Loch & Land Festival 2024
This October, we are thrilled to host the very first Loch and Land Festival showcasing the awesome activities that can be enjoyed year round on our doorstep!
Inverness and Loch Ness are a central Highland hub and launchpad to many adventures and our destination has a green open sign all year round.
We are delighted that our inaugural festival of events is being sponsored by Alpkit, the award-winning outdoor performance equipment and clothing brand.
Check out the Alpkit competition below, where one lucky winner will get to spend £250 in store or online! ENTER NOW!
What's On and How to book!
Friday 25th October to Sunday 3rd November 2024
Choose from a range of excellent activities and experiences on offer, or take part in them all – everyones invited! We can’t wait for you to join us and for your adventures to begin, right here in Inverness and Loch Ness.
BOOK NOW! Bookable experiences from a whole range of local hosts are on offer, below you will see the itinerary of activities available, simply click to book!
Stay and Play!
The Loch and Land festival is a great excuse to stay and play in Inverness and Loch Ness, there are some great deals for a selection of local hotels to make this the best adventure break in the Highlands!
Browse through the list of activities below, there is so much to choose from!
Or if you have a specific or preferred date in mind just click on the date below and it will take you straight to the activities of that day!
Friday 25th October Activities
Coo and Castle Tour
Meet and greet with our favourite locals before enjoying a historic discovery and Loch Ness panoramic views at Urquhart Castle.
Time : 11 - 4pm
Collection Inverness Cathedral
Rewild and Restore Weekend at Dundreggan
Dundreggan are hosting a nature based weekend residential experience.
Yoga sessions, mindful meditations, forest bathing, nature connection activities and so much more.
Saturday 26th October Activities
White Water Sledging
Enjoy a 3 hour exhilarating white water sledging session at River Moriston with In Your Element
Min age : 14 years old
Dolphin Spirit Wildlife Cruise with Redshank lunch deal
Cruise the waves of the Moray Firth for 2 hours spotting wildlife and sea birds and maybe a peak of the local dolphins on a Dolphin Spirit Cruise. Receive a voucher for 10% off your lunch at The Redshank!
10.30am & 1:30pm available
Loch Ness and the River Ness Canoe Tour
Join In Your Element on this wonderful 5 hour guided canoe tour starting on the historic Caledonian Canal, then into Loch Dochfour and down the River Ness towards the Highland capital of Inverness. Picnic lunch included.
Minimum age 12 - under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Climbing Taster Session
Want to try a climbing wall? Nows your chance!
Time: 3 - 4.30pm
Location: The Ledge, Inverness
Minimum Age: 14+
Highland Coo Tour
Meet and greet with our favourite locals before enjoying a historic discovery and Loch Ness panoramic views at Urquhart Castle.
Time : 11 - 4pm
Collection Inverness Cathedral
Self Guided E-Bike Tours
Whether you’re a novice rider seeking your first mountain biking adventure or a seasoned cyclist craving adrenaline-pumping trails, the Cube Reaction Mountain eBike caters to riders of all skill levels.
Choose from 2 fantastic self guided E-Bike tours starting in Drumnadrochit heading to either Cannich (6 hrs) or Corrimony (4hrs) to discover the incredible scenery, historic locations and much much more!
Minimum age suggested 14 years old.
Sunday 27th October Activities
Sea Kayaking
A wonderful opportunity to explore the amazing coastline around the Cromarty Firth in sea kayaks under the watchful eye of an experienced local guide.
Minimum age : 16+
Coo and Castle Tour
Meet and greet with our favourite locals before enjoying a historic discovery and Loch Ness panoramic views at Urquhart Castle.
Time : 11 - 4pm
Collection Inverness Cathedral
Gorge Walking
Gorge Walking is an exciting activity for those with a sense of adventure. You will be kitted out in wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid, then go exploring a hidden river gorge, scrambling, jumping & sliding. Minimum age 7 years old with family.
Night Sky Show - Eden Court
In addition to the festival but very much within the theme, Eden Court are showing The Night Sky Show, a creation by Astronomer and author Adrian West (aka VirtualAstro) A glorious visual and thought-provoking experience for everyone that looks up and wonders. THE UNIVERSE HAS NEVER BEEN SO MUCH FUN!
Self-Guided E-Bike Tours
Whether you’re a novice rider seeking your first mountain biking adventure or a seasoned cyclist craving adrenaline-pumping trails, the Cube Reaction Mountain eBike caters to riders of all skill levels.
Choose from 2 fantastic self guided E-Bike tours starting in Drumnadrochit heading to either Cannich (6 hrs) or Corrimony (4hrs) to discover the incredible scenery, historic locations and much much more!
