Out and About

Take a cruise on the Big Loch from Fort Augustus (a 20 min drive). The loch is 23 miles long, 1 mile wide and, at up to 800 feet deep, contains more water than all the lakes and rivers in England and Wales put together.  You get a totally different perspective from the water, and the views are constantly changing. Urquhart Castle is especially impressive when viewed from the loch.

The flight of 5 locks on the Caledonian Canal at Ft Augustus is very impressive. When you have finished your tour, have a pint and some great local produce at the Lock Inn.

For the energetic, take a cycle ride along the canal towpath through some very impressive scenery.

The capital of the Highlands is only a half-hour’s drive from Dell. Plenty of shops here, and try to visit the second hand bookshop at the bottom of the town for a good browse. Several good eateries, we particularly like the great value ‘Mustard Seed’ on the river. Closeby there is a good art gallery with local artists’ work.

The Inverness Highland Games take place in July, and are well worth a visit to see all the traditional sports in Bught Park. The Loch Ness marathon is quite a spectacle around the end of September. Expect road closures around Dell then.

Less than a couple of hours drive will take you to the beautiful Cairngorms, where in winter you can ski, but also explore in summer for the views from the top (go up the funicular railway). Look out for the Ptarmigan and Reindeer and be sure to walk the extensive forests round about for Crossbills, Crested Tits and, of course, breeding Ospreys.

It is well worth taking the short trip to our nearest distillery, Tomatin. It is on the way down the A9 as you head for the Cairngorms. You will end with a tasting, and I defy you to resist the cask-strength offering. Very smooth, but with a real kick!