Activities

Drumnadrochit is the perfect base from which to explore the whole of the Loch Ness region – we’re half way along the Loch, giving you access to everything the area has to offer. Here are some ideas, and we’ll give you lots more when you arrive!

The village

The village of Drumnadrochit is a must on every Highland itinerary, with Urquhart Castle, the famous 5* Loch NessCentre, great gift shops, boat tours, lots of opportunities for Nessie-spotting by the loch, numerous eateries, and of course a huge array of walking opportunities. It’s the perfect place to while away your day.

Boat tours

Go Nessie-spotting with an experienced and entertaining guide – book with Loch Ness Cruises at lochness-cruises.com. You’ll also have incredible views of Urquhart Castle from the water – these cruises are not to be missed.

Trips last an hour and run regularly (timetable is seasonal so contact Loch Ness Cruises for exact times).

Walking

There are so many incredible walks within easy reach of Loch Ness Backpackers, it’s difficult to highlight just a few. But the Great Glen Way, Glen Affric, Abriachan, the Affric-Kintail Way, Meall Fuarvonie and Craigmonie are just a few to start you off. We also recommend looking at walkhighlands.co.uk for great ideas and useful walker feedback.

When you check in with us, we’ll give you lots more specific ideas about where to walk.

Cycling

We have lots of cyclists coming up our way to explore the region by bike. The routes are hilly – you’d expect nothing less in the Highlands – but you are rewarded with some stunning views. Some routes depart right from our door (e.g. the Affric-Kintail Way), while others can be reached by road.

Castles

Urquhart Castle is a stunning ruin just on the outskirts of Drumnadrochit. We are one of the closest accommodations to the castle. Urquhart Castle is run by Historic Scotland. See their website for further details.

For a very different castle experience, we also recommend visiting Eilean Donan Castle (which is not a ruin, and is en route to Skye from us).

Guided tours

If you’re travelling without a car, there are some areas of the Highlands that you might think are going to be difficult to get to. That’s when guided tours are your best friend. We work with Highland Explorer, who run minibus tours out of Edinburgh and Inverness, taking you to the best parts of the Highlands, and all with an experienced and entertaining guide to make sure that you don’t miss out on anything.

The most popular trip with our guests is their 1-day ‘Isle of Skye and Eilean Donan Castle’ tour, which departs from Inverness in the morning, and you can be dropped back at our door in the evening.

But whatever you fancy, Highland Explorer has something to suit.

More information

One of the best websites for learning about the Loch Ness area is the Visit Inverness Loch Ness website. It has up-to-date information on attractions, events and much more.

When you arrive at the hostel we’ll also give you lots and lots of ideas for things to do while you’re with us. Your biggest problem will be fitting it all in!