Activities on your doorstep in Fort Augustus

Discover this beautiful Scottish town

When you stay at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness, the stunning town of Fort Augustus is on your doorstep. Located at the southern tip of the world-famous Loch Ness, Fort Augustus activities are varied. They include canal walks, museum visits and enjoying the best local pubs and cafes. There are also plenty of boutique shops to find the perfect memento for taking back home.

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Stroll down the Caledonian Canal

Fort Augustus sits on the historic Caledonian Canal, a 19th-century engineering marvel that stretches across Scotland. Opened in 1822, it was designed by famous engineer Thomas Telford whose other works can be seen across the UK, including the Menai Suspension Bridge in Wales.

Spending time by the canal side is perfect for enjoying:

Walks along the towpaths
Boat spotting as they pass through the locks
Discovering scenic photography spots

So find a charming pub, take a seat and let the world go by.

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Lock Gates on the Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus

Climb onboard for a Loch Ness tour

No visit to Fort Augustus would be complete without spending time on Loch Ness itself. Just minutes away, the loch has inspired generations of writers, artists and tourists who take in its grandeur and vastness. To get a different angle, hop aboard one of the many boat tours available from its shores. Local Fort Augustus operators Cruise Loch Ness have been operating here since 1968, and offer both scenic cruises and high-speed RIB trips on the water.

Boat tours are one of the most popular Loch Ness activities, offering:

Stunning views of the surrounding Highlands
Opportunities to learn about the loch’s history and wildlife
A chance to hunt for the legendary yet elusive Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster!

Cruises are available daily, but it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during busier summer periods.

Cruise Loch Ness

A Nessie tour boat returning to Fort Augustus

Explore Fort Augustus Abbey

There is plenty to explore here at Fort Augustus Abbey. The history of our buildings unfold behind every corner, with stained glass windows and ancient brickwork to enjoy. A former Benedictine monastery, the abbey dominates the local skyline since construction began in 1876.

For those staying with us, there is a multitude of facilities available to enjoy onsite, including a heated swimming pool and woodland for kids to enjoy.

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The historical exterior of Fort Augustus Abbey housing Abbey Church 25 - The Dunfermline accommodation at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness

The Clansman Centre

Discover even more about the people who lived and worked in Fort Augustus at The Clansman Centre. Explore what life was like in the 17th century here in the Highlands, see where people lived and how kilts were worn!

Open from March to October, make sure to check the Clansman Centre opening times before you visit.

The Clansman Centre

Close up of a man wearing a traditional Scottish kilt.

Cycling around Fort Augustus

Cycling is another fantastic way to explore the local area. Fort Augustus lies along the Great Glen Cycle Route, which runs from Fort William to Inverness. As such, it is only a matter of moments between stepping out of your apartment and riding on a stunning highland trail. With the Great Glen Cycle Route, you can enjoy:

Quiet country roads
Off-road trails
Scenic lochside paths
Scottish wildlife sightings

Bike hire is available nearby, at Erraid Lodge Bike Hire, and booking in advance is a must.

Great Glen Cycle Route

Mountain bike splashing through a puddle

Local shops, cafés and restaurants

Although small, Fort Augustus offers a great selection of local shops, cafés, and restaurants. They will give you a taste of the rich artistry and delicious local food available in the area, and the shops offer plenty of great mementos to take home with you.

In Fort Augustus you’ll find:

Cosy cafés serving coffee and homemade cakes, such as DelightfullNess
Traditional Scottish pubs such as The Lock Inn
Restaurants offering local produce and Highland cuisine such as The Inch

There’s plenty of locations for you to discover the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring Fort Augustus. Discover more recommendations of where to eat on our Things To Do page here.

Eat and drink nearby

So much to explore on your doorstep

A stay at Abbey Holidays Loch Ness means never being far from great food and fascinating local history. Book your stay today and get ready for a fantastic Scottish break with plenty of Fort Augustus activities on your doorstep. Explore accommodation options here and take a look at our latest special offers.

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Accommodation

By Loch Ness

Set on the beautiful banks of the loch, Abbey Holidays Loch Ness offers luxury accommodation in the Scottish Highlands. With attention to detail and your comfort in mind, Loch Ness Abbey offers you a real home from home.

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Things to Do

Exciting Attractions

Not only do our self-catering apartments and cottages have their own wonderful amenities, but there’s a huge range of exciting attractions right on our doorstep.

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