Minimum age suggested 14 years old.
Monday 28th October Activities
Loch Ness from Above – Biking experience
Discover Loch Ness on 2 wheels and from all the best views above!
Time: 9.30am
Location: Foyers
Minimum Age: 16+ unless accompanied by an adult.
Hatha Yoga
Enjoy a wellbeing boost with Hatha Yoga at The Ledge
Location: The Ledge
Minimum Age: 16+
Learn to Fly fish
Fly fishing taster with Peter from Green Highlander.
Location: Dores
Minimum Age: 6+
Walking Food Tour
Discover Inverness one mouthful at a time with Cath's Inverness Tours
Location: Inverness
Minimum Age: All under 16 to be accompanied by an adult
Tuesday 29th October Activities
Loch Ness 360 Cycle Tour
Cycle the incredible Loch Ness 360 with 42 Cycling!
Location : Loch Ness
Minimum Age : 16+ unless accompanied by an adult
Woodland Axe Throwing
Exciting woodland adventures with Bowhunter!
Time: Time : mulitple times available
Location: Bowhunter - Ardersier
Minimum Age: 8
An evening with Anna Wells
Enjoy an evening with Anna Wells as she tells all about her gruelling record winter munro round, along with some tasty pizza at The Ledge.
Time: 7.30pm
Location: The Ledge, Inverness
Minimum Age: 16+
Coo & Castle Tour
Meet and greet with our favourite locals before enjoying a historic discovery and Loch Ness panoramic views at Urquhart Castle.
Time : 11 - 4pm
Collection Inverness Cathedral
Overnight Canoe and Camp Adventure
A wonderful opportunity to explore Loch Ness by canoe and camp out, overnight on the shore of the most iconic of Scotland's lochs.
Minimum age 18+
Wednesday 30th October Activities
Loch and Land Festival Litter Pick
Join us to care for the land we use for our activities and well being. Early morning Litter pick on Dores Beach.
Location: Dores Beach
Minimum Age: 16+ unless accompanied by an adult
Learn To Fly Fish
Fly fishing taster with Peter from Green Highlander.
Location: Dores Beach
Minimum Age: 6+
Guided Canoe explorer - Loch Ness
Take a wonderful trip by Canoe on the most iconic of Scotland's great Lochs.....Loch Ness. One of the deepest & most mysterious of Lochs with some awe-inspiring scenery.
Minimum age 7.
Location : Fort Augustus
Climbing Taster Sessions
Want to try a climbing wall? Now's your chance!
Time: 2 sessions available - 10:30 & 6pm
Location: The Ledge, Inverness
Minimum Age: 14+
Coo & Castle Tour
Meet and greet with our favourite locals before enjoying a historic discovery and Loch Ness panoramic views at Urquhart Castle.
Time : 11 - 4pm
Collection Inverness Cathedral
Taster Canoe Session - Loch Ness
Take a wonderful short trip by Canoe on the most iconic of Scotland's great Lochs.....Loch Ness. One of the deepest & most mysterious of Lochs with some awe-inspiring scenery.
Minimum age 5 years old.
Location : Fort Augustus
Self Guided E-Bike Tours
Whether you’re a novice rider seeking your first mountain biking adventure or a seasoned cyclist craving adrenaline-pumping trails, the Cube Reaction Mountain eBike caters to riders of all skill levels.
Choose from 2 fantastic self guided E-Bike tours starting in Drumnadrochit heading to either Cannich (6 hrs) or Corrimony (4hrs) to discover the incredible scenery, historic locations and much much more!
Minimum age suggested 14 years old.
Thursday 31st October Activities
White Water Sledging
Enjoy a 3 hour exhilarating white water sledging session at River Moriston with In Your Element
Min age : 14 years old
Calum Maclean talk and Pizza!
How can a dook in Scotland's brutally cold waters improve our lives? Why are we seeing such a huge increase in people seeking out frozen waters? And where are the very best places to explore, no matter the season?
Calum Maclean explores the growing world of winter swimming - once viewed as an unusual pastime, now a huge phenomenon across the world. From frozen toes in the Cairngorms mountain lochs to the crazed grin of a Loch Ness winter swim, Calum shares his passion for Scotland's outdoors.
Location: The Ledge
Time : 7:30 - 9pm
Minimum Age: 16+
Woodland Archery
Try your hand with a bow and arrow on a woodland archery session.
