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HomeRoad TripsEuropeWest EuropeGreat BritainScotlandLoch Ness Panoramic Road
Loch Ness

Loch Ness Panoramic Road

Inverness - Dores - Foyers - Fort Augustus - Urquhart Castle - Glen Affric

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Landscape Landscape
Comfort Comfort
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Road conditions Road conditions
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Loch Ness Panoramic Road ACTIVATE MAP Stages6 km210 h/stage0.6

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Loch Ness Panoramic Road in Scotland?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 45EUR drive & more 25EUR sleep & more 77EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 198EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 243EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 72EUR drive & more 38EUR sleep & more 154EUR eat & more 144EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 336EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 408EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 126EUR drive & more 50EUR sleep & more 220EUR eat & more 192EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 462EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 588EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 225EUR drive & more 63EUR sleep & more 55EUR eat & more 96EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 214EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 439EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
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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.
number of days 1 number of days
route length 210 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the left traffic direction
accident level 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.

1 Inverness - Dores

Distance 29 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: modest 7.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
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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!

2 Dores - Foyers

Distance 17 km Driving time 0.2 h Pace: fast 5.1 kWh View map Itinerary
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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!

3 Foyers - Fort Augustus

Distance 22 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: fast 6.5 kWh View map Itinerary
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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.

4 Fort Augustus - Urquhart Castle

Distance 27 km Driving time 0.4 h Pace: fast 8.2 kWh View map Itinerary
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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!

5 Urquhart Castle - Drumnadrochit - Glen Affric

Distance 41 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: modest 10.6 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options
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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.

6 Glen Affric - Inverness

Distance 75 km Driving time 1.5 h Pace: modest 19.6 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
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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

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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!

Loch Ness Panoramic Road at a glance

We hope that our itinerary idea gave you multiple inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
It is a ready-made option that can be effortlessly expanded into a complete itinerary – options are countless.
If travelling by car is your plan when exploring highlights around Scotland, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a bunch of elements to bear in mind to make your journey smooth and safe. These tips will surely become useful for holidaymakers who are considering hiring a car or camper rental.
In Scotland, there are a number of traffic rules to be mindful of while travelling. When moving around Scotland in a car, try to stay away from spirits. Holidayers should remember that the permitted level of alcohol in blood is not very high and equals only 0.8‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 48km/h, which is the maximum car speed around the city. 96km/h is the maximum allowed speed around non-build-up-areas. When travelling on highways, you cannot exceed the maximum car speed of 112km/h. Driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit increases the safety of you and your passengers.
The majority of travellers are also interested in the travel expenses of the whole road trip. The total cost of the whole undertaking depends on budget option that you select. A wide range of budget options is showed below.
If you’d like to benefit from the budget option to cover the planned 210km across Scotland, it can cost approximately 25 EUR. You should take into consideration that economy accommodation options will cost more or less 77 EUR. Holidayers who want to benefit from this option will spend about 96 EUR on restaurants and food. Travellers will have to pay approximately 45 EUR if they are interested in the cheapest hire car offer as well. Thus, the estimated travel expenses amount to approximately 198 EUR without car rental and 243 EUR with car hire.
Holidayers who are interested in greater comfort and the standard option will pay approximately 38 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the road trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, expect that the expenses may amount up to around 154 EUR. When selecting this option, take into consideration that the restaurants and food within this range will cost roughly 144 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard rental car can expect a cost of roughly 72 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 408 EUR for travellers who would like to try vehicle rental and 336 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The highest level of comfort of the premium option will meet the expectations of the most demanding travellers. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 588 EUR for holidaymakers who are considering vehicle rental and 336 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle. Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle should expect a cost of approximately 126 EUR. In the premium version of the road trip, the cost of the gasoline needed to cover all stages around Scotland is approximately 50 EUR. Drivers who would like to go for top services in all aspects of their adventure should expect to pay approximately 192 EUR for restaurants and food and about 220 EUR for accommodation.
Loch Ness Panoramic Road will also meet the expectations all camper enthusiasts. If you choose this travel option, you will pay up to approximately 225 EUR. If you are wondering about the fuel costs for the whole tour, they will amount to roughly 63 EUR. Holidayers who would like to go for camper hire should expect to pay approximately 55 EUR for overnight stays and more or less 96 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the presented expenses in detail.
If Loch Ness Panoramic Road has sparked your creativity, check out other intriguing road trips that we offer on our website. Even the most demanding of holidayers will surely be taken aback by the wide spectrum of trips available on our website.

Facts for safer driving in Scotland

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.8
max speed urban max speed urban 48 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 96 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 112 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime off
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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