Falls of Foyers

Summary

This short but spectacular walk takes in the must see sight of South Loch Ness - the Falls of Foyers, set in a dramatic gorge. The walk then continues down to the shores of Loch Ness for a short, quiet loop before returning to the cafe.

Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation

Please read the WARNING below before setting out on this route.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Steep paths with many steps, minor road and pebbly shores of Loch Ness.

Getting there

Start

Car park at Upper Foyers near the shop and cafe.

Public Transport

Bus to Foyers.

Start Grid Ref

NH498205

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 4.5km / 2.75 miles
Time: 1.5 - 2 hours
Ascent: 152m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 416 - Loch Ness

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (8)

WARNING

A bridge on the link path at the start of Stage 2 is currently closed - instead you have to return almost to the start before turning left (only a very slight additonal distance to the walk).

The information shown above is the latest we have. If you have an update then please email us.

Stage 1

Cross the road from the car park and go through the left hand gate, opposite the shop and cafe, signed for the Falls of Foyers. Follow the stepped path downhill to the left, keeping left at a junction to reach the upper viewpoint - with a grandstand view of the main falls. Then continue downhill to reach a second viewpoint.

Stage 2

Return to the junction and now turn left following a well fenced path as it skirts the edge of the spectacular gorge. The path continues downhill through woodland above the dramatic gorge, with a good view of the smaller lower falls; ignore any paths off to the right.

Stage 3

There are many fine views into the gorge, and later a stunning outlook over two bridges to Loch Ness. Eventually the path emerges at a gate with a hotel to the right. Turn left and head downhill passing houses until you reach the road at a T junction. Here turn left, passing a medical centre, and follow the road to the right at the recycling bins. Further on keep left near the power station entrance to follow the road until it crosses an iron bridge over the River Foyers towards the small Riverside housing estate.

Stage 4

On the far side turn right along a track towards the campsite entrace; when this leads into the campsite follow the 'Dog walk' beside the river. This leads down to the shore of Loch Ness; turn left along the pebbly shore, passing a series of fishing huts. After150m or so beyond the last hut look out for a path which climbs the leafy bank on the left to give easier going, parallel to but above the shore line. Soon it passes a disintinctive wooden hut.

Stage 5

The path gains more height at it continues above the loch, eventually reaching a pyramidal memorial to the wife and daughter of a local landowner. Continue until a gate on the left leads into a local cemetery. Cross this and keep along the left edge to reach the track which gives access to the cemetery. Follow the track back towards the Riverside housing estate, going left through a gate onto the road and then right onto a path that shortcuts back to the metal bridge crossed earlier.

Stage 6

Recross this and bear right to follow the road back past the medical centre. Turn right back up the track towards the hotel and continue retracing your steps back through the gate and return up the path alongside the Foyers gorge. Part way back up it is possible to take a path straight ahead to short cut back to Upper Foyers and the cafe and shop at the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Fort Augustus cottages

Foyers, Dores cottages

Loch Ness hostels

Glamping and Camping

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?