Loch Ness walking map - North Bank - Zigzag map

This Zigzag walking map covers the North Bank of Loch Ness via Fort Augustus, Invermoriston & Drumnadrochit.

Walking along the north bank of Loch Ness, travelling from Fort Augustus through Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit, offers one of the Highlands’ most atmospheric and varied long-distance experiences. This stretch, also followed by the northern section of the Great Glen Way, combines lochside tranquillity, ancient woodland, and hilltop panoramas. The journey begins in Fort Augustus, with canal-side paths and the dramatic flight of locks at the Caledonian Canal. From here, the route climbs into forested slopes, giving walkers elevated views of the vast, brooding waters of Loch Ness – a constant companion that shapes the character of the entire walk.

Between Fort Augustus and Invermoriston, the scenery becomes increasingly rugged. Wide forestry tracks weave through pine and spruce plantations before emerging onto viewpoints that reveal sweeping vistas across the loch, framed by steep, heathered hillsides. The descent into Invermoriston is especially scenic, passing through thick woodland pierced by waterfalls and rushing streams. The village itself is small but rich in charm, with its historic Thomas Telford bridge and leafy surroundings offering peaceful places to pause. Walkers can explore short local circuits here, many of which follow the tumbling River Moriston as it cuts through a narrow wooded gorge, creating some of the area’s finest low-level walking.

Leaving Invermoriston, the trail climbs onto higher ground, entering a mixture of moorland and forest where the landscape opens dramatically. This section provides some of the most impressive elevated views along the north shore. Walkers are rewarded with long panoramas stretching the length of Loch Ness, with layers of mountains folding away into the distance. The terrain alternates between firm forest roads and narrower, winding footpaths that pass through regenerating woodland alive with birdlife. Occasional clearings offer perfect vantage points, especially at sunset when the loch glows with shifting colours and the surrounding hills turn a soft pink.

The final approach to Drumnadrochit is both gentle and scenic, descending through farmland and quiet woodland edges into one of Loch Ness’s most welcoming villages. Known for Urquhart Castle – one of Scotland’s most photographed landmarks – Drumnadrochit provides additional walking opportunities along the lochside and the River Enrick. Whether exploring the depths of ancient woodland, following historic military roads, or climbing to airy viewpoints above the water, walking on the north bank of Loch Ness offers a blend of grandeur and tranquillity. It is a route defined by its shifting perspectives, where every rise reveals a new angle of Scotland’s most legendary loch and every descent leads back into the comfort of Highland village life.

What is different about a Zigzag map?

The main difference is the scale – although these maps use the ever-popular Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale mapping they show this mapping at a larger scale – 1:20,000. This makes them easier to use for everyone.

They are also laminated, so you can use them in the wet without fear of them disintegrating.

As their name suggests, Zigzag maps come in a concertina strip format. The maps are made for convenience; you need only unfold 2 panels at a time and then keep on flipping over to follow the path. Zigzag is laminated for weatherproofing and will still fit a pocket when folded.

Maps come with a useful scale ruler.

Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer
Format: Double-sided, laminated concertina strip map
Cover size: 10 x 27 cm
Map size: 100 x 26 cm (per side)