Fort Augustus

A great place to hang out

Morag’s Lodge budget hostel accommodation is based in the charming Highland village of Fort Augustus. 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!


Although the village only boasts a modest population of around 400 people it is a popular and busy tourist destination and there is no shortage of activities to keep you occupied during your stay.

Fort Augustus was originally named after St Cummein, who built a church here: being known in Gaelic as Cille Chumein. The current name was an imposition that accompanied the building of a fort, Fort Augustus, after the defeat of the 1715 Jacobite uprising. The fort, and so in turn the village, was named after King George II's younger son, Prince William Augustus.

That same son later became the Duke of Cumberland, the infamous "Butcher Cumberland" who was responsible for repressing the Highlands and destroying the ancient clan system after the final defeat of the '45 Jacobite uprising at Culloden.

Today, almost nothing remains of the original fort, parts of which were incorporated into the Benedictine Abbey when it was built in 1876. The community of monks was unable to sustain itself and left in 1998 and it’s now a development of luxury holiday homes.

Fort Augustus's is also famous for the Caledonian Canal. To the north the canal enters Loch Ness, and within the village itself is a flight of locks that provide a fascinating place to watch the world go by. At night when lit up they look most spectacular.

With the launch in 2002 of the Great Glen Way, the 73 mile long distance path from Fort William to Inverness, the canal towpath also brings a steady stream of walkers and cyclist into the village. Morags Lodge provides quality but cheap accommodation for walkers and cyclists on the Great Glen Way. Immediately next to the locks is the Caledonian Canal Heritage Centre, an excellent place in which to gain an insight into the history and operation of the Canal. Visitors to Fort Augustus can also enjoy the Clansman Centre where you can experience clan life five hundred years ago. 

Fort Augustus is a great base for exploring Loch Ness. A cruise on the mysterious and beautiful Loch Ness is an unforgettable experience offering and your chance to catch a glimpse of Nessie.

The Royal Scot is a locally owned custom built boat, designed specifically for sailing on Loch Ness. It’s equipped with the very latest hi-tech colour sonar and Olex 3D under water imaging system, giving you a fascinating view of the terrain and life underwater. You can relax with a coffee or a beer on the on board café bar.