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Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Inverness, Scotland

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On average, this is booked 14 (0) days in advance.

6 hours (approx.)
Hotel pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

A full trip around Loch Ness done in half a day - Approx 6 hours
A little taste of the highlands of Scotland from the famous Urquhart Castle to Loch Ness with its beautiful scenery. All while enjoying our world award-winning best Gin local to our little area. Suitable for guests with not much time to do full-day tours. Perfect for guests wanting to do a full trip around Loch Ness to try and spot Nessie the Loch Ness Monster with not much time.
Local Guide
Private Tour
Comfortable Air Conditioned Vehicle
Customisable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)

What's Included

  • Bottled water
  • Umbrella's
  • Private Comfortable Vehicle
  • Castle Admission
  • Lunch
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Meeting and Pickup

Pickup point
Pickup details

For meeting point we will have a board with your name on it.

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Inverness IV1 1HY
UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

What To Expect

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Dochgarroch

A popular location with boaters, locals, and tourists, Dochgarroch is a beautiful and busy hub where the River Ness and the Caledonian Canal meet and cross into the Head of Loch Ness, our famous Highland Coo’s can be seen here before we head up the loch to Urquhart Castle.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Urquhart Castle

The present ruins date from the 13th to the 16th centuries, though built on the site of an early medieval fortification. Founded in the 13th century, Urquhart played a role in the wars of Scottish independence in the 14th century. It was subsequently held as a royal castle and was raided on several occasions by the MacDonald Clan. The castle was granted to the Clan Grant in 1509, though conflict with the MacDonalds continued. Despite a series of further raids the castle was strengthened, only to be largely abandoned by the middle of the 17th century. Urquhart was partially destroyed in 1692 to prevent its use by Jacobite forces, and subsequently decayed. The castle, situated on a headland overlooking Loch Ness, is one of the largest in Scotland in size of area.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

Drumnadrochit

Drumnadrochit is a village on the shores of Loch Ness, known famously as the home to the Loch Ness Monster. Drumnadrochit is filled with novelty shops where Scottish clan items and other Scottish staples can be enjoyed.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Great Glen Distillery

We also visit Great Glen Gin Distillery, Scotland’s smallest distillery where they offer world award-winning free Gin tastings made from the waters of Loch Ness so you get a true taste of Nessie.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Invermoriston Falls

The burn here tumbles across the bands of rock in a determined effort to reach nearby Loch Ness, these aren’t the highest waterfalls by any means, but once you stand here you will truly enjoy the beauty of your surroundings with a spectacular view from the overhanging summer house.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fort Augustus

In the aftermath of the Jacobite rising in 1715, General Wade built a fort (taking from 1729 until 1742) which was named after the Duke of Cumberland. Wade had planned to build a town around the new barracks and call it Wadesburgh. The settlement grew and eventually took the name of this fort. Sitting at the end of Loch Ness right on the Great Glen Fault which cuts across the Highlands. A beautiful location with its upper canal locks. Visitors can have lunch and enjoy tranquil scenery on their Loch Ness trip.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

General Wade’s Military Roads

A viewpoint stop on our trip where can see miles of rugged Highland terrain as well as multiple lochs all in one view from General Wades Military Road. In-person is a truly breathtaking sight better than any person or camera can depict.
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20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The Falls of Foyers

The Falls of Foyers are two waterfalls on the River Foyers, which feeds Loch Ness, They are located on the lower portion of the River Foyers and consist of the upper falls, with a drop of 46 feet, and the lower falls, which drop 98 feet. Surrounded by woodlands and wildlife you truly enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature. To reach the falls can be a steady staircase down the hill but the nature reserve can be admired from the top just off the road.
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45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dores Beach

On our way back to Inverness we come to Dores Beach which is one of the best viewpoints of Loch Ness – from here you can see all the way down the famous Loch, and you will see why this is a favorite spot for anyone hoping to catch a glimpse of Nessie. Situated on Dores Beach is the only pub on Loch Ness where you can enjoy a pint of bitterness to round off your day on the Loch Ness tour.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Time for any Lunch period guests may want has been time managed into the tour.
  • Total travelling time has been included in total time.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Half Day Loch Ness Circular Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5503420P4

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Destinations and partner sites such as Trustpilot, Viator, and TripAdvisor

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Bottled water
  • Umbrella's
  • Private Comfortable Vehicle
  • Fridge On-Board
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Customizable to your Taste (within reasonable distance)
  • Free Gin Tasting
  • Local Guide
  • Castle Admission
  • Lunch

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Time for any Lunch period guests may want has been time managed into the tour.
  • Total travelling time has been included in total time.
  • Operated by a business

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Free Cancellation

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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (BST).

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