Loch Duich

Follow the B roads around almost any loch and you will find your own adventure! Namely the ones that lead nowhere. Here is an ideal example of wilderness camping in the UK and one that is close to my heart. Pine tree forest and moss covered meandering hills roll down to the water. This one is a little walk from your vehicle to set up camp but down to a picturesque viewpoint. Across the loch is the Eilean Donan Castle which lights up beautifully at night and If you are lucky, you will even here the bagpipes being played during the day. It also happens to be where Highlander was filmed, so feel free to swing a few “air” swords around, its the perfect place!

One atmospheric misty morning, we were lucky enough to have a couple of otters breaking shellfish just below our camp. They seemed at ease with our presence. A good 20 minutes shared with them on the rocks was rather special.

I’d also recommend a short walk back up the road, a lovely family there are more than willing to hire you a little motor boat to explore the loch. Its obvious when you reach the right house, there are cute little signs and a seating area to sit and chat about the stories of the loch.

From Fort Augustus, take the A87, a scenic route passing Loch Garry, Loch Loyne and Loch Cluanie. When you hit the tip of Loch Duich, take the left. Beautiful rural and Highland views surround you. This Loch finally hits the sea, hence the cheeky sea otters, muscles to simmer on your camp stove and mildly salty water.