Location: Bowhunter Woodland Activities
Time : 10.30 / 12noon/ 1.30pm / 3pm
Minimum Age: 16+
Self Guided E-Bike Tours
Whether you’re a novice rider seeking your first mountain biking adventure or a seasoned cyclist craving adrenaline-pumping trails, the Cube Reaction Mountain eBike caters to riders of all skill levels.
Choose from 2 fantastic self guided E-Bike tours starting in Drumnadrochit heading to either Cannich (6 hrs) or Corrimony (4hrs) to discover the incredible scenery, historic locations and much much more!
Minimum age suggested 14 years old.
Friday 1st November Activities
An evening with Robbie Phillips
A compendium of stories of when things have got a bit wild in Robbie's climbing career, sharing some of his formative moments in his bigger climbing adventures and learning how to stay safe, even if the road to get there was a little rocky at times. Sharing some of his most recent adventures including a short film, this evening is sure to keep you gripped! You can add on a pizza and a pint at this enjoyable evening at The Ledge
Location: The Ledge
Time : 7:30 - 9pm
Minimum Age: 16+
Glen Affric Walking Tour & Lunch
Experience the raw power of nature as you traverse ancient trails, surrounded by towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil lochs. This walking tour through remote Glen Affric is more than just sightseeing; it is an immersive experience that will awaken your senses and leave you with a profound appreciation for the natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands.
Minimum age 12+ under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.
Woodland Archery
Try you hand with a bow and arrow on a woodland archery session.
Location: Bowhunter Woodland Activities
Time : 10.15am/ 11.45am / 1.30pm
Minimum Age: 16+
Loch and Land Festival Litter Pick
Join us to care for the land we use for our activities and well being. Early morning Litter pick in Drumnadrochit.
Location: Drumnadrochit
Minimum Age: 16+ unless accompanied by an adult
Self Guided E-Bike Tours
Whether you’re a novice rider seeking your first mountain biking adventure or a seasoned cyclist craving adrenaline-pumping trails, the Cube Reaction Mountain eBike caters to riders of all skill levels.
Choose from 2 fantastic self guided E-Bike tours starting in Drumnadrochit heading to either Cannich (6 hrs) or Corrimony (4hrs) to discover the incredible scenery, historic locations and much much more!
Minimum age suggested 14 years old.
Saturday 2nd November Activities
For the penultimate day of the Loch and Land Festival, we are excited to host a ‘Come and Try’ afternoon in the beautiful location of Fort Augustus overlooking Loch Ness. Open to all, come and join us in wellies or flip flops – let's see what the weather brings!
From 1pm, you can pre-book the following taster sessions below:
Kayaking
Stand up Paddle Boarding
Canoeing
Fly Fishing
Try out an electric bike with views
Archery (No pre-booking necessary)
Sunset Wild Swimming (Not an organised event – free to all)
With a festival feel, there will be food and drink stalls available from 1pm and the field is open to everyone. With Alpkit joining us with a pop up shop, expect an afternoon of fun, new experiences, and a chance to meet new friends.
Please note that parking is available in Fort Augustus and not at the field venue.
From 4pm, In Your Element will be offering Torchlight Axe Throwing, and as the dark skies are upon us, expect fires and bring marshmallows - you may even be lucky enough for some star gazing! With camping and nearby hotel or hostel stays available, this chilled evening is just a warm up for the sunrise skinny dip or wild swim at 7.30am the very next day!
Sounds like fun? Book your axe throwing experience now or simply come and join us to soak up the atmosphere of Loch Ness in the quieter months – Nessie might even make an appearance!
Please book the activities in advance below to avoid disappointment.
Join us for an evening at Loch Ness as part of the Loch and Land Festival!
We have a total of 20 camping spots available for you to spend the night under the stars loch side, you can camp within the festival Ground and in the morning, why not join us for a sunrise dip?
Please read the full T&C's of the camping and book here!
E Biking taster sessions
Experience the thrill of e-biking with 42Cycling at Loch Ness! Join our 40-minute introductory session, perfect for beginners. Ride the South Loch Ness Trails and enjoy stunning views. Ideal for those new to e-bikes or considering a purchase.
1pm, 2pm and 3pm available
Location : Fort Augustus
Taster canoe, kayak and Paddleboard sessions
Your chance to come and have a go in either Canadian- style open canoes (2-3 seaters), sea kayaks, or Standup Paddle Boards in at the foot of mighty Loch Ness.
Minimum age 12 - under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.
Try fly fishing!
Fly fishing taster with Peter from Green Highlander.
Location: Fort Augustus
Minimum Age: 6+
Archery Taster
No booking required, just come along and enjoy trying your hand at archery, 3 bows for just £1! It's great fun and the Bowhunter team will be on hand to help you learn new arrow skills.
