An adorable village halfway between Fort William and Inverness, Fort Augustus sits at the convergence of the impressive Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness.
Fort Augustus is small, but well worth a visit throughout the year given its abundance of outdoor adventures, gorgeous landscapes and proximity to some of Scotland’s finest wonders.
Many tourists will skip Fort Augustus for larger Highland towns such as Glencoe and Fort William, but in doing so they overlook a delightful little treasure trove.
Here’s just a sample of great things to do around Fort Augustus:
Explore the Caledonian Canal
The great Caledonian Canal connects the Highland capital of Inverness and the Moray Firth with the west coast of Scotland near Fort William.
The canal makes use of the great natural length of Loch Ness and at Fort Augustus lies the Caledonian Canal Centre where you can explore the rich history of the canal.
At Fort Augustus, you’ll find several locks (and a loch) that power this incredible feat of engineering.
Along the canal, there are footpaths where you can meander, cycle, and run along the banks of this amazing waterway.
Visit Loch Ness
Fort Augustus is perfectly located for exploring Scotland’s most famous loch and its elusive resident Nessie.
Loch Ness extends over 23 miles SouthWest of Inverness and takes its name from the River Ness which flows from the North side.
Loch Ness is the second largest lake in Scotland, but by volume of water, it’s the biggest and holds more water than all of the lakes in England and Wales combined.
The village of Fort Augustus sits at the southern point of Loch Ness and there’s a delightful viewpoint of the loch just a short walk from the heart of the village.
The Clansman Centre
The Clansman Centre is a distinctive craft and gift shop dedicated to 17th-century Highland traditions and specialising in locally made products. Inside the centre lies a small theatre which offers shows on the Highland Clansman of how he lived, fought and dressed.
Open seven days a week from April to October, the centre operates out of a 1700 schoolhouse and is certainly worth a visit for those looking to get under the skin of the Highlands.
Fort Augustus Golf Club
Despite being just a 9-hole course, Fort Augustus has been described as one of the most challenging courses in all of Scotland.
A traditional heathland course with long narrow fairways is greeted by breathtaking Highland scenery.
Fort Augustus Golf Club is perfect for both beginners and avid golf fans given the going rate for a round is just £18.
After making your way around the course, a cosy, welcoming clubhouse awaits you where you can sip on a well-deserved drink and relax.
Urquhart Castle
One of the most famous castles in all of Scotland, Urquhart Castle is just a short drive from Fort Augustus and is well worth visiting for a scenic slice of the Highlands.
This site goes back 1000 years and its seen some tumultuous periods in history such as the Scottish Wars of Independence where the Macdonalds’ tussled for power with the Crown.
The site nowadays is a ruin but it’s worth a visit to learn more about the turbulent history that permeates this area and experience the amazing beauty of Loch Ness and the surrounding area.
What are your recommendations for things to do in Fort Augustus?
Let us know in the comments below!
