The Scottish Highlands are located in the north western part of the country and are renowned for their picturesque beauty and rugged landscapes. The home of the Highlander (and Harry Potter sites), it is best known for the amazing Loch Ness. And we all heard about the mysterious (or mythical?) creature Nessie, the Loch Ness monster. I was ready for some exercise and hiking Loch Ness in the Highlands of Scotland was going to be awesome!
While many choose to hike further south around Ben Nevis (the UK‘s highest mountain) or Glen Affric, I decided to stay close to the Loch Ness and hike to get the views. And maybe to spot the monster?
Hiking the Meall Fuar-mhonaidh
You might have never heard of the Meall Fuar-Mhonaidh mountain (don‘t ask me how to pronounce it) but it is THE spot to hike if you want the view and a shot of the most distinctive shape of the Loch Ness Lake. (Read more here.) I couldn‘t wait to explore the Highlands of Scotland from the top.
To get to the track, head towards Drumnadrochit and, if coming from Inverness, take a sharp right turn towards Bunloit and the Pottery Shop (before the Camping site). After the turn you will find yourself on a narrow windy road, but just keep going until a parking spot appears. (Approx. 5km and literally at the Pottery Shop). Easy done!
The 9km hike itself was steep at times but otherwise easy and not too difficult. Old and young were walking the same path and weather you go all the way to the peak at 660m or just before, this walk has some breathtaking views.
That said, I had to wait the whole morning for the rather dark clouds to disappear, but once they did, the sky was at its bluest.
The path itself was quite muddy once I reached the plateau, so be aware, especially after some rain. I watched a guy sink into a deep mud whole with his leg, wearing white shoe and pants. Poor guy! So avoid wearing white if you can.
It hadn‘t rained for a while when I walked up, so it wasn‘t too bad. Although I can see how, after a rainy day, it can get very very muddy. Proper hiking boots are a must, and expect them to get dirty, should you decide to hike in the Highlands of Scotland or the Meall Fuar-mhonaidh mountain itself.
The Loch Ness
The Loch Ness Lake in the Highlands of Scotland is a large, deep, freshwater loch extending approx. 37 km southwest of Inverness. I looped around the Lake twice and it looks different from all angles. The touristic drive to the left (after Inverness) was great, although not very fast with those narrow roads, but the scenery is just stunning!
But where is the monster? According to the stories of the locals, they all know someone, who knows someone, who has once seen Nessie. Is it true?Maybe the locals tell the story of his existence to keep him alive? Who knows!
After the Highlands of Scotland
Satisfied with my outdoors activity, hiking Loch Ness to the Meall Fuar-mhonaidh peak, and overall amazing experience in the Highlands of Scotland, it was time to head south, towards Edinburgh. On the way however I briefly stopped at a small town called St. Andrews.
Did you know they have the oldest golf course in the world? The historical old city itself is quite cute as well. Probably my most liked small city in Scotland.
At the end, I decided Scotland is definitely amazing for hiking and exploring the National Parks. Especially the Highlands of Scotland and the Loch Ness.
That said, I would recommend to time your visit, because nothing beats the Highlands on a sunny day. You will feel like on top of the world! Even if you don‘t see the Loch Ness Monster.
St. Andrews Cathedral ruins
