Dores on Loch Ness: Beach, Trails and History

Dores bathing water lies on the northeastern shore of Loch Ness. The beach, trails and historic landmarks offer different ways to shape a stay: time by the water, outdoor activities or an interest in local history. When looking for a holiday apartment, this variety can help you decide first what kind of days you want to define your stay.

Beach and trails on Loch Ness

The beach at the bathing water is made up of pebbles and sand and slopes down towards the water. Swimming is possible at Dores Beach, and from the beach you can look out across the whole of Loch Ness. Here, a distinct shoreline, the opportunity to get in the water and sweeping views across the loch come together.

The Dores Beach and Torr Point Walk follows the shore to Torr Point and Aldourie before returning to the village. In Dores, the Loch Ness 360 initially follows the pavement along the B862 towards Inverness; after about a mile, the trail turns off beside Aldourie school. The routes differ in their direction: the circular walk returns to the village, while the Loch Ness 360 follows the route described by its direction and turning point.

For cycling, the Caledonia Way, also known as National Cycle Network (NCN) 78, follows a shared-use path from the Dores roundabout along the Southern Distributor Road. A route notice from Highland Council dated 27 May 2025 describes this alignment; it may change. Check the current route before setting off.

A section of the South Loch Ness Trail descends from Drumashie Moor to Dores and ends at the Dores Inn; the full trail currently ends in Fort Augustus. For orientation, two different scales therefore matter: the local section to Dores and the endpoint of the entire route.

Churches and historic sites

Dores Parish Church is listed as Listed Building (C) 537. The listing includes the Sunday school room (former watch house), the burial ground and the entrance to the war memorial. An 1829 entry concerning the Church of Dores relates to the cost of building the new church. Before the Reformation, the Church of Dores belonged to the Abbey of Pluscarden.

The church’s history also has an institutional dimension: the Kirk Session of the Church of Dores belongs to the Presbytery of Inverness and records ministry since 1567, initially by Sir James Duff. The former Dores Free Church and manse buildings date from 1847. Drumashie Lodge in Dores is also designated a Category C Listed Building.

The memorial at the entrance to Dores churchyard was fully renovated for the centenary of the First World War. Nearby, within the parish of Dores, lies the Red Cottage pit circle, designated a Scheduled Monument.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can use these specific points of interest as a guide: would you mainly like to spend time by the water, plan walks or bike rides, or explore local history? Dores offers a range of clearly defined starting points. This makes it possible to consider the kind of stay you want when choosing your holiday location.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Gairloch, Acharacle, Shieldaig, Duirinish, Carbost, Roybridge, Nairn, Portskerra

For the broader travel overview: Highland.