Loch Ness Day Trip from Inverness: Cruise & Urquhart Castle

Summary

Loch Ness legends, castle ruins and quiet forest walks

You’ll start your day tracing quiet roads around Loch Ness from Inverness, stopping for views at Dores Beach before wandering forest paths to hidden waterfalls. Explore Urquhart Castle’s ancient stones with stories from your guide, then glide across Loch Ness on a cruise — maybe spotting something mysterious in those deep waters.

What’s the experience like?

We were already winding along the Caledonian Canal when I realized how close Inverness sits to all this wild water. Our guide, Isla, pointed out the first glimpse of Loch Ness through a break in the pines — it was just there, dark and still, stretching out like it had no end. We stopped in Dores, this tiny village with a pebbly beach where you can see nearly the whole length of the loch. It smelled like wet stone and cold air. Someone’s dog was barking at the waves (maybe hoping for Nessie). I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t really catch what it felt like to stand there.

The walk down to the Falls of Foyers was steeper than I expected — pine needles underfoot, that earthy smell after last night’s rain. Isla told us about Robert Burns visiting here ages ago; apparently he wrote a poem about these falls. The water crashed down into this hidden gorge and for a second nobody said anything. Then someone’s phone went off (classic) and we all laughed. Lunch in Fort Augustus meant watching boats shuffle through the canal locks while I tried something called Cullen skink — creamy fish soup; not as weird as it sounds.

I didn’t expect to care much about Urquhart Castle but walking those broken walls right on the edge of Loch Ness was something else. You can feel how old everything is — stones worn smooth by centuries of weather and who knows how many battles. Isla told us some story about clan raids; I half-listened, half-watched the light shift over the water. The hour-long cruise afterward felt almost too peaceful for all those old legends — just wind in your face and that endless stretch of water beneath you. No monster sightings (unless you count Pete’s shadowy selfie), but somehow that made it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Loch Ness and surroundings

• Leave Inverness via Caledonian Canal
• Visit Dores village and beach
• Walk downhill to Falls of Foyers
• Have lunch and view boats at Fort Augustus
• Wander through forests and waterfalls
• Visit Urquhart Castle grounds
• Take an hour-long Loch Ness cruise

Top questions

How long is the Loch Ness day trip from Inverness?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, departing from Inverness and returning the same day.

Is lunch included on this Loch Ness tour?

Lunch is not included but there is a lunch stop in Fort Augustus or Drumnadrochit depending on date.

Does this tour include entry to Urquhart Castle?

Yes, entry to Urquhart Castle is included in the tour price.

Is there a boat cruise on Loch Ness during this tour?

Yes, an hour-long Jacobite cruise on Loch Ness is included.

What size is the group for this Loch Ness day trip?

The group size is capped at 16 people for a more personal experience.

Where does the tour depart from in Inverness?

The tour departs from the bus stop next to Inverness Cathedral on Ardross Street (IV3 5NS).

Are children allowed on this tour?

Children under 5 years old are not permitted on this tour.

Is transport provided throughout the day?

Yes, transport is provided in a 16-seat Mercedes mini-coach with your driver-guide.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable mini-coach transport with pickup from central Inverness, entry fees for both Urquhart Castle and an hour-long Jacobite cruise on Loch Ness, plus stories and guidance from a friendly local guide. There’s also time set aside for lunch at Fort Augustus or Drumnadrochit before heading back to town.