Lochs to visit near Inverness

Lochs in the Scottish Highlands

The lochs in the Scottish Highlands are among the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world! These vast, mysterious waters are surrounded by rugged mountains, ancient forests and picturesque castles, creating an unforgettable landscape. Whether you’re looking for peace and quiet, wildlife encounters or thrilling outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. During your stay with us at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, these beautiful lochs are within an hour’s drive….

Loch Ness

Loch Ness is Scotland’s most famous loch. It stretches over 23 miles and is best known for its legendary monster, whom we call Nessie. There are lots of villages and attractions to visit around this huge lake in Scotland. One popular location is Drumnadrochit, around a 30-minute drive from our hotel. Here, you can explore The Loch Ness Centre, which provides fascinating insights into the mystery of the loch. You can also enjoy a boat cruise onboard the Nessie Hunter or Deepscan Cruises. For history lovers, the ruins of Urquhart Castle nearby offer wonderful views of the loch. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Loch Ness 360 is a long-distance walking and cycling trail, which follows the circumference of the loch. You can also enjoy water activities with outdoors companies like In Your Element and Explore Highland.

Loch Tarff

Loch Tarff is a small but striking loch, near the southern tip of Loch Ness. It’s just less than an hour away from Inverness and offers a quieter alternative. With beautiful scenery and varied wildlife, red deer are frequently seen grazing near the water’s edge. The area is also home many bird species, including golden eagles, buzzards, oystercatchers, dippers, and herons.

Loch Duntelchaig

Another peaceful, lesser-known loch near Inverness and Loch Ness, around a half-hour drive from the Kingsmills. Loch Duntelchaig is popular with anglers, and also good for quiet, scenic walks and wild swimming.

Loch Morlich

Located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, Loch Morlich has great sandy beaches, making it a fantastic destination for swimming, picnicking and relaxing in summer. You can hire kayaks, paddleboards and canoes at the Loch Morlich Watersports Centre, less than an hour from the Kingsmills. The surrounding Glenmore Forest Park has excellent hiking and biking trails. While in winter, the nearby Cairngorm Mountain ski area provides skiing and snowboarding opportunities. The loch is also a great spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Lochindorb

East of Inverness, near Grantown-on-Spey, is Lochindorb. This is a remote and atmospheric loch, best known for its island castle with links to the notorious Wolf of Badenoch. Lots of excellent photo opportunities here, particularly at sunrise or sunset over the castle.

Loch Achilty

Heading west of Inverness, Loch Achilty is a beautiful little loch. One of the hidden gems of the Highlands! It has a pebble beach with picnic places. The surrounding woodland is great for gentle hikes, and there are many quiet spots to stop for a rest.

These are just a few of our favourite lochs near Inverness in the Highlands. There are so many more to discover across Scotland! Each one is unique and contributes to our country’s dramatic scenery and rich biodiversity. Explore more things to do near Inverness with our blogs and city guide.