Fort Augustus - The Loch Ness and Much More By Simon Haughtone Platinum Quality Author

Fort Augustus is a settlement in the Highlands of Scotland at the southwest end of the Loch Ness. The village's main industry is tourism. Fort Augustus was not always the villages name as until the 18th century it was called Kiliwhimin.

The village was renamed after an unsuccessful Jacobite uprising in 1715. It was after this uprising that a fort was built and the fort was named after the current Duke of Cumberland. The village eventually grew up around this fort.

In the mid 1800s the fort was converted to an Abbey by the Benedictine monks. Much of the old fort is still standing as it was also once turned into a hotel and school. Much of the western wall and gun embrasures can still be viewed.

The Oich River runs directly through the town as do the Caledonian Canal and lock system which is 60 miles long. This canal runs from Fort William to Inverness, There is a flight of five locks from the town of Fort Augustus to Loch Ness. The Get Glen Way also runs through Fort Augustus making this town a favorite stop for hikers and cyclists.

In fort Augustus you can enjoy many spectacular views of Loch Ness. You can enjoy watching the boast on the water or play some golf with the Loch in the distance. The British Waterway Museum in the Caledonian Canal visitor center contains exhibits on the history of the village and canal. Each week during the summer you should visit the village hall for the local ceilidh.

If you want to travel further afield there is plenty to do in the Fort Augustus region. Urquhart Castle and Eilean Donan Castle are all close by and easy to visit. The Isle of Skye and the Skye Bridge is only about 90 minutes away. You can easily use Forty Augustus as a base of operations for your highland visit.

For accommodation in Fort Augustus check this list of Fort Augustus hotels.

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