Fort Augustus
Fort Augustus with its flight of 5 locks is one of the most picturesque stops along the canal and a busy village during the cruising season.
The lock flight can take about 1-1.5 hours to negotiate. However, including waiting time it can be several hours, depending on traffic. So it’s important to make sure you allow plenty of time and arrive well in advance. There is usually sufficient berthing available at the top and bottom of the lock flight. Scottish Canals facilities available here are: toilets & showers, shore power, drinking water, laundry, recycling. There are also a number of shops and eateries to choose from.
Restaurants, Bars & Cafes
The Lock Inn – Traditional, dog-friendly (bar area only) pub serving food. Located beside the lock flight.
Tel: 01320 366 302
The Bothy – Busy Bar & Restaurant beside the lock flight (dogs allowed in the bar). 01320 366 710
The Lovat – Hotel with a lovely Brasserie, Bar & Lounge. Located about 300 metres from the swing bridge, along the main road.
Tel: 01456 490 000
The Boathouse – Popular restaurant at the south shores of Loch Ness with great views of the loch. A footpath along the canal entrance leads passed the old abbey to the southern end of Loch Ness.
Tel: 01320 366 682
Fish & Chips - There are 2 chip shop takeaways: one beside the upper locks and one beside the petrol station (follow the road across the river).
Shopping
Great Glen Trading Centre – A small grocer is located within the local filling station along the main road, crossing the river. There is also a post office branch, a gift shop and a cash machine.
Tel: 01320 366 365
D J Macdougall Butcher – Traditional Family Butchers. Award winning Haggis and Black Pudding! Located beside the upper locks.
Tel: 01320 366 214
Iceberg Glass – Glassblowing studio & workshop with a range of contemporary glass artwork, incl. jewellery and decorations. Located on the main road, close to the swing bridge.
Tel: 01320 366 651
Girvans Hardware - Hardware store also offering bike repair & sales, fishing supplies, electrical goods. Also available is bike hire, incl. electric bikes! Located about 0.5 miles from the lock flight along the main road.
Tel: 01320 366 864
Sights & Activities
Caledonian Canal Centre – Visit the Scottish Canals Caledonian Canal Centre, located beside the swing bridge. There, you will find information about the local heritage, the Caledonian Canal, the Great Glen and Loch Ness, as well as a café - serving homemade, Scottish produce - and a gift shop.
The Clansman Centre – Entering through the doors of a 19th century former schoolhouse, you will take a step back in time to the 17th century Scotland. Attached is a shop selling Celtic and locally produced crafts and gifts. Located beside the swing bridge.
Tel: 01320 366 444
Ness’E Bikes – Electric bike hire for effortless cycling and mountain bike hire, located in the local hardware store (Girvans, see above), about 0.5 miles from the lock flight along the main road.
Tel: 01320 366 864
Great Glen Adventures – Guided walks, rock climbing & abseiling adventures. Contact via website or facebook.
Fort Augustus - Kytra Lock Towpath
This 2.5 miles easy walk is along the old towpath on the Caledonian Canal, from Fort Augustus to Kytra Lock.
Taxis & Transport
Great Glen Travel - 01809 501 222; mobile 07713 640 990
