Loch Ness Panoramic Road Itinerary
The Loch Ness Panoramic Road is an exciting 131-mile journey through the stunning Scottish Highlands. Starting in the city of Inverness, the journey takes you through the beautiful towns of Dores, Foyers and Fort Augustus, before reaching Urquhart Castle, an iconic landmark that overlooks Loch Ness and its famous monster. The journey continues through the stunning Glen Affric, and ends back in Inverness.
The best time to drive this route is during the summer months, when the days are long and the scenery is breathtaking. As you drive along, you’ll be treated to views of the loch, mountains, and forests, giving you a unique perspective of the area. The road conditions are generally good, making it suitable for all drivers.
The Loch Ness Panoramic Road is the perfect way to explore the Scottish Highlands. With its stunning scenery and iconic landmarks, it’s sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience and plenty of memories. Although it’s a relatively short journey, it’s worth the high budget to get the most out of it. So, if you’re looking for an exciting road trip that won’t take too long, the Loch Ness Panoramic Road is the perfect choice.
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number of days
210 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Inverness
Distance 211 km
Driving time 3.9 h
Pace: modest
54.9 kWh
Airports
INV
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Inverness is a vibrant and charming city in Scotland, located on the banks of the River Ness in the Highlands. It is the perfect starting point for the Loch Ness Panoramic Road, a scenic road trip that takes you across some of Scotland's most stunning landscapes.
While in town, there are plenty of sights to explore. Visit the Inverness Castle for breathtaking views of the city, or explore the historic Old Town, where you can find quaint Victorian and Georgian architecture. You can also visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, where you can learn about the city's past, or take a stroll along the River Ness and admire the natural beauty of the area.
The closest international airport to Inverness is Inverness Airport (INV), located just outside of the city. Car rental services are available at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip right away.
Inverness is the ideal starting point for your journey along the Loch Ness Panoramic Road. With its stunning scenery and fascinating culture, it's a must-visit destination for any traveler.
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Inverness
- Dores
Distance 29 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: modest
7.6 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Inverness to Dores? This 18mi journey will take you less than 1 hour to complete and will be an unforgettable experience! The drive will take you through some of Scotland's most picturesque landscapes, so make sure to take a few moments to admire the views. Along the way, you'll pass through the charming villages of Inshes, Milton of Leys, and Ballifeary. Be sure to stop at the historic ruins of Urquhart Castle and the beautiful views from Tomnahurich Hill. Plus, you can take a stroll around the beautiful Loch Ness. All these attractions and more await you on your journey from Inverness to Dores. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Inverness to Dores!
Dores - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Dores
- Foyers
Distance 17 km
Driving time 0.2 h
Pace: fast
5.1 kWh
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Welcome to the Dores to Foyers stage of your road trip! This 11 mi journey will take you less than an hour, so you can enjoy a leisurely drive along the banks of Loch Ness.
First stop is Dores, a picturesque village with a beautiful beach and a charming tea room. There's also a pier and a boat house, where you can take a boat ride and admire the stunning views of the loch.
Next, you'll reach the Falls of Foyers, one of the most stunning waterfalls in Scotland. You can take a short walk to the top of the falls and admire the breathtaking views. There's also a café and a shop where you can buy souvenirs.
Finally, you'll reach Foyers, a small village located on the shores of Loch Ness. Here, you can take a boat ride and explore the loch, or take a walk along the shore and admire the views.
More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Foyers - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - Geograph
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Foyers
- Fort Augustus
Distance 22 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
6.5 kWh
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Foyers to Fort Augustus! This 13mi journey will take you less than one hour to complete, and you'll get to explore some of the best attractions Scotland has to offer.
Start your journey in Foyers, a stunning village located on the shores of the famous Loch Ness. Here, you'll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking views of the loch, and you can even take a boat tour of the area.
As you continue your journey, you'll come across the Falls of Foyers. This spectacular waterfall is a must-see for any visitor to the area and is a great place to take some pictures.
Once you reach Fort Augustus, you'll find plenty of things to do and see. The village is home to several historic sites, including the ruins of St. Benedict's Abbey, which dates back to the 12th century. You can also explore the Caledonian Canal, which offers a range of activities such as fishing and boating.
No matter what type of traveler you are, this road trip from Foyers to Fort Augustus is sure to be an unforgettable experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check out the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Fort Augustus - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - Flickr
Fort Augustus - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
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4
Fort Augustus
- Urquhart Castle
Distance 27 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
8.2 kWh
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Welcome to the stunning road trip stage between Fort Augustus and Urquhart Castle! This 17mi drive will take you less than 1 hours to complete, and you will be able to explore some of Scotland's most beautiful and interesting places.
Start your journey in Fort Augustus, a small village located on the banks of Loch Ness. Here you can visit the Caledonian Canal, a 19th century engineering marvel that links the east and west coasts of Scotland. You can also take a boat trip on Loch Ness and explore the mysterious depths of the loch.
Continue your journey to Urquhart Castle, one of the largest and most impressive castles in Scotland. Here you can explore the ruins of this once mighty fortress and take in the stunning views of the loch and surrounding countryside.
