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Explore the towering trees, wonderful wildlife and spectacular views of Loch Ness’ quiet south shore

Farigaig

Gain a new perspective at Farigaig

Take to the trails at Farigaig to spot colourful wildflowers, butterflies and red squirrels, and for impressive views over Loch Ness and towards a dramatic rocky outcrop topped by the iron age fort of Dun Dearduil.

Wind your way to the viewpoints through a mix of broadleaf woodland – at its most vibrant in autumn – and conifers of all ages, including some soaring specimens by lovely Lochan Torr an Tuill. The forest here is a haven for red squirrels and badgers, as well as a host of woodland birds, and in summer dragonflies whizz across the water at the lochan.

Take a look at our guide map to the Great Glen (PDF 5.8MB) to explore Farigaig and other forests in this stunning area.

Parking Toilets Picnic area Walking Viewpoint

Life’s essentials

There are public toilets, parking and places to eat and drink in nearby Foyers and Inverfarigaig.

Walking trails


Lochan Tòrr an Tuill Trail

Climb steeply on the rocky shoulder of Spital of Boleskine for magnificent views of the ancient fort on Dun Dearduil, before continuing on to the hidden Lochan Tòrr an Tuill.

Section of rough and narrow earth path with muddy and rocky parts. Long steep slopes for up to half a mile.

Strenuous

1 ¾ miles /
2.9 km
Allow
1 hour

Cycling trails


Mountain biking trails


South Loch Ness Trail

Farigaig is a highlight along the South Loch Ness Trail, a 28 mile (45km) route linking Loch Tarff near Fort Augustus with Torbreck on the edge of Inverness. Most of the trail is easily accessible for walking, cycling and horse-riding and roughly follows the line of the historic General Wade’s Military Road along the loch shore. You can also find out more about the secret side of Loch Ness at Secret Loch Ness, full of stories written and illustrated by local school children.

More trails from Farigaig

There is a network of paths from the Farigaig car park as well as our waymarked trail, including a link over the hill to nearby Foyers. The Highland Council’s Paths around Foyers leaflet gives you more information.

Farigaig Circular

For a longer walk, try the Farigaig Circular - continue on past the lochan following the Trail of the 7 Lochs, cut across to the South Loch Ness Trail when you reach the main road and return via the forest road. If you’re short of time, you don’t have to go far to enjoy the scenery – the viewpoint at the start of the trail is a great place to take in the view.

General Wade’s Military Road

The road that hugs the loch’s south shore below Farigaig Forest was one of a number built by General Wade in the 1720s and 1730s. They were built by the British Government to try and bring order to this part of Scotland after the Jacobite rebellion of 1715, a dramatic attempt to return the exiled Stuart kings to the British throne. The aim of the new roads and bridges was to let troops to move quickly around the Highlands to tackle any further uprisings. Fort William and Fort Augustus take their names from the barracks built along the glen, linked by the military road.

The Great Glen Forest

Farigaig is part of the Great Glen Forest, which stretches along one of the most famous glens in the Highlands. There are many well-loved landmarks to look out for as you explore the glen and forest, including Ben Nevis, iconic Loch Ness, the Caledonian Canal and Urquhart Castle.

The Great Glen Way

A great way to explore the Great Glen and its forest is on the Great Glen Way, which stretches 79 miles (127km) between Fort William and Inverness. It’s a rewarding walk or cycle, mainly following towpaths and woodland tracks. You can also travel the glen by boat, canoe or kayak.

Secret Loch Ness

Find out much more about the secret side of Loch Ness at the Secret Loch Ness website. These pages are full of stories written and illustrated by local school children.

Contact: Inverness, Ross and Skye Forest District

Address: Tower Road, Smithton, Inverness

Postcode: IV2 7NL

Telephone: 0300 067 6100

Email: invernessrossskye@forestry.gsi.gov.uk


How to get here

Farigaig Forest is on the south side of Loch Ness, beside the B852 near Inverfarigaig.

From Inverness, take the B862 to Dores and then the B852 to Inverfarigaig. From Fort Augustus, take the B862 to Whitebridge and then the B852 via Foyers to reach Inverfarigaig.

At Inverfarigaig, look for the turning to Errogie, also marked with Forestry Commission signs to Farigaig. The car park is about 100 yards (100 metres) up this road on the right hand side.

The car park is at grid reference NH 522 237.

Using SatNav?

IV2 6XR is the nearest postcode.

Public transport

There is an infrequent bus service between Inverness and Fort Augustus that stops at Inverfarigaig. You’ll find details at Traveline Scotland.

Nearby places

The beautiful and iconic Loch Ness is the largest loch in Scotland by volume, containing more fresh water than all the lakes in England and Wales put together. Its dark peaty waters are also said to be home to Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster, so keep your eyes peeled as you explore more of the highlights of the secret side of Loch Ness.

At Change House you can enjoy peaceful hazel woods beside Loch Ness, and climb through conifers for great views over the loch to Urquhart Castle. See the remains of the 18th century Change House, a staging post visited by renowned writer Dr Samuel Johnson in 1773.

Falls of Foyers – it’s a short walk from Upper Foyers to the dramatic 165 foot (50m) cascade of the Falls of Foyers. The falls have been a visitor attraction since Victorian times and the River Foyers was also once an important source of power for the local aluminium industry. The Paths around Foyers leaflet has details of this and other walks.

Enjoy more of the River Foyers from the quiet and secluded car park at Dalcrag. It’s a lovely place for a picnic and a short stroll beside the banks of the river.


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