Loch Ness and Glencoe Road Trip

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This Loch Ness and Glencoe road trip takes one day to complete, with about 2 and a half hours of driving time. Starting in Inverness, it follows Loch Ness, through Glencoe and on to Fort William. With spectacular scenery and lots of opportunities to stop off along the way.

Road trip details: One-day route, 85 miles each way, 2.5 hours driving time

Stops include: Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle, Fort Augustus, the Caledonian Canal, Loch Oich, Commando Memorial, Well of the Seven Heads, Old Inverlochy Castle, Loch Leven, Glencoe.

Explore the route map below for this road trip…

Inverness to Fort Augustus

A choice of routes with beautiful scenery

The Route:

Inverness to Fort Augustus

1. (option 1) From Inverness, take the A82 towards Fort Augustus and Fort William. This takes you along the main route on the north side of Loch Ness. This passes Urquhart Castle, the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre and Nessieland. (option 2) Alternatively, you may take B862 from Inverness. This way includes single the track roads, glens and forests along the south side of Loch Ness. Recommended stops at Urquhart Castle, Camerons Tea Room and the Falls of Foyers.

2. When you reach Fort Augustus, stop here to explore the village and see the historic Caledonian Canal.

Fort Augustus to Fort William

3. Next follow the A82 to Fort William. You will pass Loch Oich and the Well of the Seven Heads. Stop here to visit the monument and store, and learn the gory story behind its name.

4. Cross another swing bridge over the Caledonian Canal. Then drive along the south side of Loch Lochy. If the weather is good, the lochside is a great place for paddling and skipping stones.

5. After Loch Lochy, pass the Commando Memorial, then drive through Spean Bridge. There is a Woollen Mill and Café here if you’re looking for a stop.

6. Look out for a sign for Old Inverlochy Castle as you arrive into Fort William, after the Road to the Isles roundabout. This castle ruin is site of the first and second battles of Inverlochy and is free to visit.

Fort William to Glencoe

Wind through stunning glens with spectacular scenery

Fort William to Glen Coe

7. Drive through Fort William on the lochside road, following the A82 signs. After passing Onich you will reach North Ballachulish. Take the A863 signed Kinlochleven. There are lots of places to stop along this quiet road, including Loch Leven Seafood Café with lovely loch and mountain views.

8. Now head towards Glencoe village. You will pass the Glen Coe Folk Museum. Then rejoin the A82 signed Crianlarich and head towards Glen Coe. You can stop at the foot of the glen to take in the scenery. Then drive right through Glen Coe. After the glen, the road climbs onto a moor. Just a few miles beyond, there is Glencoe Mountain Resort, with chair lift rides.

9. Now turn around and return back through the glen from the top. There is a stop on your left as you enter the gorge, where you’ll see a spectacular waterfall. Continue down the glen, driving carefully and stopping at the parking areas where for more great views and also some hikes, if you have hiking gear with you.

10. You’ll pass Glencoe Visitor Centre on your way back out of the glen, where you can learn more about this magnificent area.

Glencoe to Fort William

11. Now go back towards Fort William via Ballachulish. Before reaching the bridge, look out for a huge former slate quarry on your left.

12. Enjoy some time in Fort William. This pretty Scottish town has plenty of great attractions, activities, stunning scenery and places to eat.

Fort William to Fort Augustus

13. (option 1). Leaving Fort William, return home by the same route to Fort Augustus. (option 2) Alternatively, take the Road to the Isles and turn right at Neptune’s Staircase of lochs on the Caledonian Canal. Follow the back road to Gairlochy and the Commando Memorial.

Fort Augustus to Inverness

14. From Fort Augustus, return back to Inverness along the banks of Loch Ness. If you drove along the north side on the way out, drive back via the south side .. and vice versa.

We hope you enjoy this Loch Ness and Glencoe road trip. Find more road trip ideas here.

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