Standing on a quiet beach, gazing at the shimmering waters of Loch Ness as the sun set over the Scottish Highlands, I realized I was living one of the most memorable days of my life.
Just the evening before, I had been stuck in traffic near Birmingham’s Five Ways island, anxious about missing the Caledonian Sleeper—the overnight train that rocks you to sleep in Birmingham and wakes you up amidst the breathtaking Highlands.
I had secured a ticket that morning, taking me from Birmingham to Inverness on the Caledonian Sleeper, allowing for 12 hours to explore before returning. My mission was clear: to help fellow Brummies decide if this newly available Sleeper service from Birmingham was worth the journey.
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I planned to pack that limited time with as many experiences as possible—family attractions, scenic hikes, romantic spots, and peaceful nature retreats like the one I was enjoying on Dores Beach. All while keeping costs low, surviving on Tunnocks Teacakes, Irn Bru, and snacks picked up along the way.
The biggest expense was a £42 rental car from Enterprise, which we picked up after a short walk from Inverness station. Fueled by only £15 worth of petrol, we set out to circumnavigate the approximately 70-mile perimeter of Loch Ness in a single day.
Our adventure began with tears of joy as Loch Ness first came into view, just as Taylor Swift’s “Cruel Summer” played perfectly from the car speakers. We pulled over, rolled down the windows, and danced on the roadside, basking in the rising sun and excitement of the day ahead.
Our first stop was the Loch Ness Clansman Hotel, home to a plaque honoring Ozzy Osbourne’s nocturnal Nessie hunts with his son Jack. Driving along the stunning Highland views never felt tiresome.
In Drumnadrochit, the birthplace of Loch Ness legends, we paid £15 each to visit The Loch Ness Centre. Narrated by David Tennant, this immersive experience reveals the origins of the myth, the science, geography, and stories that make the legend so captivating. It was both enlightening and inspiring, making every other moment richer.
Next, we admired the ruins of Urquhart Castle perched on the loch’s edge. While entry at £16 felt steep for our brief visit, it only ensured we’ll return for a boat trip and a full exploration.
Continuing along the A82 to Invermoriston, we found a scene straight from an adventure novel. The Old Bridge spanning the roaring River Moriston, salmon swimming upstream, and peaceful woodlands filled with reindeer lichen created a magical retreat. Free parking and quiet nature trails made it an unforgettable stop.
By early afternoon, we reached the South Shore and paused at Suidhe Viewpoint, where we shared a silent moment of awe with fellow tourists, capturing memories of an astonishing panorama.
Wildlife encounters—including a regal stag and soaring birds—punctuated our drive. At the Falls of Foyers, a 140-foot waterfall set amid elusive red squirrels, we refueled on local sausage rolls before making one last stop.
We sought out Steve Feltham, the dedicated ‘Nessie Hunter’ who has lived by the loch since 1991, dedicating his life to spotting the elusive monster. Though he wasn’t home, the visit deepened the day’s sense of mystery and wonder.
As dusk fell back on Dores Beach, I reflected on the legend of Nessie and the spirit of adventure that brought me here. Boarding the Caledonian Sleeper for the return journey, I felt enriched, inspired, and eager to come back—with sandwiches in tow.
*Tickets for the Caledonian Sleeper start at £60 for seats with sleep kits; private rooms from around £250 for two. This story was independently written with train travel provided by Caledonian Sleeper; car hire, food, drink, and attractions were paid by the author.