Torchlit Axe Throwing
A one-off experience on the shore of the loch! Torchlit axe throwing session with In Your Element.
Location: Fort Augustus
Minimum Age :
Sauna by the loch!
Enjoy a sauna experience by the loch after a dip - get the physical, mental and social benefits of a wood-fired sauna with Highland Hot and Cold. Book your slot today!
Minimum age 16
Saturday 2nd November Continued
Other than the events that are all happening in Fort Augustus, we also have some events in other locations that you can enjoy!
Wand Carving Workshop
Unlock your creativity with a fun wand-carving workshop! Carve a hollow spiral handle, add fine details then cast your own spells!
Location : Dundreggan Rewilding Centre
Minimum Age : 10 years old - all children to be accompanied by an adult
Coos and Castle Tour
Meet and greet with our favourite locals before enjoying a historic discovery and Loch Ness panoramic views at Urquhart Castle.
Time : 11 - 4pm
Collection Inverness Cathedral
Self Guided E-Bike Tours
Whether you’re a novice rider seeking your first mountain biking adventure or a seasoned cyclist craving adrenaline-pumping trails, the Cube Reaction Mountain eBike caters to riders of all skill levels.
Choose from 2 fantastic self guided E-Bike tours starting in Drumnadrochit heading to either Cannich (6 hrs) or Corrimony (4hrs) to discover the incredible scenery, historic locations and much much more!
Minimum age suggested 14 years old.
Sunday 3rd November Activities
Sunrise Loch Ness Skinny Dip
Yes, you read it correctly! This is your opportunity to bare all and take a sunrise dip in what is likely to be a rather refreshing Loch Ness! Safety information and cover will be provided. £6 of entry fee will be donated to the Trees for Life charity.
Sauna by the loch!
Enjoy a sauna experience by the loch after a dip - get the physical, mental and social benefits of a wood-fired sauna with Highland Hot and Cold. Book your slot today!
Minimum age 16.
There's more!
The Loch and Land Festival is offering events and activities that are extra to the fantastic range of things to see and do in Inverness and Loch Ness year round!
Make sure to explore the huge range of other bookable experiences, activities and attractions to choose from when you visit on your Autumn break in the Highlands.
Stay and Play Offers
Why not use the Loch and Land Festival as the perfect excuse for an Autumn break in the Highlands!
We have some great offers that are available to help you come and enjoy the activities on offer!
Kingsmills Hotel
The award winning Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness has an exclusive Lochs and Land Festival offer.
Palace Hotel and Spa
Autumn and Winter Escape that includes a welcome mini bottles of Heritage Patriarche Red & White wine! Generous Scottish Breakfasts each morning, Free use of the luxury Leisure Club & gym.
Palace Hotel and Spa
Autumn conker breaks that include welcome mini bottles of Heritage Patriarche Red and White Wines on arrival. Dinner on 1st Night, sumptuous Breakfasts. De-stress by the Pool in the luxury Leisure Club & Spa! Upgrade to a sophisticated period room facing Inverness Castle and the River Ness at the time of booking for only £90 per room per night.
The Glenmhor Hotel and apartments are offering the following great deals for the Loch and Land Festival.
October Breaks with a 20% discount - Find out more and book here
Two night stays for just £99 in November - Find out more and book here
50% off the Discovery Tour at Uilebheist Distillery during the Loch and Land Festival - book here and use the code "LOCH&LAND"
Kids will eat for free with all meals during their Sunday Roasts. Tables can be booked here
Longfield Cottage
£100 off stays of 4 nights or more during the Loch and Land festival. Use code LochLand24 at checkout when booking the beautiful Longfield Cottage in Daviot, close to Inverness, set in gorgeous woodland!
Coocoo Campers
10% discount on bookings during the festival, minimum 3 night hire with FREE Paddle boards hire, all bedding, towels etc included and dog friendly! Use code LochandLand20 when booking.
The Lovat Hotel are offering a fantastic 30% off bed & breakfast.for a 2 night minimum stay during the festival. This offer is an advance purchase and non-refundable.
For more information, full T&C's ad to book, contact the reservations team on info@thelovat.com or call 01456 459250
Quote code ‘Loch, Land & Lovat’
Caley Cruisers
2 night taster onboard one of our Eriskays to include (maximum 2 adults and 2 children or 4 adults)
• Check in Friday 25th October or Saturday 26th October between 11am and 1pm (later arrivals than this would have to stay in the yard the first night).
