Loch Ness

We've been to Loch Ness several times, but have always used the main road (A82) via Drumnadrochit and Invermoriston. Today, we decided to try the "low road" (B862/B852) via Dores and Foyers just for a change and what a good choice it proved to be!

Lovely views of the loch all the way and lots of places to stop, including one opposite Urquart Castle with a pretty little walk down to the banks of the loch and along to the remains of Change House. This is where travellers used to change their horses before moving on to the next leg of their journey and was visited by Boswell and Johnson on their tour of the Highlands. The photo was taken here and shows the loch looking its legendary dark and brooding character, although it was actually a very nice day where we were! No sign of Nessie anywhere:-)

Our next stop was in Farigaig Forest (best toilets in the whole of the North East!!), which had a mini log sculpture park near the car park, showing many of the local animals and birds. A short (but steep) climb gave a lovely view through the trees of Loch Ness itself and the mountains beyond.

On then to Foyers, where there are beautiful Falls (waterfalls). On the way, we were overtaken by two Coastguard Rescue vehicles, then a Fire Engine and a police car, so it was obvious that something was happening up ahead. On arrival at the Falls of Foyers, the road was blocked with these and several other emergency vehicles, so we parked up by the cafe and waited to see what was going on. It turned out to be all for a dog, which had fallen over a cliff and was stuck on a ledge just above the Falls.

After about an hour, we decided to walk down the steep path to the Falls and met the rescued dog coming back up with its owners. He was safe and well, although looking suitably chastened by his experience and his owners were delighted with the rescue services and all their efforts. All very exciting!!

The Falls were lovely and, although not producing quite the spout seen in some pictures due to a lack of rainfall, were still worth the climb down and back again.

We returned to the cottage by a different route, driving past Lochs Mhor, Ruthven and Ashie and some beautiful mountain scenery on the east side. We'd no sooner parked and gone inside, than the field of buttercups opposite the cottage was filled with a herd of roe deer, all munching away happily. A lovely way to end the day!