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Loch Ness & Glencoe · Half-day tour from Inverness

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle

The perfect short trip if you only have a morning. Stand on the shingle at Dores Beach for the classic view down Loch Ness, then explore the ruins of Urquhart Castle on its headland, with entry included.

Duration
Half day, 4.5 hours
Group size
Max 16 guests
Departs
Inverness, 09:00 or 14:00
Pace
Easy
Check dates from £49

Tour highlights

  • Classic view down Loch Ness from Dores Beach
  • Urquhart Castle admission included
  • The real story behind the Loch Ness Monster
  • Easy walking, great for families

The route

Where we go

Starting and finishing in Inverness, this tour visits Dores Beach, Urquhart Castle.

Route map for the Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle tourStylised map of the Scottish Highlands, not to scale, showing a route from Inverness via Inverness, Dores Beach, Urquhart Castle.Loch NessCAIRNGORMSSKYESUTHERLANDInvernessDores BeachUrquhart CastleN

Stylised map, not to scale

  1. 1InvernessCapital of the Highlands and our departure point
  2. 2Dores BeachShingle beach with long views down Loch Ness
  3. 3Urquhart CastleRuined castle on a headland above Loch Ness

Hour by hour

Loch Ness & Urquhart Castle itinerary

  1. Hour 1

    Depart Inverness

    Pick-up from Basecamp or your hotel and a short drive down the quiet east side of the loch.

    • Inverness
  2. Hour 1 to 2

    Dores Beach

    A walk on the shingle with the whole 23-mile length of Loch Ness stretching away in front of you.

    • Dores Beach
  3. Hour 2 to 4

    Urquhart Castle

    Cross to the west shore and explore the castle ruins, climb Grant Tower and watch the cruise boats come in below.

    • Urquhart Castle
  4. Hour 4.5

    Back in Inverness

    Return along the A82 with a drop-off in the city centre.

    • Inverness

What's included

Included

  • Expert local guide and driver
  • Urquhart Castle admission
  • Small-group minibus, max 16 guests
  • Hotel pick-up within Inverness city centre

Not included

  • Food and drinks
  • Loch Ness cruise (can be added on request)

What to bring

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable shoes

What to wear in the Highlands and other FAQs

Departure point & pick-up

This tour departs from Wildmoor Basecamp, 7 Heatherbank Lane, Inverness, IV2 3WM at 09:00 or 14:00 and returns at 13:30 or 18:30. Free pick-up is included from hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs in Inverness city centre, usually 10 to 20 minutes before departure.

01632 960482Directions to Basecamp

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