Fort Augustus is located on the southern tip of Loch Ness on the Great Glen Way. This hamlet is loved by tourists for its scenic views and serene atmosphere. If you enjoy hanging out in the wilderness and want to see some of the most beautiful spots in the Highlands make sure you stop off here as there is loads of things to do in Fort Augustus.
There are lots of great places to stay while you visit here, comfortable B&Bs, camping sites and traditional hotels.
Find out the top things to do in Fort Augustus with our complete guide.
Your Complete Guide of Things to do in Fort Augustus
If you are searching for things to do in Fort Augustus, we can help you get started with your ‘to do list’.
In this charming town near Loch Ness, you can spend the day castle-hopping and Nessie-spotting and end the day sleeping under the stars.
We have picked out the top things to do in and near Fort Augustus below.
Caledonian Canal
One of the must ‘things to do in Fort Augustus is the Caledonian Canal.
The 60 mile long Caledonian Canal sits between the city of Inverness and the small Scottish town of Fort William.
If you want to learn more about the Caledonian Canal, Fort Augustus is home to its Heritage Centre.
Tourists visiting here can get an insight into the history of the canal and the people that have lived here over many centuries. Guides at the centre may also demonstrate 17th century clan weaponry for centre visitors.
Castles near Fort Augustus
If you are into castle then you will find loads of things to do in Fort Augustus.
There are a couple of castles near Fort Augustus. The well-known Urquhart Castle is a beautiful romantic ruin that compliments the scenery around the loch perfectly.
If you are looking for an Instagram worthy attraction, Eilean Donan Castle, known as the most photographed castle in Scotland, is around an hour’s drive away from Fort Augustus.
The Clog and Craft Shop
If you are looking for unique things to do in Fort Augustus try out this funky gift shop. Head along to The Clog and Craft shop. Located in Invermoriston near the banks of Loch Ness, this popular tourist destination stocks several kinds of handmade clogs, leather products and keepsakes. Make sure you stop off here when you are visiting Loch Ness!
Fort William
The ‘Outdoor Capital of the UK’ is close by to Fort Augustus and it will take tourists around forty-five minutes to get there. Known as Scotland’s playground, Fort William is the perfect getaway for adrenaline junkies.
Visitors to Fort William have easy access to stunning outdoor locations like Glen Coe, The Mamores and Glen Sheil and whether you enjoy sports on land or water, you are spoiled for options here.
hoose from water activities such as canyoning coasteering and white water rafting and land activities such as paintball and segwaying.
You can learn more about this action-packed town in ‘Our Complete Guide to Fort William’.
Inver Coille Camping & Glamping
This luxury camping site is just a stone throw away from the centre of Fort Augustus. If you are looking to embrace the outdoors during your trip to this part of Scotland, you can do it from the comfort of your very own GeoDomes, Timber Tent, Pod or Bell Tent!
GeoDomes are a popular choice with glampers visiting the Scottish Highlands as they offer warm and affordable accommodation. Domes are fully insulated making them comfortable throughout the year.
This is the perfect place for couples looking for a romantic getaway in Scotland as you will be surrounded by wilderness and heated by a log burner. Domes are incredibly spacious and can comfortably sleep up to four campers inside.
Accommodation at Inver Coille Camping and Glamping site can be booked online for 2-night stays minimum. This glamping accommodation near Inverness is open from April until November.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness attracts millions of tourists to its waters every year.
Whether you fancy wild swimming in one of the world’s largest lochs or want to catch a glimpse of the infamous Loch Ness Monster, Nessie – you will not be disappointed by the natural beauty of this famous Scottish tourist destination.
If you are visiting Fort Augustus you will be spoiled with breathtaking views of Loch Ness. Areas around the Loch are popular with walkers and cyclists as there are several scenic routes scattered around here.
Locals that live in Fort Augustus will more than likely recommend the most popular route, the Great Glen Way.
Iceberg Glassblowing Studio
If you have an interested in traditional glassblowing, you can browse throw a stunning range of contemporary glass artwork at a bespoke gallery in Fort Augustus.
The Iceberg Glassblowing Studio was established in 1982 by Douglas Wilson and Julie Snowdon, it is located near the Caledonian Canal. The owners at the studio use borosilicate glass which is heated over a propane or oxygen flame. Many different kinds of decorative items can be made using this glass including jewellery, hanging vases, candle-holders, Christmas decorations, ornamental thistles, and Loch Ness Monsters of course!
Day trip to Inverness
If you are travelling around the Scottish Highlands and want a taste of Scottish city life, Fort Augustus is less an hour away from central Inverness.
The Capital of the Highlands has several tourist attractions, delicious restaurants and many exciting events happen here throughout the year.
You can also plan a trip Ness Islands while you visit Inverness. This is a group of islands in the middle of the River Ness which are connected by Victorian suspension bridges. This is the perfect place to spend a sunny day as you can wander along the quiet riverside paths which surround the Ness Islands.
More Things to do in The Highlands
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- Things to do in Carrbridge
- Things to do in Drumnadrochit
- Things to do in Fort William
- Things to do in Gairloch
- Things to do in Invergordon
- Things to do in Inverness
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- Things to do in Lochinver
- Things to do in Loch Ness
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