Loch Ness

Fort Augustus (pop. 890) at the south end of Loch Ness is a favorite spot for tourists. The fortress which gave the place its name was built in 1715 and it became the headquarters of the English General Wade in 1729. After changing hands a number of times the greater part of it was demolished in 1876. Benedictine monks have since built an abbey and a highly-regarded school on the site.

The main road (A82) continues towards Inverness along the north bank of Loch Ness, while the B862/B852 follows the south bank, passing close to the magnificent waterfall at Foyers. With pretty woodland lining both sides of the road, the southerly route is probably the more scenic.

The Great Glen Exhibition documents the military past of the glen, the arrival of the religious orders and also tales of the Loch Ness monster.

At the north end of Loch Ness, a 3mi/4.8km section of canal joins the narrow lake to Inverness and the Moray Firth.