• Bikes
• Tickets to Dolphin Spirit on the Wildlife Cruise on the day of departure at 13:30.
• Breakfast hamper
• Late check out until 12 noon.
• Upgrade to auto inflate life jackets
£225.00 per adult
£50.00 per child (4 -18 years old).
£0.00 per infant (0 – 3 years old).
Fuel not included (approximately £35.00 per day). Auto-inflate life jackets cannot be issued to under 18’s. Please note we do not have baby seat for bikes.
Additional night can be added for a total of £160.00 (including canal fees)
This offer can only be booked by calling us on 01463 236328 or emailing info@caleycruisers.com
Alternatively, guests can book a boat online for £200.00 per night through our website Canal fees and fuel are additional. You may choose not to take the boat out and just stay in the marina and use it as a houseboat to explore Inverness!
Include a visit to Alpkit!
Loch and Land Festival sponsors Alpkit will have everything you need to make sure you are prepared for your epic outdoor adventures!
The Inverness store based in The Ledge on Telford Street is a treasure trove of equipment and quality outdoor clothing. We strongly agree with the brands ethos of "Go nice places and do good things" as this is exactly what the offering of Loch and Land is all about!
If you are looking for some clothing to take on any style of outdoor adventures be sure to check out Alpkit online or instore!
We are excited to be hosting a prize giveaway with Alpkit during the festival, so watch this space and get social with us so you don't miss any news!
WIN £250 to spend at Alpkit!
Enter our Loch and Land competition below to be in with a chance of winning £250 to spend at Alpkit on performance kit and clothing for all your outdoor adventures.
Simply read the T&C's, fill in your info and the winner will be drawn at our festival finale on Sunday 3rd November!
Employees and contractors (and their respective families) of Visit Inverness Loch Ness or the competition partner(s) Alpkit (including any group companies) are not eligible to enter.
• No responsibility is accepted for entries which are lost, corrupted, incomplete or for any failure to capture entry information. Use of false details will result in disqualification. The entry must be made by the person entering the competition – entries sent through third parties, agencies or by automated means (such as scripts and macros) will not be accepted. Incorrectly completed entries will be disqualified.
• Entries for competitions must be received by the stated closing date. All entries received after this date will not be counted.
• To enter a Competition you must be 18 years old or over at the time of entry.
• Only one entry per person.
• Entrants are required to meet the Entry Criteria but otherwise no purchase is necessary.
• It is the responsibility of entrants to notify Visit Inverness Loch Ness of any change of contact details.
• The closing date is Sunday 3rd November at 12:00 midday, and Visit Inverness Loch Ness reserves the right to amend the competition end date at any time.
The prize includes: £250 gift voucher to use instore or online
• The winners of the competition will be announced on social media via Visit Inverness Loch Ness social channels.
• Competition winners must come forward to claim their prize. In the event of a prize going unclaimed for more than 28 days after notification, Visit Inverness Loch Ness may, at its discretion, declare the prize unclaimed and no longer valid, and draw a new winner. An unclaimed Prize may not be awarded.
• The winner(s) of the competition agrees to have their name and their city/town of residence published and to whatever publicity Visit Inverness Loch Ness deems relevant.
• The prize is not transferable to another person.
• No part of a prize is exchangeable for cash or any other prize.
• If an advertised prize is not available, Visit Inverness Loch Ness reserves the right to offer an alternative prize.
• The payment of all costs and expenses involved in claiming a Prize are the responsibility of the winner(s).
• Visit Inverness Loch Ness does not endorse any Prize supplied by a third party nor does it endorse the third party supplier. Visit Inverness Loch Ness is not responsible for inaccurate prize details supplied by any third party connected with this competition.
• Entry implies acceptance of these terms and conditions as final and binding. Entries which are not in accordance with the terms and conditions will be disqualified.
• By entering this competition, you indicate your consent to receiving general communications from Visit Inverness Loch Ness and Alpkit from time to time in accordance with privacy policy, which is available to read HERE for Visit Inverness Loch Ness and HERE for Alpkit.
• Visit Inverness Loch Ness reserves the right to suspend, cancel or modify the prize draw at any time (and for any reason) without notice.
• Visit Inverness Loch Ness shall not be responsible for damages, losses or liabilities of any kind, including without limitation, direct, indirect or consequential loss or damages arising out of or in relation to the prize draw. Nothing in this condition shall limit or exclude liability for death or personal injury as a result of Visit Inverness Loch Ness’s negligence.
• Visit Inverness Loch Ness’s decision in respect of all matters to do with the competition will be final and no correspondence will be entered into.