Planning a holiday can be an overwhelming task, especially when there is so much to do and see in the Highlands. If you're hoping to visit Loch Ness in 2024, read on to find out what to do with your trip depending on what time of year you come.
Drumnadrochit is a hub for tourists in the warmer months, but there is a quiet beauty that settles over the countryside in the colder season. A late-night tipple becomes a warm hot chocolate by the fire, and a lazy swim in the loch is exchanged for a cosy walk through the forestry. Winter is an incredible time to wind down and enjoy quality time with your loved ones, and there is no better place to achieve that than at the Loch Ness Inn.
With comfortable and beautifully decorated rooms available at all times of year, guests can enjoy the peace of the quieter months whilst still experiencing the full impact of the incredible landscape. After enjoying a filling breakfast at the Inn, you can set off in one of many directions for the day depending on what you want to see and do.
Glen Affric never fails to astound the thousands of people who visit every year, so whether you’re an avid hiker or someone who likes casual trails, there is plenty to see in this area, and you’ll have the place to yourself. As it is a designated National Nature Reserve, the glen has a rugged, natural feel to it that allows you to leave the stresses of life behind. Glen Cannich offers a similar experience, and you can often spot deer on the moors as you head towards the dam which provides breathtaking views over Loch Mullardoch.
For anyone interested in trying something different, Monster Activities - based in Fort Augustus - is open all year, and you can try clay pigeon shooting, canoeing, archery, and tomahawk and knife throwing for an adventure filled day. Further along the road, Fort William is an hours drive away from Drumnadrochit and offers a charming high street and plenty of lunch spots. The town has amazing views of the Nevis range, and is a great stopping point if you are carrying on to visit Skye or Ardnamurchan.
Despite it being the quieter season, there is still plenty to keep you occupied in Inverness. The Scottish Ballet are bringing Cinders! on Stage to Eden Court from the 31st of January, and the Scottish Food and Drink fortnight from the 29th of January to the 12th of February offers great deals on local eateries.
Springtime offers new beginnings, and it is the perfect time to visit Loch Ness. Flora and fauna begin to bloom, and waterfalls flow heavily at this time of year as the snow melts, making spots such as Plodda Falls a must-see. This spectacular waterfall is well-known to locals but still a hidden gem, and when you make it to the boardwalk you will see why. The water cascades down the tree bank into a deep pool far below, and if you follow the trail to the base of the fall you can marvel at the power of nature.
Many businesses that hibernated throughout the winter open their doors once more in the spring, making it the perfect time to stroll through the city. The Ness Islands walk is a pleasant loop that takes you along the river, and you are spoiled for choice on where to grab a coffee as Inverness boasts an excellent range of coffee shops.
From April onwards, many farmers markets pick back up, including the Market on the Green in Drumnadrochit where you can buy craft goods made by Highland locals every second Saturday (see image provided by Market on the Green), and the Inverness Farmers Market is hosted on the first Saturday of every month as of March.
During the summer months, the local landscape flourishes. Everywhere you look is lush and green, making it a prime time for getting out in nature. The Oldtown of Leys Garden is a wonderful spot to spend a morning or afternoon, as the gardens are beautifully looked after and there are countless flowers and plants to enjoy as you stroll around the grounds.
The Great Glen Way is most popular at this time of year, and as the trail comes right through Drumnadrochit the Loch Ness Inn is the perfect resting spot before carrying on towards Inverness. For any music lovers, the Tartan Heart Festival at Belladrum is hosted in the last weekend of July, and will feature an incredible variety of artists and activities (image taken by Paul Campbell Photography). The agricultural Black Isle Show often falls on the following weekend, so you have the chance to go to both!
The summer season brings with it a host of different events, including gin festivals in both Beauly and Inverness and Under Canvas at Eden Court, where visitors can enjoy live music performances ranging from traditional Scottish music to DJ sets.
If you visit Drumnadrochit in August, you can have the pleasure of attending the Glenurquhart Highland Games which showcases traditional game events, including tossing the caber, and vendors who provide great food and local crafts.
In autumn, when the air becomes crisp and the leaves turn beautiful shades of orange, it’s time to don a cosy scarf whilst you explore the local area. Daviot Woods offers a steady, level walk through Scots pine forestry, and Abriachan Forest provides panoramic views over Loch Ness as well as different art features along the way.
Corrimony Farm is based in Glen Urquhart, and if you visit in August and September you can spend the day picking sunflowers in the golden afternoon sun. It also has its very own pumpkin patch called Loch Ness Pumpkins that is open in October (images taken by Jake of North West Photography). This is the Highland’s first pumpkin picking patch and it offers a full itinerary of fun activities, including a bale run, a tractor-pulled barrel train and pumpkin picking, just in time for Halloween. Book in advance to ensure you get a spot!
For Halloween lovers, Inverness offers several events such as spooky walking tours around the city. On bonfire night there will be a bonfire in both Inverness and Drumnadrochit, meaning you can visit either depending on where you are staying.
Autumn is also an excellent time of year for fishing, so don't worry if you aren't able to come in the summer. There are guided fishing trips available to book for any keen learners out there, and countless quiet spots for those who want to soak in the tranquillity.
The Inn will host live music nights throughout the year, so follow us on Instagram, Facebook and X and keep your eyes peeled to stay in the loop for upcoming events. There will also be special menus for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, so if you want to treat your loved ones to an exceptional meal be sure to book ahead!
With a wood-burning stove and cosy atmosphere, the Loch Ness Inn’s restaurant welcomes diners all year long and offers a seasonal menu with an exciting array of specials. The team looks forward to meeting you when you visit Loch Ness this year.