This is just one of the stages of a larger tour, and more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready to explore the beauty of Scotland and have a great journey!
Urquhart Castle - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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5
Urquhart Castle
- Drumnadrochit
- Glen Affric
Distance 41 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: modest
10.6 kWh
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Embark on a journey of exploration from Urquhart Castle to Glen Affric, a 25 mi drive that will take you less than an hour. Start your trip at Urquhart Castle, a medieval fortress that has been standing since the 13th century and is now a popular tourist attraction. Continue your journey and make sure to stop in Drumnadrochit, a small village by the banks of Loch Ness. Here you can visit the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, where you can learn all about the mythical loch monster. After that, head to Glen Affric, a stunningly beautiful glen with majestic mountains, sparkling lochs and ancient forests. This is the perfect place to take a break and explore the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands. With more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route available in the "Itinerary" of this stage, you'll be sure to have a memorable road trip.
Glen Affric - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.flickr.com
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Glen Affric
- Inverness
Distance 75 km
Driving time 1.5 h
Pace: modest
19.6 kWh
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Start your road trip journey in Glen Affric, Scotland, and take a 47mi drive to Inverness, a journey that will take you fewer than 2 hours. Along the way, you will be mesmerized by the picturesque landscapes and the natural beauty of the area. Make sure you take some time to admire the stunning views of the forests, lochs, and mountains. You can also take a short detour to visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle and the stunning beauty of Loch Ness. In Inverness, you can explore the historical sites such as Inverness Castle and St. Andrew's Cathedral. The city also offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. In the evening, you can enjoy a romantic stroll along the banks of the River Ness. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the itinerary of this stage.
Inverness - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - www.wallpaperflare.com
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Inverness
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Inverness is the perfect ending point for the "Loch Ness Panoramic Road" road trip - the northernmost city in the UK. It is a small city with a population of only 50,000 people, but it has a lot to offer.
The Inverness Castle is a great place to start your exploration of the city. From here you can take a leisurely stroll along the River Ness, admiring the beautiful scenery and the quaint old buildings. You can also visit the Inverness Museum and Art Gallery which will give you an insight into the history of the city.
If you’re looking to get outdoors, then head up to the hills surrounding Inverness. You can go hiking and explore the breathtaking views of the Highlands. There are also many trails that take you through the woods and over the river.
When you’re done with your sightseeing, there are plenty of pubs and restaurants where you can enjoy a traditional Scottish meal. You can also find some great shopping areas with plenty of local stores.
For those arriving by plane, the closest international airport is Inverness Airport (INV), which is about 12 miles from the city centre.
Inverness is a great place to end your "Loch Ness Panoramic Road" road trip. With its stunning scenery, rich history and vibrant culture, this charming city will make you never want to leave!
Inverness - Scotland - Europe - Scenic Drive - pixabay.com
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Loch Ness Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Inverness
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End:
Inverness
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Distance:
210 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Inverness Airport (INV)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Loch Ness Panoramic Road, also known as the Loch Ness 360° Trail, is an enchanting 131-mile circuit that wraps around the world-renowned Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands. Originating and concluding in the historical city of Inverness, often referred to as the `Capital of the Highlands,` this route immerses travelers in the majesty of Scotland's rugged landscapes and offers glimpses into its deep-rooted history and culture.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
As you embark on this journey, expect to weave through picturesque villages like Dores, known for its serene beach with views of Loch Ness, and Foyers, where you can witness the cascading waters of the Falls of Foyers. The journey to Fort Augustus rewards you with a chance to explore the Caledonian Canal and watch boats navigate the impressive lock system.
A pinnacle of the Trip is Urquhart Castle, a romantic ruin perched on the banks of Loch Ness, offering panoramic vistas and an opportunity to delve into centuries of Scottish history. Explorers can also wander into the mystical Caledonian pine forests of Glen Affric, often hailed as one of Scotland's most beautiful glens, with its serene lochs and abundant wildlife.
Best Time to Go:
To maximize your experience, plan your Road Trip during the summer months (June to August). You'll benefit from up to 18 hours of daylight, and generally milder weather, which is ideal for exploring the breathtaking scenery and engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and boat tours on Loch Ness.
Potential Risks:
Driving in the Highlands is a pleasure with well-maintained Roads, but it's wise to be prepared for sudden changes in weather and to navigate single-track Roads with passing places, a common feature in more remote areas. Always check local travel reports before setting out and be prepared for the possibility of encountering wildlife on the Roads.
Facts for Roadtrippers:
To truly savor the essence of the Highlands, allow yourself several days to complete the route. This will give you ample time to visit the numerous historical sites, take in the diverse landscapes, and perhaps even join a guided search for the elusive Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie.
A good choice for:
The Loch Ness Panoramic Road is a quintessential Scottish adventure that promises an enriching blend of natural beauty, folklore, and historic intrigue. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply seeking a serene escape, this Road Trip is an exemplary way to experience the heart of the Highlands within a compact timeframe.
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