We often get asked by visitors where the best places to hike in the area are. Well, we had a good think and here’s our ‘top 3’ hiking trails around Inverness and Loch Ness. One short 2-3 hour hike, one full day hike and one multi-day hike!
1. Meall Fuar-mhonaidh
Meall Fuar-mhonaidh is the highest hill around Loch Ness. At 699 m high, its prominent shape and position make it a landmark of the area. It is a great hike for those with experience of walking on rough trails. On a clear day the views from the summit are, without question, the best views in the whole area! You can see down the full length of Loch Ness, south to Ben Nevis and Fort William and north to Inverness and the Moray Firth.
For directions to the start of the trail and a short walk description, see WalkHighlands. Park in the car park, and from there it is about a 3-hour walk to the summit and back. Just one word of warning, the route does get very boggy after heavy rain!
2. Glen Affric
Often referred to as ‘the most beautiful glen in Scotland’, no visit to the area is complete without at least driving up to the Glen Affric car park and walking up to the lodge. However, for the keen walker there is a 10 mile circuit (4-6 hours) of Loch Affric which lets you experience the true splendour of the area, with towering snow-capped mountains, and along the side of the path, the remnants of the ancient Caledonian forest dating back thousands of years. Take a packed lunch and stop at Strawberry Cottage to admire the views.
3. The South Loch Ness Trail
We couldn’t not talk about the South Loch Ness Trail, given that we have been responsible for its development! Parts of this trail afford amazing views over Loch Ness (from the Fair Haired Lads Pass) that are ‘off the beaten track’ (the route up the ‘Corkscrew’), that meander through woodland (Farigaig Forest) and that pass by places for sustenance in Dores and Foyers! To walk the length can easily be done in 2 to 3 days. With unbelievable views of some of the most remote parts of the Scottish Highlands, it’s easy to see why the South Loch Ness Trail is one of our favourite hiking trails around Inverness and Loch Ness. For more route information visit the Loch Ness 360 website.
More walking inspiration
To find out more about hiking in the Highlands or the wonderful hiking trails around Inverness and Loch Ness we have a couple of options for you.
For shorter walk ideas and nature trails in and around Inverness and Loch Ness, click here for the "Nature, walks and wildlife" option.
Or for more specific walking inspiration, read this great blog writtne for us by travel writer Kate Hopper from "With Love from Scotland" and discover the best walks in the area