Ride Overview

Loch Ness is one of the most famous lochs in all of Scotland and it is renowned around the world. It is impressive at 23 miles long and not only does it hold the title of having the largest volume of all the lakes and lochs in the British Isles, but it is the second deepest loch in Scotland (230m) and the second largest by surface area. In fact – Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined!

But the notoriety of this immense loch doesn’t only stem from its sheer size. Its peaty, dark waters have also been the setting for countless myths and legends over the centuries – the most famous of which is the Loch Ness Monster.

What better way to search for Nessie than on horseback? Join us as we ride along the wild and magical shores of this ancient loch within the Great Glen. Our trail takes us along the shore as well as high above the loch as we circumnavigate this immense and impressive body of water. We will learn the history of the castle ruins on its shores, delve into the folklore surrounding it’s dark waters and see the hills that used to be home to an iron age fort.

2024 Dates:   May 1-4, July 30-Aug. 2
Rate:  2,118£ or $2,545.00 USD per person sharing.  Single Supplement: 220£ or $275.00 USD – on request and based on availability.

Included

  • 4 days guided riding
  • 3 nights accommodation
  • All meals
  • Horse and all tack
  • Guiding services
  • Luggage transfers
  • All local taxes

Not Included

  • Airfare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Transfers to/from Inverness
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Pre/Post ride hotels
  • Gratuities for the guide at the end of the ride

Day 1: Drumnadrochit to Invermoriston: 15 miles

You are met at 9AM in Inverness and are driven to the starting point of the ride in Drumnadrochit. You will meet your equine partner for the next 4 days and have the chance to saddle up before heading off on an exciting adventure.

From Drumnadrochit, you climb out of the village and join the Great Glen Way which is a famous long distance walking route that spans the entirety of the Great Glen, which runs all the way to Fort William in the west. You follow this stunning path as it climbs higher and higher above the loch, giving expansive views along this incredible loch. It is only when you climb high above the water that you realize the true scale of the Great Glen and Loch Ness.

Enroute, you will pass stunning native Calendonian forestry and admire the sprawling arms of old Scot's pine trees. The views extend over Loch Ness towards the Monadliath hills to the south and along the length of Loch Ness to the hills of the west.

You drop back down to stop for the night in the pretty riverside village of Invermoriston, on the shores of the loch.

Day 2: Invermoriston to Fort Augustus: 13 miles

Just in case you thought it couldn't get any better after the spectacular views of the previous day - we begin our next big climb up the sides of the Great Glen. You will zig zag up through the forest to ride on the wild and open moorland high above Loch Ness, taking in the western end of the Loch.

Afterward, you descend through the forest before riding into the popular loch side town of Fort Augustus where you'll stay for the night.

Day 3: Fort Augustus to Whitebridge: 12 miles

Here, you leave the Great Glen trail you've been following for the last two days and join the newly created South Loch Ness trail which explores the less frequented Southern shores of the loch.

You'll say goodbye to the loch views for the day as youclimb into the hills on the southern shore of the loch. You'll see Loch Tarff (meaning loch of the bull) and ride up onto the Suidhe Chumein viewpoint for fantastic and far reaching views of our surroundings. After, you'll descend through the forest and cross a small river before finishing the days ride in the small village of Whitebridge.

Today is a shorter day so guests can either relax and have a well earned drink in the bar or explore the beautiful and remote surroundings on foot.

Day 4: Whitebridge to Dores: 18 miles

Today you'll ride mostly on forest trails and small roads as you make your way back Loch Ness. You will be greeted with more stunning views as you approach the Fair Haired Lads pass, descending on a steep and winding track high above the loch. Here you'll see Urquhart castle on the opposite shore, the ruins of which date back to the 13th century. It was at one point a strong hold for Robert the Bruce! It was blown up in 1692 when English forces destroyed it to thwart the Jacobites - leaving it the ruin it is today.

You'll find yourself back in the forest again as you continue the descent. At this point, you'll ride closest to the loch here, so keep your eyes open for the very famous Nessie. Our ride ends at Dores, situated at the end of Loch Ness.