Drumnadrochit
A convenient stopping point on Loch Ness is at Urquhart Bay Harbour. This allows the opportunity to visit the village of Drumnadrochit – the centre of the Loch Ness Monster industry in Scotland! It's about 20 minutes walk from the harbour and there are many visitor attractions here, some of the best pony trekking in the country as well as lovely coffee shops, great restaurants, craft shops, small food stores and a post office.
The Drumnadrochit Tourist Information Centre is located within the village car park. They should be able to assist you with local information you require.
Tel: 01456 459086
Please note: An overnight mooring charge of £8.00 applies for Urquhart Bay Harbour. This is payable with £1 coins at a ticket machine by the harbour
Sights & Visitor Attractions
Village Green – At the heart of Drumnadrochit is a village green, complete with a stunning model in miniature hedges and plants of nearby Urquhart Castle. Surrounding it is a collection of largely white-harled cottages, cafes, plus an attractive village shop and post office on the far side of the main road.
The Loch Ness Exhibition Centre – Discover Loch Ness’s rare and unusual properties and indeed residents at this fascinating exhibition centre! The centre is located a short 10 – 15 minutes walk from the harbour, just before the village of Drumnadrochit.
Tel: 01456 450573
Urquhart Castle - The magnificently situated Urquhart Castle, on the banks of Loch Ness, remains an impressive stronghold despite its ruinous state. Once one of Scotland’s largest castles, Urquhart’s remains include a tower house that commands splendid views of the Great Glen. The visitor centre contains retail, interpretation area, audio-visual presentation and tearoom. Please note that the easiest way to get to the castle from the harbour is by taxi or it takes approximately 1 hr 30 minutes by foot. Adult admission price approx £7.00.
Tel: 01456 450551
Walks
Drumnadrochit – Craigmonie – Divach Falls Walk – Approximately 6.25 miles total. This walk, suitable for families, with signage all along .
Urquhart Bay Wood Walk - Approximately 1.25 miles, ideal picnic location.
Meall Fuar-mhonaidh is a wonderful climb, with spectacular views so well worth the effort!
Activities
Highland Riding Centre - This family run business has been offering quality and fun horse riding instruction since 1963 and have over 30 horses at their BHS approved centre so you can be sure of your perfect match. Instruction, trekking and trail riding are all offered.
Tel: 01456 450220
Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
The Lewiston Restaurant at the Loch Ness Inn – Conveniently located between Drumnadrochit and Urquhart Castle, only a short taxi ride from the harbour. Serving great local produce cooked and presented in a simple but innovative style. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6UW
Tel: 01456 450991
Fiddlers - Scots kitchen cooking with locally sourced specials. They also have a selection of over 500 malt whiskies to sample!
The Village Green, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6TX
Tel: 01456 450678
The Drumnadrochit Hotel - This hotel has a café serving a variety of lunch options including packed lunches on request and the bistro providing evening dining with a la carte and bar supper menus. Free pick up/drop off service from Urquhart Bay Harbour.
Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, IV63 6TU
Tel: 01456 450218
Cobbs Loch Ness Restaurant & Bar – Located within the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel at the Clansman Harbour they offer a free pick up/drop off service from Urquhart Bay Harbour. Please see the Clansman Harbour area guide for further information.
Brackla, Loch Ness-side, Inverness-shire, IV3 8LA
Tel: 01456 450326
Takeaways
Drum Takeaway – Freshly cooked fish & chips, pizza, kebabs and burgers for collection or delivery.
Balmacaan Road, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6UQ
Tel: 01456 450123
Taxis & Transport
Drumnadrochit Taxi Service – 01456 450617
Loch Ness Travel – 01456 450550
Shops
Drumnadrochit Post Office & General Store – Local store located in the village green selling a wide range of groceries, newspapers and gifts. They also sell freshly made sandwiches and cakes.
Village Green, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6UR -
Open 6am - 8pm, Mon - Sat
7am - 6pm, Sun
Tel: 01456 450800
Scotmid - Morning, Noon & Night - Small supermarket located approximately 2 miles from the harbour.
2 Balmacaan Road, Drumnadrochit, IV63 6WR
Open 8am - 8pm, 7 days
Tel: 01456 450206
Celtic Crafts – This store, run by Leonora Edwards sells a lovely collection of traditional Celtic craft ware. It is situated within a complex of shops just at the junction of the A82 and the A831.
Drumnadrochit, Loch Ness, IV63 6TU
Tel: 01456 450395
