Holiday rentals in Fort Augustus

Sitting at the foot of the world-famous Loch Ness, this unassuming village has a population of no more than 700. But it’s a prime position from which to enjoy far-reaching views across the long, narrow loch, and the perfect base for some of the best walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting in the Scottish Highlands. The long-distance route of the Great Glen Way, continuing on its way from Fort William to Inverness, offers stunningly scenic walking, while the South Loch Ness Trail provides opportunities for mountain biking. Although it’s an altogether different form of transport that makes this place unique: the 60-mile Caledonian Canal passes through here in a flurry of locks.

Fort Augustus is a wonderful place to pause, perhaps at one of the waterside cafes or restaurants, and watch the gentle progress of the boats, or even to take a trip out on the loch yourself. Other landmarks to look out for in town include the former Benedictine abbey and one of the smallest lighthouses in Britain.

June to August have the best weather for visiting the Scottish Highlands; not only are the days warmer, and hopefully less wet, but they’re also considerably longer, allowing you to make even more of your trip. The shores of Loch Ness aren’t plagued by midges in the same way as some parts of Scotland. July is particularly special in the region because it’s when one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious Highland Games are held, in nearby Inverness. Scottish schools go back earlier than the rest of the United Kingdom, so the second half of August is not as busy as the rest of the summer. Spring and autumn are when the Highland scenery is at its most colourful, wreathed in wildflowers or carpeted in heather. Whenever you come, pack for unpredictable weather and bring waterproofs.

The Caledonian Canal Centre

This visitor centre, just off the towpath and mere moments from the loch, explores the waterway’s 200-year history and the extraordinary feats of Scottish engineering that created it. There’s a café and gift shop, and you can even stay in one of its seven rooms.

Bridge of Oich

Five miles south of Fort Augustus — or a 30-minute bicycle ride — is this splendid 46-metre suspension bridge, constructed in 1854 after floods swept away the old one. Out of use since the 1930s, it was restored after more than 60 years and is now a pedestrian and bicycle crossing across the River Oich.

Urquhart Castle

Sitting near the middle of Loch Ness’s 23-mile western side, the atmospheric ruins of this 1,000-year-old castle add a certain poetry to its shoreline. This was once a mighty and important stronghold, fought over by Edward I, Robert the Bruce, and the MacDonald clan. You can still climb its tower to enjoy the views over the water.