Fort Augustus Adventures: Top Outdoor Activities Review
Fort Augustus, just about snuggled right at the tip of Loch Ness in Scotland, is, in some respects, a knockout spot for people, like your good self, who love, kind of, getting outside. I mean, the place is soaked in some great old stories, what with its spot on the Caledonian Canal and, well, you have the mysterious Loch Ness sitting right there. So, actually, if you are thinking about visiting Fort Augustus and need, like, ideas for cool outdoor stuff, well I have collected, very personally, this rundown to help you plan some unforgettable adventures.
Loch Ness Exploration Trips
Let’s kick things off, almost, with a classic: taking a trip on Loch Ness. Actually, I find the loch stretching about 23 miles, so too it’s deep, that means it really invites all kinds of explorations. Basically, there are plenty of local companies running tours, some are speedy RIB rides, and some are pretty chill sightseeing cruises. First, for example, you might go for a tour that goes looking for the Loch Ness Monster (Nessie, that) with sonar. That’s kind of exciting if you, too, like a good mystery. What’s really fun is that other trips usually include peeks, kind of, at Urquhart Castle, the ruined place you often see in photos of the loch.
Think, just a little, about feeling that Highland air when your boat speeds across the dark waters. As a matter of fact, the tours aren’t just for the scenery; the skippers often throw in the, like, history and myths, as a matter of fact they really bring Loch Ness to life. Anyway, you can even book, like your good self, a private boat for that extra bit of specialness, ideal, right, for special days with people, as a matter of fact that’s people you actually really want to spend time with! Read our full review: Loch Ness Exploration Full Review and Details
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Walking and Hiking the Caledonian Canal
For something less boaty and more land-based, just consider a walk, kind of, or a hike along bits of the Caledonian Canal. Clearly, this canal system stretches, very personally, for around 60 miles right across Scotland and connects its east and west coasts. As I was saying, Fort Augustus actually makes a, like, brilliant start (or end) point for, kind of, hitting up some parts by foot. Obviously, the paths along the canal towpaths often are level, that makes things fairly accessible for casual walkers and families. What’s really fun is that the walk around Fort Augustus takes you past the staircase locks, quite, and that is an amazing spot to watch boats do the climb, and see how the canal works.
For anyone after something, sort of, a bit tougher, why not think about taking longer hikes on the Great Glen Way, a trail that’s often next to the canal? Really, you get stunning views, especially, across the Highland landscape, it means, very personally, you might want to take your camera. Honestly, it’s almost a peaceful experience, strolling these paths surrounded, just a little, by nature. Read our full review: Caledonian Canal Walk Full Review and Details
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Paddling Adventures: Kayaking and Canoeing
Are you quite the one for a paddle? In short, Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal give you the chance to go kayaking and canoeing. Usually, I find it a brilliant way to see, kind of, the area right up close. I mean, you can find places in Fort Augustus, arguably, to rent kayaks or join a guided trip, if you think, perhaps, you want something a little safer or you just might appreciate some company. Right, so, imagine exploring, for example, some secluded bays on Loch Ness. First, for example, there could be bits others don’t see from bigger boats. Likewise, the canal is, kind of, nice for, that, calmer waters that can turn, pretty much, into some fun explorations.
By the way, whatever you choose, make certain you keep an eye on weather, right, as conditions on Loch Ness in particular are usually likely to change. As a matter of fact, it’s, kind of, often useful to understand, sort of, the basics of water safety too. Basically, armed, kind of, with those insights and preparations, canoeing or kayaking may turn, kind of, into an experience to treasure, to be honest, when you remember back later! Read our full review: Kayaking on Loch Ness Full Review and Details
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Biking Around Fort Augustus
Taking your bike is another outstanding way to get about, well, the Fort Augustus location and just outside, usually. Right, the Great Glen Way is more or less great for cyclists. Clearly, there are sections really well suited to mountain biking. Really, you have loads of ways to pick from different trails so that there really is a route that hits your taste, you see. Next, the areas close to Loch Ness, right, there are several, actually, forest tracks. Still, those provide fun biking with gorgeous surroundings.
So, arguably, hiring bikes could be the best, sort of, if you have none, like your good self, with local stores renting some out per day, usually week, I mean, allowing some great freedom. Then make sure to prepare properly with, sort of, the gear you might want; also water, and keep knowing, right, your chosen trail details, you hear. Still, think about how rewarding biking could be in this picturesque section of the Highlands with the right planning. Read our full review: Biking near Fort Augustus Full Review and Details
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Wildlife Watching
What is truly exciting in Fort Augustus is, really, the wealth of chances to see animals. So, by the way, nature here’s a place where varied birds of prey and other types abound. I mean, the Caledonian forests too provide haven, by the way, for deer, for pine martens, that means so much can be enjoyed if, for example, one keeps looking closely and also peacefully. Anyway, for many, spotting Nessie is wildlife viewing, obviously.
Why not consider joining guided wildlife walks so your sightings will most probably grow given a guide’s insights. Alright, clearly they know all the prime, actually, viewing positions while bringing details about what creatures you may have noticed, you see. So, remember your binoculars! So, whether it might just be observing birds up near the canal or hoping for sightings farther up in places that remain wild, the memories tend, very personally, to become ones for the long term. Read our full review: Scottish Wildlife Tours Full Review and Details
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