A beautiful little town has captured the attention of hardcore travellers around the UK after they realised it was home to an amazing 60-mile walk with stunning views.
The Scottish town is nestled on the edge of one of the UK’s most famous natural features, meaning Brits have the chance to tick off something that is on most of our bucket lists.
Located in the Highlands, Fort Augustus is a sensational choice for walkers and cyclists interested in an escape to the countryside. Visitors can stroll over to the edge of the famous Loch Ness to soak in the views. Often, people can spot movement in the deep water, and locals are convinced that the Loch Ness Monster is real.
There is a stunning walk along the famous Caledonian Canal, too. The 60-mile superstructure includes Loch Ness in its route, but overall connects the Scottish east coast at Inverness with the west coast at Corpach, near Fort William. The canal was built in the early 19th century by Scottish engineer Thomas Telford.
It also passes through Loch Oich and Loch Lochy and was built to help ships avoid the treacherous route round the through Pentland Firth and around Cape Wrath. The town of Fort Augustus has a lovely heritage centre dedicated to the canal, where you can watch guides dressed in historic attire demonstrate 17th-Century clan weaponry.
In Fort Augustus you can also sit back and watch the romantic boats sail through the locks. There are a number of lovely food and drink outlets, including the Glen Rowan Cafe, which is a short drive away in Invermoriston.
Rated 5 star on Tripadvisor, people urge you: “don’t drive by without stopping”, as it provides a “quintessential Highland experience”.
Fort Augustus was originally built in 1715 as Kiliwhimin, but got renamed in 1724 by General George Wade after the youngest son of King George II, following the construction of a fort.
The village nowadays has a population of about 700. Sadly, the fort was abandoned in 1818 and the land was used to build Fort Augustus Abbey, which is now a luxury holiday rental.
