SCOTLAND - LOCH NESS SHORES CAMPSITE REVIEW (C&CC)
ONE PICTURE CAN SPEAK A THOUSAND WORDS
(WORDS BELOW)
THE DETAILS
Loch Ness Shores is a Camping and Caravan club site
For more information about the Camping and Caravan club see my
blog post
on the
tips and tricks
page or click here to visit the site
We visited in July 2019 and arrived at 7pm (the front desk closes at 8pm).
You don't have to be a member to go, However it is a little cheaper if you are.
We are members and stayed for 3 nights and it cost us £60.
The roads to get to the site are rather narrow and windy – which made us grateful we don't tow!
It is also advised on the Camping and caravan Club website not to use a sat nav to get there.
I have copied their directions below:
Access and SatNav Advice - Don’t use a satnav to access this site. Approaching on the A9, turn off at Raigmore Hospital and follow the south ring road (B8082 Sir Walter Scott Drive) until you see a roundabout with a green Loch Ness Monster on it. Turn left on to the B862 to Dores, and join the B852 to Foyers along Loch Ness. As you approach Foyers, you will see on the right hand side what was the old hotel (now called Foyers Lodge). Turn right 100m further on behind the No Entry sign, which is signposted for Lower Foyers and follow the signs to the campsite. Approaching from the South, leave the A82 at Fort Augustus and follow the B862 to Whitebridge. Approximately 1 mile after the Whitebridge Hotel, turn left on B852 to Foyers. Approximately 1 mile after Foyers Stores turn sharp left to Lower Foyers and follow signs to site.
THE SITE
The site was easy to find, and the staff were really friendly and helpful, and best of all you have direct access to the Loch side. (Unfortunately we did not see the Loch Ness Monster during our stay).
When looking at pictures of the site, it appears like you'd be able to see the Loch from most pitches, however this is not the case. The site is surrounded by trees, and there are some new camping 'huts' which have been built that block the view from the top field.
It was well maintained, with new clean facilities consisting of one master toilet and shower block with access to pot washing and laundry, but also a few smaller individual toilet facilities scattered about the site, also perfect for changing and cleaning teeth.
There is a shop on site that sells some every day essentials like preserves and tinned food, as well as being a typical Scottish gift shop selling various short bread and Tartan clothing. But be warned, it's pretty pricey, so I would recommend stocking up from the local town prior to arriving.
Next to the shop is a small indoor wi-fi room where you can go to escape midges/rain etc. It has tables, chairs and charging ports for laptops and phones, so you can check all them important e-mails, contact family or post a selfie from the side of the Loch along with maps and leaflets for things to do in the local area.
In regards to midges
- the site has direct access to the Loch, so midges will be around (as they like damp areas) so it will be luck of the draw for how bad they are. The grass was well kept and there are plenty of indoor areas to escape if need be. However, same as for anywhere in Scotland I highly recommend taking a good insect repellant with you. Our first night was quite bad between 8pm and 9pm so we escaped to the shower block and by the time we returned it had calmed down.
SURROUNDING AREA
As mentioned, the site has direct access to the Loch and from Easter to the end of October motor boats (with fishing permits) and kayaks are available to hire. It also states on the Camping and Caravan Club website that other activities are available on site during school holidays such like archery, bushcraft and den building, as well as wildlife and heritage walks.
During our stay we visited Foyers Falls which is apx 30min walk from the campsite, and if you continue down the main road there is an excellent farm cafe where you can see highland cows and horses.
The site location is on the 'quiet' side of the loch, so tourist shops, Loch ness monster memorabilia etc is sparse if you don't have transport.
OVERALL
Camping and Caravan Club sites can work out quite expensive for not really a great deal.. However this site I thought was worth the money, even though we weren't camped 'Loch side' like I thought we'd of been. We really enjoyed our time here, and would definitely go back.
an impromptu 1 night trip to Spring Lakes, Nottingham to use our own kayak and paddle board.
A site that has everything and more!
Where we stayed to climb Snowdon March 2022.
A small, all season, gorgeous little campsite walking distance (30mins) from Whitby.
