Out & About in Fort Augustus
What to do in the Local Area
Morags Lodge provides cheap hostel accommodation in Fort Augustus where backpackers and family groups on a budget will find much to see and do. Fort Augustus is situated at the southern end of Loch Ness and is a great base for exploring the magnificent Great Glen, which runs from Fort William to Inverness.
Morag’s Bike Hire
Get out there and explore the local area by bike. We can advise on some great bike routes & tracks. Our bikes are 2008 Giant Yukons. All are equipped with front suspension and disk brakes. We offer great value day, half day and evening rates with great discounts if your staying at the hostel. Maps and helmets included in the hire cost
Local Attractions
Fort Augustus is one of the most charming towns in the Highlands, set on the banks of Loch Ness. Fort Augustus is named after the infamous Duke of Cumberland (Butcher Cumberland as he was called by the Scots after Culloden) and the town is home to the famous Caledonian Canal.
Caledonian Canal
The Canal was built in the early 1800s to link the North Sea and the Atlantic, removing the need for shipping to sail around Scotland's dangerous north East coast. Within the village itself is an impressive flight of locks, and here in the town the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre offers an interesting display on the history and operation of the canal.
Nessie!
Why not relax by the Loch and try some Nessie spotting or enjoy a Loch Ness cruise? Find out about the history of the Loch Ness Monster at one of the 2 rival monster exhibitions at Drumnadrochit!
Urquhart Castle
Urquhart Castle is an impressive historic ruin enjoying a stunning location on the banks of Loch Ness. It was an important medieval fortress, guarding the entrance to the Great Glen from the 13th Century and playing a major role in 500 years of violent Scottish history.
Clansman Centre
Take a walk or cycle through the network of paths around the village. Visit the Clansman Centre to find out about Highland life in the 17th Century
Local Activities
Outdoor Activities
Get out there! There is huge choice of fantastic hillwalking, mountain biking, cycling and watersports available locally. Explore the Great Glen Way and the famous Corrieyairack Pass. In winter a range of snowsports including skiing and boarding are available at Nevis Range (40 mins' drive) by Ben Nevis. Creag Meagaidh and the Glen Sheil peaks are both within easy striking distance of the hostel.
Corrieyairack Pass
For serious mountain bikers and walkers, the classic Corrieyairack pass is accessible from Fort Augustus. This demanding route (40 km) follows General Wade's military road, built in 1731, and its famous zigzags across the Monadhliath Mountains between Fort Augustus and Laggan (south of Newtonmore).
Great Glen Way
Explore this stunning long distance walk
This popular long distance path spans 73 miles/117km between Fort William and Inverness, can be walked in 5-6 days, staying overnight in the various communities within the Great Glen including Morag’s Lodge in Fort Augustus. It can also be combined with the West Highland way to form a classic trek from Glasgow to Inverness.
The Great Glen Way suits all levels of walker. It’s a great introduction to long distance walking, being for the most part low-level and following mainly towpaths and woodland tracks. The route can be walked in either direction, however, most people choose to walk from Fort William to Inverness.
Section 1: Fort William to Gairlochy, 11 Miles
The north route out of Fort William takes you close to the original Inverlochy Castle, built in the 1200s. It then crosses the River Lochy before going on to the start of the Caledonian Canal at Corpach. See the spectacular Neptune's Staircase, the ladder of eight locks that raise the canal 70 feet a little north of its start. This spot also gives you some of the best views of the towering cliffs that hide around the north face of Ben Nevis.
The onward route to Gairlochy, at the southern end of Loch Lochy, uses the Caledonian Canal towpath the whole way. A few miles to the east of Gairlochy is Spean Bridge, complete with its spectacular Commando Memorial.
Section 2: Gairlochy to Laggan, 12 Miles
The second day's walk follows the west shore of Loch Lochy.
The section of the day's walk from Clunes to Kilfinnan is along forest tracks, and in pleasingly remote countryside: the main road runs down the far, eastern bank of Loch Lochy.
Section 3: Laggan to Fort Augustus, 11 Miles
Day 3 follows the shores of Loch Oich.The route emerges at Aberchalder swing bridge where you once again join the canal towpath for a scenic walk to Fort Augustus passing the delightful Kytra and Cullochy Locks. Passing through historic Fort Augustus you may catch sight of the grand, imposing Abbey, which until recently, housed Benedictine monks.
Fort Augustus lies at the southern end of Loch Ness and is built around the locks that lower the canal to its level. Great value accommodation on the Great Glen Way is to be found at our award-winning hostel Morag’s Lodge.
Section 4: Fort Augustus to Invermoriston, 8 Miles
A shorter day and the chance to do some real nessie spotting as you follow the shore of Loch Ness the route to Invermoriston is along paths and forest tracks above and parallel to the main A82 road as it runs along the west shore of Loch Ness. From Fort Augustus you start the first real climb but the reward is a series of breathtaking views back over the village and across Loch Ness as you follow high forest tracks to Invermoriston. As you come into the tiny village and cross the mighty river Moriston, have a look at the splendid old bridge, another Telford design.
Section 5: Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit, 14 Miles
Follow more forest tracks north from Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit. For the last section the route drifts away from Loch Ness and picks up the path of a minor road. Its well worth exploring Urquart Castle if you have a chance.
Section 6: Drumnadrochit to Inverness, 18 Miles
The journey from Drumnadrochit north along tracks and minor roads to Inverness makes this the longest and hardest single day on the standard schedule for the walk. The day also takes you to the highest point on the walk after you climb above the A82 and out of the Great Glen altogether. The end of the walk brings you to Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.
The official end point for the Great Glen Way is at Inverness Castle, destroyed by Jacobites and rebuilt as a court. Inverness offers a wide range of accommodation; it also has a railway station and bus station.
For more information on the Great Glen Way see www.greatglenway.com
Day Trips
Glen Affric (drivetime 40 mins)
Glen Affric is one of Scotland 's most picturesque glens, and home to one of the largest remains of ancient pinewood forests with spectacular loch and mountain views and numerous opportunities for spotting wildlife.
Eilean Donan Castle (drivetime 1 hour)
Perhaps the most photographed and romantic castle in Scotland, Eilean Donan is a wonderful castle on Loch Duich surrounded by mountains and the hereditary seat for Clan MacRae since the 16th Century. Featured in Hollywood blockbusters such as Highlander and James Bond (the World is Not Enough).
Isle of Skye (drivetime 1 hour 20 mins)
The magical Isle of Skye is a land of legend, myth and mystery. Stunning mountains, castles and a unique mixture of Viking and Celtic culture. With stunning coastal views, keep your eye out for whales, dolphins, sharks and seals.
Inverness (drivetime 45 mins)
The capital of of the highlands is well worth a visit. visit Fort George -for a slice of Scottish military history (open all year) or go Dolphin spotting on the Moray Firth.
Culloden (drivetime 1 hour)
Scene of the infamous battle in 1746 which saw Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite rebellion finally crushed. Over 1200 highlanders were slaughtered, full of atmostphere, and a place for reflection.
Ben Nevis (drivetime 40 mins)
Britain's Highest Mountain stands at 4406ft (1344m). It is popular with both walkers in climbers and its summit is not be underestimated. Mighty Ben Nevis is covered in cloud on approximately 300 days of the year.
Glencoe (drivetime 1 hour 30 mins)
One of the most dramatic sites in the Scottish Highlands and scene of the infamous massacre in 1692. Glencoe is a mystical and magical place. Surrounded by towering peaks, with its rich and bloody history, it will leave a lasting impression.
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