal and a short walk from the head of Loch Ness, this ground floor holiday apartment makes an ideal base from which to tour the Highlands. The area ...
Aspen Chalet, Glenmoriston, by Loch Ness, Highlands, Fort Augustus
Set amidst spectacular sceneryThis detached chalet in Glenmoriston offers the ideal base for exploring the Western Highlands. Locally you can enjoy forest walks, fishing, bird watching and pony trekking. Loch Ness is 8 ...
Set in a quiet courtyard just a few steps from the centre of the picturesque seaside town of Fortrose, this lovely semi-detached property has been furnished and equipped to a very good standard to ensure as comfortable and ...
Barnes House, Ballachulish, near Fort William, Highlands, Glencoe
In a quiet location, yet within walking distance of the local amenities, this semi-detached cottage makes the perfect base for those looking to explore the area by day and return to a cosy home at night. The garden of ...
Nestling at the foot of the spectacular Glencoe Mountain range and just on the edge of the lovely village of Glencoe, Bidean Lodge has been tastefully furnished to provide spacious and comfortable accommodation. Only 1 ...
Enjoying a peaceful setting in the small hamlet of Milton near Drumnadrochit and within easy walking distance of the village centre, this very well presented semi-detached property, with the owners living next door, makes ...
Bothan A' Bhile, Glen Roy, near Fort William, Highlands, Spean Bridge
Set in the world famous Glen Roy near Roybridge, with wonderful views, this detached holiday lodge lies on a working farm and is ideally located for exploring the Western Highlands and Cairngorm National Park, and the ...
Boundary House West is situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in the Holm Mains area, close to the centre of Inverness. The main living area is open plan, and is bright and airy, with French doors opening onto a very private ...
Situated in the village of Arisaig on the 'Road to the Isles', this semi-detached holiday house is perfect for exploring the west Highland coastline. Cruise to the small isles of Eigg, Muck, Rum or the Isle of Skye. For ...
Enjoying some lovely views to the front, Bramble Cottage nestles in the hills above the pretty village of Kiltarlity and has been equipped and furnished to a good standard to ensure as comfortable and relaxing holiday as ...
Set on the edge of Fort Augustus, Bramble Lodge is in a peaceful location near Loch Ness. Bramble Lodge is a detached lodge with wonderful views across the fields towards Loch Ness. Located at the southern tip of Loch ...
Cedar Lodge, Torlundy, near Fort William, Highlands
Cedar Lodge is located in a peaceful, countryside setting with magnificent views of Ben Nevis and Aonoch Mor. This semi-detached property adjoins the owners’ home and offers the ideal location for exploring the ...
A warm Highland welcome awaits you at this holiday property, located in the Beaufort Estate. It enjoys a tranquil setting only a few miles from Beauly in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and without doubt, make a super ...
This lovely semi-detached, single-storey cottage is based in the busy village of Drumnadrochit, making it an ideal base for those wishing to explore the Highlands. A short walk from the village will take you to the shores ...
Enjoying open views across the countryside, this detached holiday cottage has been equipped and furnished to a good standard to ensure as comfortable and relaxing a holiday as possible. Only 7 miles from Inverness and 2 ...
Croft Cottage, Onich, near Fort William, Highlands, Glencoe
This traditional detached, single-storey, croft style cottage lies just 9 miles from Fort William, in an ideal location for touring the west coast of Scotland. The cottage is adjacent to the National Cycle Route 78 - The ...
Surrounded by mountains, breathtaking views and with direct access to the shores of Loch Linnhe, this detached cottage is perfectly based for exploring the west coast of Scotland. Ferry trips to Mull, Staffa and Iona are ...
Cruachan is a well appointed holiday cottage set within its own private garden, offering views over the mountains and countryside. This peaceful and tranquil setting offers a truly get away from it all experience. Enjoy ...
Cruachan Log Cabin is a cosy and comfortable property, located on the outskirts of Fort William, known as the ’Outdoor Capital of the UK’, with beautiful views of Ben Nevis and Loch Linnhe. The property is situated in ...
Enjoying a peaceful woodland setting, in a hamlet adjacent to the River Lundy and Leanachan Forest. This charming holiday cottage has been tastefully renovated to a very good standard. Ideally situated for exploring the ...
Enjoying a lovely setting just a few minutes’ walk from the award-winning sandy beach and the vibrant harbour and marina, this semi-detached holiday cottage is located on the edge of the picturesque town of Nairn. ...
Boasting wonderful views of Loch Linnhe and the surrounding mountains, this first floor holiday apartment is beautifully presented. Situated on the edge of Fort William, it is in an ideal location for exploring the ...
Duart, Onich, near Fort William, Highlands, Glencoe
Superior detached bungalow (far left in photograph) one of two very attractive houses, well furnished and equipped and set only 200 yards from the shoreline of Loch Linnhe. Wonderful position overlooking the loch and ...
Within walking distance of the Glencoe mountainsThis traditional detached holiday cottage, set in its own grounds in the heart of the historical village of Glencoe, enjoys stunning views of the spectacular mountain ...
A warm Highland welcome awaits you at this holiday property, located in the Beaufort Estate. It enjoys a tranquil setting only a few miles from Beauly in the heart of the Scottish Highlands and without doubt, make a super ...
Eilean Beag, Corpach, near Fort William, Highlands
This detached, single storey holiday property, located close to the shores of Loch Linnhe and the famous Caledonian Canal, is just 4 miles from the centre of Fort William, the ’Outdoor Capital of the UK.’ The property ...
Enjoying a private setting with uninterrupted views and direct access to the River Beauly, this detached holiday home makes a super base for exploring the Northern Highlands. The Inverness to Dingwall railway line runs ...
Four Winds, Drumnadrochit, near Inverness, Highlands
Four Winds is a very cosy, semi-detached, single-storey cottage, situated in the friendly and vibrant village of Drumnadrochit, on the shores of Loch Ness. Extremely well-equipped, this property is perfect for couples, ...
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