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The Loch Ness 360 is as the title suggests, a round trip around the great loch. While we can’t guarantee that you’ll see the mysterious monster on your trip round. You can be sure of an excellent trail that is suitable for both walkers and cyclists.
The Loch Ness 360 is 77 and a half miles, tracing the entire circumference. Along the way you’ll be greeted by awe inspiring scenery. Particular points of interest include the magnificent Falls of Foyers, a picturesque waterfall that feeds into the loch. As well as a couple of historic castles just waiting to be explored. As the trail is circular you’ve got the choice of starting anywhere along the 80 or so miles, most choose to start and end in Inverness. The capital of the highlands can offer a warm bed in a hostel and plenty of places to eat and drink.
All things considered the Loch Ness 360 is a route suitable for those with a passion for walking in the wonder of the highlands taking the fresh air as they go.
Loch Ness 360
Loch Ness 360
The Loch Ness 360 is an 80-mile trail that surrounds the circumference of the world-famous Loch. The trail is perfect for walkers or cyclists and usually starts in the capital of the Highlands, Inverness. Although you can jump on and off the trail wherever you like. It usually takes walkers 5-6 days to complete and cyclists 2-3.
Monster Spotting
Given you will be travelling around the entire Loch you’ll have a good chance of spotting “Nessie”. You will need picture proof if you do spot the monster or people won’t believe you and make sure the picture isn’t too grainy to erase all doubt. You could take a trip on one of the many boats that offer tours of the Loch from the water. The different perspectives it offers are a real eye-opener to the stunning landscape that you’re exploring.
Loch Ness 360 – Stage 1
Stage one begins at Inverness Castle, the Victorian era castle provides an impressive starting point as you depart for Drumnadrochit. On your way, you will pass through woodlands, the Tychat Estate, and open moorlands. Most of this stage follows the same paths as the Great Glen Way.
Loch Ness 360 – Stage 2
Drumnadrochit to Invermoriston- Today’s route has two options: the high route and the low route. The high route is 13.5 miles and features more climbing up hills, the low route is slightly longer at 14 miles but features less climbing. Both routes will take you to Invermoriston so the choice is yours. When you pass through a valley between the hills of Meall na Sroine look out for a sculpture called “the viewpoint”. It’s an excellent Instagram opportunity.
Loch Ness 360 – Stage 3
The third stage takes you from Invermoiriston to Fort Augustus at the South Western end of the Loch. The end of this stage marks the halfway point of the Loch Ness 360 as tomorrow you will begin heading back towards Inverness.
Loch Ness 360 – Stage 4
Today you will head back up the Loch from Fort Augustus to Foyers. It is one of the longer stages at 15 miles. Fortunately, the scenery is spectacular which will keep tired legs going. Hopefully, the famously changeable Scottish weather will be kind to you on this leg of the journey.
Loch Ness 360 – Stage 5
The penultimate day heads out from foyers and heads 13.5 miles up the Loch to Dores. This is one of the more challenging stages as a lot of the route is on rougher terrain through forests. The picturesque village of Dores is waiting for you at the end.
Loch Ness 360 – Stage 6
The final day takes you back to where it all began, Inverness. It’s also your last chance to see the monster so keep those eyes peeled. As the day goes on you will head away from the lochside and back towards the stunning city of Inverness.
Inverness is the perfect place to begin and end the walk for those not from the area as its public transport links make it much more accessable than the rest of the route.