Beach and dog-friendly campsites near Drumnadrochit

The Highland village of Drumnadrochit is a hotbed of tourist activities. Lying on the west shore of the legendary Loch Ness, the village pulls in a huge number of visitors in search of its infamous monster. Beyond Nessie-hunting, outdoor adventurers will find plenty to do, from exploring the romantic ruin of the lochside Urquhart Castle and sailing on the loch, to mountain biking along rugged trails and embarking on the 78-mile (125-kilometer) Great Glen Way. Overnight options in and around the village include cozy glamping pods and well-equipped caravan parks.

Loch Ness Bay Camping is located on a working farm, a 15-minute walk from the western shores of Loch Ness and surrounded by scenic beauty. The site covers a grassy field close to an indoor riding school, and has spacious hardstanding pitches, with or without electric hook ups. The farm also has two self-catering cottages for rent. A few minutes inland, Loch Ness Glamping has options ranging from glamping pods to a farmhouse apartment.

For optimum weather and long daylight hours, the best time to visit Drumnadrochit and the surrounding area is from May through August. However, this is the busiest season, especially during school summer holidays. Although the weather will be cooler, you can avoid the biggest crowds by visiting in April or September instead. If you plan to visit outside of the spring/summer months, it’s a good idea to check that sites are open.

• Wild camping is legal in Scotland as long as you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code.
• Biting midges are a common nuisance during the summer in the Scottish Highlands. Don’t forget to pack repellant and long sleeves.
• Local buses connect Drumnadrochit with Inverness, from where you can take trains and buses to Aberdeen, Edinburgh and beyond.
• There are some small stores in Drumnadrochit but Inverness is your best bet for stocking up on supplies.