Invergordon
EXPERIENCE THE NEW LOCH NESS 360° TRAIL With easy trails to stroll and more challenging routes that lure seasoned cyclists and hikers, the Loch Ness 360° Trail, which o²cially debuted in 2022, covers 129 kilometres around the entire circumference of the lake. And while you won’t have time to tackle the entire trail in a day, there are a few iconic viewpoints overlooking Loch Ness along its northern stretch that are worth seeking out (bring your binoculars to scout the water’s surface for Nessie). If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 94 steps to the top of Inverness Castle’s North Tower for 360° views over the River Ness. About nine miles south from there, on the loch’s north-east shore and also along the Loch Ness 360° Trail, Dores Beach is an extremely popular place to scout the water for sea monster action (and a great spot to dip into the chilly waters of the loch for a wild swim, too, if you’re game). And on Loch Ness’s opposite shore, not far from the Loch Ness Centre, the ruins of the 13th-century Urquhart Castle jut picturesquely out onto a peninsula. Bring a picnic and consider mustering the energy to climb five storeys to the top of the castle’s Grant Tower for more expansive Loch Ness views.
CRUISE OUT ONTO LOCH NESS Scouting for Nessie from a distant viewpoint on the shoreline is one thing. But whether or not you buy into the lore of it all, there’s something undeniably otherworldly about cruising out onto the waters of Loch Ness, which plunge 227 metres down at their deepest (all the better to hide a mythical creature, of course). Views of the surrounding mountains and valley carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age make the scenery during a boat ride on the loch all the more spectacular. Some boat tours take you by coach to Loch Ness’s edge from Inverness, just south of Invergordon, and include a visit to Urquhart Castle after you’ve finished cruising the loch in search of its shyest resident. The best part? Even if you don’t spot Nessie herself, the joy is always in the journey when travelling through the Scottish Highlands. So be sure to enjoy the ride. Freelance travel writer Terry Ward is based in Florida but is frequently on the road (or at sea!) to report stories. Her work has been published by such outlets as Travel Channel , the Washington Post , Travel+Leisure and Cruise Critic . Visit her website to learn more, www.terry-ward.com.
INVERNESS CASTLE
SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS
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