Meandering Through The Highlands of Scotland (South)

Enjoy the best view of Loch Ness from high up above its southern shore.... the view the tour buses don't get to

Phenomenal view along the length of Loch Ness from Dores beach. Dip your toes in the loch and have a chat with Steve the Monster Hunter!

Further along the south side of Loch Ness in the small village of Foyers we will find the Falls of Foyers. A spectacular waterfall with a 140ft drop into a gorge that winds its way through tall trees until it eventually meets Loch Ness. The pathway winds you through stunning woodland, where you must look out for the illusive red squirrels, and then down steep steps to the first of two viewpoints. At the upper viewpoint the surrounding rocks open up to give you a spectacular full view of the falls where you can capture some fantastic photos. Exploring further you can take the path down more steep steps to the lower viewpoint or even follow the path along the gorge and right down to the shores of Loch Ness if you are feeling energetic! The surrounding landscape changes throughout the seasons and the snow melt, rainfall or even the sunnier summer months changes the level of flow you’ll see from the falls, it can go from a gentle trickle to a dramatic forceful surge overnight.

Our journey from Foyers to Tomatin will take us along some of The Highlands most narrow and winding wee roads, over The Garbole mountain pass before arriving at The Strathdearn Community hub and Three Bridges Cafe. We can grab a snack and takeaway coffee here or sit and enjoy the view along the strath from the cafe

Hidden in the forest of Rothiemurchus, this beautiful place is one of the most loved in Scotland. Loch an Eilein (loch of the island) with its island castle ruin and stunning surroundings of forest and hill, has seen human use for many centuries. It has also long been a much loved favourite of countless thousands of visitors. No surprise, then, that Loch an Eilein was voted Britain’s Favourite Picnic Spot in a poll organised by Warburtons to commemorate National Bread Week. You can explore the area at your own pace; a short stroll from the car park will reveal dramatic views of ancient pine trees, mountain and castle. A walk of 3 miles (5 kilometres) along some of the best low level walking paths in Scotland and part of a Rothiemurchus network of trails, will take you all the way around the loch.

With fun things to do for families and visitors of all ages, Cairngorm Mountain is open all year round and transforms into Scotland’s top ski resort in winter. Well known for Scotland’s only mountain railway, visitors can reach the UK’s highest restaurant and bar in just 8 minutes. Next to the restaurant is a 270° immersive exhibition space showcasing the stunning landscape while at the Cairngorm Learning Zone, children can enjoy interactive 3D sandboxes and create their own natural environments. The extensive viewing terrace offering panoramic views at 1,097 metres above sea level.

A stunning beach in the beautiful settings of the Cairngorms and Glenmor Forest Loch Morlich enjoys one of the finest settings of any loch in the country. It is surrounded by forests and fringed by beaches, with the stunning backdrop of the often snow-clad peaks of the northern Cairngorms.

Enjoy a trip on The Strathspey Steam Railway from Aviemore to Broomhill (Nethy Bridge). I'll meet you at Broomhill from where, depending upon time of day, we can head for a wee wander around Nethy Bridge (the forest village), take a tour of the brand new Cairn Distillery or head back towards Inverness via The Tomatin Distillery

Tomatin is are more than just another whisky distillery. Since 1897, they have worked hard to build the Tomatin community that exists today and lies at the heart of everything they do. We can pop into their sampling room to enjoy a dram, or perhaps a flight, of their fabulous whisky.