Fort Augustus: The Highland Gem You Should Not Miss

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Tucked away at the southwestern end of Loch Ness, this postcard-perfect Highland village is a gem for both nature lovers and Nessie hunters. It also sits along the Great Glen Way and the Caledonian Canal, making it an ideal spot for walker, cyclists, and those craving peace by the water.

The town takes its name from a 17th-century fort built by General Wade, named after Augustus, the Duke of Cumberland (better known – less fondly – as the Butcher of Cumberland). While the original fort is long gone, a Benedictine abbey was built in its place in 1876. That abbey still stands today, though it now houses luxury apartments.

The Trip That Sparked a Wish List

Ah, hindsight. My Scottish itinerary revolved around travelling around the scenic Kyle Line from Inverness to the Kyle of Lochlash. I had deliberately avoided staying in Inverness, choosing instead to explore smaller towns and villages. But in retrospect, I wish I had carved out a full fortnight, at least, to travel around Scotland properly. My short trip just added more to my bucket list:

• Follow the Whisky Trail
• Walk the full Great Glen Way
• Cruise around the Scottish Islands
• Spend more time in Fort Augustus and the Highlands

And honestly? The Lovat Hotel was partially to blame. Their exceptional hospitality made leaving so much harder, and Fort Augustus even more memorable.

A Warm Highland Welcome

I arrived around 6-7pm, tired, hungry, and a little grumpy after six hours of travel. But from the moment I walked into the Lovat, I was met with warmth. The staff whisked me through check-in, got me settled, and even booked me a table in their restaurant.

My Room: Imagine classic Scottish decor, a view over Loch Ness, and a bathroom roughly the size of my entire London flat. Absolute heaven.

I headed down to the bar with my laptop to edit photos before dinner and ended up deep in conversation with the barman about whisky. But the end of the night, I had a new whisky buddy, and maybe one too many drams. I went to be slightly tipsy and slept like a dream (a rare occurrence when I travel!)

A Rainy Day Adventure

Waking up to a gorgeous sunrise, I decided that despite a rainy Highland summer, I wasn’t about to waste my time indoors. After breakfast and with my mac on, I ventured out in search of adventure.

Speeding Down the Loch Ness

Right outside the Lovat, I spotted the Cruise Loch Ness hut and spontaneously booked their high-speed RIB tour to Urquhart Castle. Soon I was zipping cross Loch Ness at 35mph, wind in my face, eyes peeled for Nessie.

Our guide was brilliant, stopping to point out Cory’s Cave, Horseshoe Crag, Jimmy Page’s old home, and of course Urquhart Castle. There was plenty of time for photos, and the view of the castle from the water was spectacular. If you are not into speedboats, they also offer gentler sightseeing cruises.

Urquhart Castle (From Afar)

After seeing it from the boat, I decided that view was enough. With rain coming down and time ticking, I opted not to visit the castle up close. It’s a paid attraction and absolutely worth a visit if you’ve got the time, especially for view from the tower.

Lunch, Souvenirs, and a Highland Wander

I ducked into the Bothy Pub to warm up with lunch, followed by a bit of souvenir shopping. Still damp, i returned to the Lovat to change into dry clothes, then headed back out for a walk, eventually following the signs for the Great Glen Way.

The Great Glen Way

I ended up walking the Fort Augustus to Invermoriston section – a 12km stretch that would normally take about 3 hours. I only managed a portion of it due to the late start, but even a short stroll offered jaw-dropping views. If you’re planning to do the full trail, the Walk Highlands website is a fantastic resource.

Bittersweet Goodbyes

The next morning came all too soon. As I checked out, the receptionist asked me to wait a moment, then returned with a small bag of heart-shaped shortbread for my journey. It was such a sweet gesture, I almost hugged her and asked if I could stay forever.

Getting There

• Train: I travelled from Berwick-upon-Tweed to Inverness via Edinburgh.
• Bus: From Inverness, both Citylink and Sheil Buses offer direct services to Fort Augustus, taking just over an hour. The bus station is a short walk from Inverness train station.

Where to Stay

You already know that I’m obsessed with The Lovat Hotel. It’s a luxury four-star option, so prices reflect that, but it was my planned “mid-trip treat” and worth every penny. For more accommodation options to suit all budgets, check out Booking.com.

A Few Tips for Fort Augustus

• Stay at least two nights if you can – you’ll want time to explore and relax.
• Book RIB tours with Cruise Loch Ness in advance during peak season.
• Pack layers and a mac – it’s the Highlands.
• Don’t skip the Great Glen Way, even for a short section.
• Pop into the Bothy Pub for a cosy meal, especially on rainy days
• Be ready to fall in love and want to stay forever.

Fort Augustus may have been a stopover on this trip, but it is firmly on the return list. I just need to make sure I book a longer stay next time, and bring a bigger suitcase for all that shortbread.

Happy & safe travels

L x 👣