Car Tour Routes
- West of Inverness Day Tour.
This circular tour takes you
along Loch Ness, then inland to a number of sites well
worth visiting. (Approx 50 Miles)
The route also gives you a true taste of Scottish Highland
scenery, as you drive through some dramatic rugged landscapes.
Refer to the green numbers
4 on the
map above for directions.
1.
Drive out of Inverness onto the A862 signposted for
Drumnadrochit. This road will take you along the North Shore of
Loch Ness. The first lay-by is worth stopping at as it has
information plaques and plenty of space for you to take in the
history and feel of the World's most famous 'Monster' Loch.
 The
Loch Ness Monster. The first recorded sighting of the monster
was by St Columba in 565AD It was not until 1933 that the
monster became world famous as the world newspapers reported the
story. There are a remarkable number of eye witness accounts
that ring true on close examination. So keep your eyes on the
loch as you travel around, you never know you may be lucky and
spot the monster too.
Continue driving along the A82, you will find further lay-bys
for you to pull off the road. These lay-bys give different
viewing angles of Loch Ness, so be prepared to pull off and
enjoy the spectacle (Don't forget your camera!).
 2.
Turn off the A82, to the A831 in Drumnadrochit. (You might like
to stop and wander around this small village before proceeding
on the tour.) Drive for about 9 miles on the A831; look out for
a sign for Corrimony Chambered Cairn. Glen Urquart chambered
cairn, built about 4000 years ago, is encircled by 12 standing
stones. A particularly clear example of a prehistoric burial
tomb. Good explanation plaque. Open all year. Free.
 3.
After visiting the Cairn you have a choice, you can turn left
and follow the A831 for about 18miles, mainly along the bottom
of Strathglass or turn right back for about 7 miles turning left
onto the A833, which takes you over some picturesque rugged
Highland landscape. This photograph on the right is burning
heather on the high moor for the grouse. Burning the old
heather, allows for new growth which is so important for the
grouse.
4. Continue
to the A862 follow signs to Beauly, where you might like to have
a lunch, before
visiting Beauly Priory. Founded in 1230, it became a Cistercian
home around 1510. The church was roofless in 1633, the stone is
said to have been used by Cromwell to build a fort in Inverness
in 1650. A plaque tells of Mary Queen of Scots’ visit here in
1564 and her travels in the Highlands. Descriptive plaques point
out all the points of interest. Open daily. Free admission.
5.
Visiting Beauly turn back along the A862 following your route
(about 3miles) until you see signs for Moniack Castle, (see page
1) well worth a visit.
6.
After visiting Moniack Castle retrace your steps back to the
A862, turn right towards Inverness. You will come to the village
of Kirkhill, in it centre is The Old North Inn proud to serve
unashamedly Scottish Cuisine. A good place to stop for a meal or
a cup of tea or coffee. (Page 2 for full details). Continue on
A862 to Inverness.
Day Drive, East of Inverness / Day Drive, North of Inverness / Day Drive, West of Inverness | 
