Dores is a small village at the northern tip of Loch Ness on the quieter south shore, and its shingle beach offers one of the finest views of the loch, looking straight down its length between steep, wooded hillsides towards Fort Augustus, more than twenty miles away. It is a favourite with locals for an evening stroll, a picnic or a cold-water swim, and it is home to the Dores Inn, a well-known pub with a terrace overlooking the water. A circular woodland walk leads out to Torr Point for more views, and the beach is free and open at all times. Dores is only about twenty minutes by car from Inverness, so it is an easy half-day or sunset outing.
What to do
Walk along the shingle, skim stones and look down the loch, which on a still day mirrors the hills perfectly. The beach is a popular launch point for kayaks and paddleboards, and hardy open-water swimmers use it all year. The woodland path from the beach leads round Torr Point, a short circular walk of around an hour with views back towards Inverness and down the loch. Look out for the long-running Nessie-watching camper, a local character who has watched the loch from the beach for decades.
Getting there
Dores is about eight miles south-west of Inverness on the B862, which continues along the south side of the loch to Foyers and Fort Augustus. There is a car park by the beach and the inn. Local buses run along the south side, but services are limited, so a car or taxi is easiest. Combining Dores with the Falls of Foyers and the drive to Fort Augustus makes a lovely loop with the busier north shore and Urquhart Castle.
Eating and practicalities
The Dores Inn serves seafood, Highland dishes and drinks, and its terrace is a classic spot for a sunset; book ahead in summer. There are no lifeguards, the loch is very deep and cold all year, and conditions can change quickly, so swimmers should take care and go with others. Midges can be troublesome on still summer evenings, so bring repellent.
What to expect
The experience
A free shingle beach with the classic view down Loch Ness, a woodland walk to Torr Point and an inn with a terrace.
Best time
A calm evening for the reflections and sunset, or a weekday morning for quiet.
How long
One to two hours, more with lunch or the Torr Point walk.
Tips
Book the inn in summer, bring midge repellent on still evenings, and take care if swimming in the deep, cold loch.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The best easy view of Loch Ness close to Inverness.
- Families
- Good for stone skimming and paddling at the edge; supervise children closely by the deep water.
- Couples
- A sunset drink on the inn's terrace looking down the loch.
- Pair with
- The Falls of Foyers, Fort Augustus and the south shore drive.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Where is Dores Beach?+
At the northern tip of Loch Ness on the south shore, about eight miles south-west of Inverness.
Is it free?+
Yes. The beach and walks are open to everyone at all times.
Can you swim in Loch Ness at Dores?+
Hardy swimmers do, but the loch is very deep and cold all year, with no lifeguards, so take great care.
Is there food?+
Yes, the Dores Inn beside the beach serves food and drinks, with a terrace overlooking the loch.
How do I get there without a car?+
Local buses are limited, so a taxi is usually easiest.
