Communities
Take on a discovery of the wonderful local communities that surround Inverness and Loch Ness.
Inverness and Loch Ness is more than just a destination, it's an experience that stays with you.
There's a story behind every corner and those stories are found in the warmth of our local communities that surround the city and loch. For those visitors who are looking for an authentic local experience and to submerge yourself into local life, our local communities welcome you with open arms and provide the very best of Highland Hospitality.
We have a monster but there is so much more to discover, let's explore the locations around Inverness and Loch Ness where you can spend time learning so much more about the area.
Drumnadrochit and Glen Urquhart
A stone's throw from legends
Distance from Inverness: 19 miles, about 30 minutes by car.
Drumnadrochit is the home and heart of Nessie hunting! The village has so much to offer from iconic historic attractions to being surrounded by scenic trails perfect for hiking, cycling and all nature discoveries.
Find out all there is to know about visiting, staying and playing in Drumnadrochit and Glen Urquhart.
Fort Augustus
Where the loch meets the canal
Distance from Inverness: 43 miles, about 60 minutes by car.
Positioned at the southern tip of Loch Ness, Fort Augustus boasts spectacular views of the loch and the Caledonian Canal. It's a haven for walkers, cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts with paths that trace the canal’s locks and waterways and you can get on the water with a cruise or a paddle on the waves of Loch Ness.
Find out all there is to know about visiting, staying and playing in Fort Augustus.
Beauly
Beauty in abundance
Distance from Inverness: 15 miles, around 25 minutes by car.
Known for its impressive historic priory ruins and quaint village square, Beauly is a delightful spot for shopping and dining, offering a taste of local crafts, culture and delicacies.
Find out all there is to know about visiting, staying and playing in Beauly
Foyers
The power of nature.
Distance from Inverness: 19 miles, roughly 30 minutes by car.
Famous for the stunning Foyers Falls, this village is a paradise for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and tranquillity. A place to unwind, take it slow, recharge and absorb all of the wonderful local, natural hotspots of waterfalls, viewpoints matched with some great placed to stay and eat.
Find out all there is to know about visiting, staying and playing in Foyers.
Cannich, Tomich and Glen Affric
Gateway to the Glen
Distance from Inverness: 30 miles, about 60 minutes by car to Glen Affric. Cannich and Tomich are slightly shorter distances.
The perfect base for exploring Glen Affric, often described as the most beautiful glen in Scotland. Hikers and nature lovers will find themselves lost in the splendour of its landscapes and will have an endless list of places to explore.
Tomich is a charming village that is the birthplace of the Golden Retriever and close to the stunning Plodda Falls.
There are some wonderful accommodation choices in the Cannich and Tomich area, everything from Cannich Campsite, to the wonderful rural luxury cabins of Eagle Brae. At Tomich Holidays you have a range of fantastic accommodation choices including their stunning boat house.
A trip to Invercannich Farm is a must for a trek with the alpacas and to meet the other furry farmyard locals including Highland Cows.
If you wish to switch off, re-charge and engulf yourself in nature and all that it brings, we highly recommend a stay, visit and most definitely adventures in Cannich, Tomich and Glen Affric.
Dores
Loch Ness’ serene shore and viewpoint.
Distance from Inverness: 8 miles, about 15 minutes by car.
Offering one of the best views of Loch Ness, Dores is ideal for a peaceful day out or a place to base yourself close to the loch on what is known as the quieter side. Just because it's quiet doesn't mean there isn't lots to see and do and start with a visit to the fantastic Ness gifts to find the most perfect locally sourced gift or memento of your visit.
A walk along the beach to take a photo of the classic Loch Ness view is an absolute must, you can go further and into the woods along the Loch Ness Shoreline. Not forgetting a stop at the Dores Inn for some lunch or a refreshment.
There are some great places to stay in Dores and if you want to get a rooms with a view directly over Loch Ness then Balachladaich B&B is situated right on the shore of the loch. You could also trek with the Loch Ness alpacas that live next door to make sure you leave with amazing memories of your visit.
If you are an experienced horse rider, Loch Ness Riding can ensure you get breath taking loch ness views on a riding experience with them.
Ardersier
A Coastal Haven
Distance from Inverness: 11 miles, just about 20 minutes by car.
A picturesque coastal village with a rich history. Visit the historic Fort George, a magnificent 18th-century fortress with breath taking views over the Moray Firth, close by are the Dolphin Bay Suites, apartments that are all beach facing meaning you might spot the local bottle nosed dolphins!
If you love a rural location for a base then Easter Dalziel Farmhouse cottages maybe the spot for you, they also have a herd of our most popular locals, highland cows!
For convenience and style you have the Courtyard by Marriott that is a stones throw from the Inverness Airport terminal.
With more than one beautiful beach to explore and blow away the cobwebs along this coastline, you won't be short of activities.
How about some fun outdoors with woodland archery and axe throwing at Bow Hunter Archery?
You are also close driving distance to other popular historic attractions in the area from here, Culloden Battlefield, Clava Cairns and Cawdor Castle and Gardens.
More inspiration to explore...
Connections to every corner of the Highlands
Inverness is the perfect base to explore every corner of the Highlands from, let us tell you how!
Guided Tours in and from Inverness
Walking, cycling, food and driving guided tours from Inverness and Loch Ness.