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Fort Augustus
On the most southern tip of Loch Ness Fort Augustus is situated
on the Great Glen Way and the Caledonian Canal and is half way
between the Capital of the Highand’s Inverness and Fort William.
In the early 17th century, the village became known by the name of
the fort built by General Wade, Fort Augustus, named after the
second son of King George.
Running through the village is the River Oich and the impressive 60
mile long Caledonian Canal and lock system, built by Thomas Telford
in the early 1800s.
A chance to experience the real hospitality of the Highlands.
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The Four Seasons around Fort Augustus and Loch Ness
At any time of year Scottish weather can be unpredictable. Due to
the closeness of the sea, the continent, the arctic and the gulf
stream, there are many influences. Consequently weather patterns can
change violently in very little time. The highlands are famous for
the combination of strong wind and rain snow and hail. As a result
fairly moderate temperatures, completely unthreatening in other
conditions, can lead to hypothermia. Many people have come equipped
for small hills and easy conditions but got into serious problems
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Spring
In Spring the area around the Loch bursts into life
with daffodils and primroses. It is the time when a new wave
of plant, animal and bird life begins to stir. There is
still snow on the high mountains, but the thaw is causing
streams and rivers to flow and allow the salmon to claw
their way to the spawning grounds upstream. The bracing air
and warming sun make this a wonderful time for some gentle
exercise walking around the Loch.
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Summer
Summer is the time of colour and light in the
highlands and around Loch Ness. For those prepared to
travel, Fort Augustus can make a good base for
whale-watching. With minke whales abundant around Mull and
the Small Isles with Orcas spotted well into the Minches. Of
course you may simply wish to take a picnic out onto the
shores of the Loch, summer is a marvellous time for this and
even try a little fishing or spotting some of the red
squirrel litters and osprey chicks which may (or may not) be
around at this time of year.
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Autumn
As the first frosts begin to turn the trees from
their summer greens into the stunning array of autumnal
colours a very real sense of change washes across the land.
A superb time for the photographer or artist to practise
their art. Stags gather in the glens for the annual rut - a
very loud and sometimes violent practice when the male Red
Deer compete to mate with the females - frequently many
females to each male. Autumn is also the time for the
Loch Ness marathon for the very hardy amongst you!
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Winter
Wintertime in Scotland, with the snow in the
mountains is beautiful - there is no other way to describe
it! Add in the family festival that is Christmas and the
enormous and very Scottish party called Hogmanay and you
have a wonderful time for a short or even long break! Wrap
up warmly to take a stroll in the frosty white of the glens
and take in stunning vistas of castles, monuments and
more all lightly sprinkled with snow |
Whatever you choose to do in Scotland and whatever season you go,
you can be assured of an unforgettable experience. |
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