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Secret Loch Ness with Cawdor Castle and Clava Cairns

53 Reviews 4.74 out of 5 stars Based on 53 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 94% of reviewers
94% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
| Invergordon, Scotland
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from $212.46 per person

Lowest Price Guarantee
Invergordon Port
Dores beach and Loch Ness - paddle time
Katie-Morag at Robertson’s farm Beauly
Robertson’s farm larder shop Beauly
Beauly priory pass by
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.
6 to 8 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Return journey:

We WILL have you back to your ship around 1 hour prior to its departure time. We nearly always arrive back BEFORE the ship’s own buses. We’re very efficient and have been doing this for 7 years, serving thousands of cruise passengers every summer season.
This carefully curated one-day Highland tour takes you beyond the obvious and into the soul of the Highlands. Departing from Inverness, you’ll experience the quieter north side of Loch Ness — a more remote and atmospheric stretch of the loch, rich in history, legend, and raw Highland beauty.

The journey continues to the enchanting Cawdor Castle, tucked away in woodland and famed for its ancient past and romantic gardens. Step into powerful Scottish history at Culloden Battlefield, then visit the mysterious Clava Cairns, made famous by Outlander and steeped in ancient myth.

Along the way, enjoy classic Highland scenery — rolling moorland, forest glens, and the chance to meet iconic Highland cows up close.

What's Included

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Lunch
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

37 Shore Road
Invergordon IV18 0EH, UK

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Culloden Battlefield

Culloden Battlefield is where the final Jacobite Rising ended on 16 April 1746. In under an hour, the Jacobite army led by Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) was decisively defeated by government forces under the Duke of Cumberland.The battle marked the end of Jacobite hopes to restore the Stuart monarchy and led to brutal reprisals across the Highlands, including bans on tartan, weapons, and the speaking of Gaelic.
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40 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Clava Cairns

Clava Cairns is a beautifully preserved 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial site, made up of ring cairns, passage graves, and standing stones. It’s best known for its winter solstice alignment, when the setting sun shines directly into the central cairn — showing just how advanced prehistoric astronomy was.Fans of Outlander will recognise Clava Cairns as the real-world inspiration for “Creag na Dun,” the mystical stone circle where Claire travels through time. While the TV stones were a set, Clava perfectly captures the same atmosphere — ancient, powerful, and quietly haunting.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Cawdor Castle

Cawdor Castle is a 15th-century Highland castle still lived in by the Cawdor family. It’s famously linked to Shakespeare’s Macbeth through the title Thane of Cawdor, although the real castle was built centuries after the historical Macbeth.The castle grew around a hollow oak tree, once believed to bring good fortune, and today features richly furnished rooms, tapestries, and family heirlooms. Outside, the formal gardens, woodland walks, and riverside paths are a major highlight — especially in spring and summer.It’s one of the most romantic and well-preserved castles in the Highlands, blending history, legend, and beautiful scenery.
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1 hour 40 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Inverness (pass by)

As we drive through Inverness, you’re passing the capital of the Highlands, set along the River Ness where it flows out of Loch Ness toward the Moray Firth. It’s a small city, but historically important — once a key stronghold controlling the Highlands.On the riverbank you’ll see Inverness Castle, standing on a sandstone cliff. While the current building is 19th-century, the site has been fortified for over a thousand years. Nearby is Inverness Cathedral and Eden Court Theatre, the cultural heart of the city.Inverness is known as the gateway to the Highlands — a last stop for supplies and civilisation before heading into the wilder landscapes beyond.
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Inverness Castle Viewpoint (pass by)

As we pass Inverness Castle, this is one of the best photo opportunities in the city. The castle sits high above the River Ness, giving great views from the road and especially from the bridges.For photos, look towards the castle on the hill with the river in the foreground — it’s particularly striking in good light or early evening. If you’re quick with cameras, you’ll get classic shots of castle, river, and city skyline all in one frame.The building itself is 19th-century, but the viewpoint has been strategic for over a thousand years — which is exactly why it still dominates Inverness today.
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Dores Beach

Dores Beach sits at the northern end of Loch Ness, just outside Inverness, and offers one of the best shoreline views of the loch. The long shingle beach gives wide, open vistas straight down the water — perfect for photos and a real sense of Loch Ness scale.This is a favourite local spot for walks, wildlife watching, and of course Nessie-spotting. On clear days you can see far down the loch, and sunsets here are especially beautiful.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Beauly Priory (pass by)

As we pass Beauly Priory, you’re seeing the remains of a 13th-century Valliscaulian monastery, founded around 1230. It was an important religious centre until the Scottish Reformation, after which it gradually fell into ruin.Even from the road you can spot the fine stone carvings and the tall west gable — a reminder of how grand the priory once was. Today it’s a peaceful historic site right in the heart of the village.A quick glimpse, but a lovely example of medieval Highland history tucked into everyday life.
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Loch Ness Region

This is the north end of Loch Ness, at Dores, where the loch begins and the River Ness flows out toward Inverness. From here you get one of the widest, clearest views straight down the loch, giving a real sense of its length and depth.Dores Beach is a favourite local spot — peaceful, open, and ideal for photos. On calm days the water can look deceptively gentle, but Loch Ness is deep, dark, and cold, even close to shore.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Robertson's Farm Shop Beauly

As we stop at Robertson’s Farm, keep an eye out for the Highland cows — the long-haired, horned cattle, Katie-Morag and Jamie, that have become one of Scotland’s most iconic sights. They’re well suited to the Highland climate and often graze close to the roadside here.The farm is part of the rich agricultural landscape around Beauly and the Black Isle, known for fertile land and traditional farming. It’s a great quick photo moment, especially when the cattle are nearby.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Secret Loch Ness with Cawdor Castle and Clava Cairns?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

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Activity code: C-112983P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.74
53 reviews

Average 4.74 out of 5 stars based on 53 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
46
4 stars
4
3 stars
0
2 stars
2
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 22 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Secret Loch Ness with Cawdor Castle and Clava Cairns?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (GMT).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • All Fees and Taxes.
The following is NOT included:
  • Lunch.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Secret Loch Ness with Cawdor Castle and Clava Cairns is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Wheelchair travellers difficult
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Secret Loch Ness with Cawdor Castle and Clava Cairns will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Lunch

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Wheelchair travellers difficult
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 33 travelers

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