Best attractions and places to see around Fort Augustus And Glenmoriston offer a blend of natural landscapes, historical sites, and engineering feats in the Scottish Highlands. This region is characterized by its position at the southern end of Loch Ness, featuring the Caledonian Canal and the River Moriston. Visitors can explore significant landmarks, enjoy panoramic views, and experience the area's rich history. The diverse geography provides opportunities to discover lochs, rivers, and mountainous terrain.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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Popular around Fort Augustus And Glenmoriston
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Hiking around Fort Augustus And Glenmoriston
The multiple locks are very busy. Especially on weekends, various boats constantly arrive, wanting to be locked through. The place is very popular with tourists, and accordingly, there are many restaurants and shops in the area.
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Who on earth would dig a canal right through the Highlands? You might think that, but it seems perfectly logical. A tectonic fault runs right through the Great Glen ("Great Valley"), which was also carved by a glacier. This left behind a steep trough valley. And even though we are in the mountains, the canal's apex is only 42 meters high. This is a perfect location for a canal that would eliminate the difficult journey around the outside, especially through the Pentland Firth. The canal was built from 1803 to 1822 under the direction of the Scottish engineer Thomas Telford. Only about a third of the total length of the canal had to be dug; the rest was made from natural bodies of water, the lochs. One of the lakes will play a role here! The differences in height are compensated by a total of 29 locks, some individually, some in lock staircases, the longest of which, Neptune’s Staircase, consists of 8 individual locks and is the longest lock system in Great Britain.
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This hilltop is both a 'Marilyn' and a 'Graham', and stands at 699m. From the top you are rewarded with impressive views overlooking Loch Ness and the Cairngorm mountains beyond. Whilst a (relatively) small hill, it is worth stopping for as you travel along the Great Glen.
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If you think this is a boggy climb, you haven't been to the Highlands proper. Nothing a good pair of hiking boots can't handle and compared to other hills most parts of the way up are sandy or grassy ground. Surprised nobody mentions the views over the loch which actually are worth mentioning (after all, isn't that what you walk up there for? 😉)
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Impressive lock system at the entrance of the canal.
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Interesting site at the southern end of Loch Ness, impressive set of locks on the canal.
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Vibrant Scottish village on the southern shore of Loch Ness. Fascinating to watch the boats work their way through the Caledonian Canal locks
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Very nice place with delicious food. I recommend speedboating at Loch Ness harbour.
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In Fort Augustus, you can witness the impressive Fort Augustus Locks, a flight of five locks on the Caledonian Canal that allows boats to traverse between Loch Ness and the canal. In Glenmoriston, the historic Thomas Telford Bridge over the River Moriston, built in 1813, offers excellent views of the Invermoriston Falls.
Yes, the Fort Augustus Locks are a popular spectacle for all ages, where you can watch boats navigate the canal. The Clansman Centre in Fort Augustus also offers a glimpse into 17th-century Highland life with interactive experiences, which can be engaging for families.
For breathtaking panoramic views overlooking Loch Ness and the Cairngorm mountains, consider a hike up to the Meall Fuar-mhonaidh Summit View of Loch Ness. This hilltop stands at 699m and offers impressive vistas.
The region is excellent for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, walking, and cycling along sections of the Great Glen Way and the Loch Ness 360 Trail. The River Moriston is popular for white water kayaking and canoeing, especially on Tuesdays during summer when extra water is released from the Dundreggan Hydro Dam. Fishing for salmon and trout is also popular in the River Moriston and Loch Ness. For hiking routes, explore options like those found in the Hiking around Fort Augustus And Glenmoriston guide.
Yes, there are several easy walks. In Fort Augustus, you can enjoy a short loop around the Fort Augustus Locks and the swing bridge. The Easy hikes around Fort Augustus And Glenmoriston guide features routes like the 'Bench With View of Loch Ness – Enchanted Forest loop from Cherry Island' or the 'Stone Seat – Stone Steps loop from Invermoriston'.
The region is defined by its natural beauty, including the famous Loch Ness, which Fort Augustus sits at the southern tip of, and Glenmoriston borders on its western side. The River Oich flows through Fort Augustus, and the picturesque River Moriston, known for its stunning Invermoriston Falls, dominates Glenmoriston. Nearby, you can also explore Glen Affric, renowned for its ancient Caledonian forests and diverse wildlife.
The warmer months, particularly July and August, are popular for outdoor activities and offer opportunities for traditional Scottish experiences like Ceilidh nights. However, spring and autumn also provide beautiful scenery for hiking and exploring, with fewer crowds. Winter walks are possible, but require appropriate gear due to potentially boggy conditions, especially on higher ground.
Beyond the historical sites, you can immerse yourself in Highland culture at The Clansman Centre in Fort Augustus, which showcases 17th-century life. During July and August, the Village Hall in Fort Augustus often hosts Ceilidh nights, offering traditional Scottish music, dancing, and storytelling. Local restaurants also serve traditional Scottish cuisine, including haggis.
Both Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston are situated along the Great Glen Way, a popular long-distance walking and cycling trail. Additionally, the Loch Ness 360 Trail also passes through the area, offering extensive routes for outdoor enthusiasts.
In Glenmoriston, seek out St. Columba's Well, a historic site dating back almost 1,500 years with traditions of healing waters. You could also explore the Glenmoriston Beastie Trail, a self-guided tour highlighting local landmarks and historical features, or visit the Dundreggan Rewilding Centre for woodland walks and insights into rewilding efforts.
Yes, fishing is a popular activity. In and around Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal, you can fish for brown trout, salmon, sea trout, pike, and rainbow trout. The River Moriston is particularly renowned for salmon and trout fishing, with permits often available for certain stretches.
The natural landscapes of Fort Augustus and Glenmoriston, especially areas like Glen Affric, are home to diverse wildlife. You might spot red deer, golden eagles, and various bird species. The Dundreggan Rewilding Centre has also reintroduced wild boar to a fenced area, showcasing rewilding efforts.


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