Attractions and Places To See around the Oich - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around the Oich, located in the Scottish Highlands, include a range of historical sites, natural features, and outdoor activity points. The area is characterized by its connection to the Great Glen, Loch Oich, and proximity to Loch Ness. Visitors can explore notable landmarks and natural features set against a scenic backdrop. The region offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and discovering various points of interest.
Best attractions and places to see around the Oich
- The most popular attractions is Fort Augustus Locks, a set of man-made locks on the Caledonian Canal. This site offers views of Loch Ness and is a hub for visitors interested in the historic canal system.
- Another must-see spot is Corrieyairack Pass, a challenging mountain pass. This pass climbs to 770 meters and is part of an 18th-century network of military roads built by General Wade.
- Visitors also love Oich Bridge, a historical pedestrian bridge. This Cantilever bridge, designed by James Dredge, is one of the few pedestrian crossings over the Great Glen.
- Oich is known for its historical sites, natural features, and outdoor activity points. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including canals, bridges, and mountain passes.
- The attractions around the Oich are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 250 upvotes and over 100 photos shared.
Last updated: June 22, 2026
Fort Augustus Locks
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
Oich Bridge
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Corrieyairack Pass
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
It links Fort Augustus and Laggan, the rivers Spey and Tarff. Good luck passing through on this one either by mountain bike or foot, it's a beast!
Tip by
Laggan Locks
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Eagle Barge Inn
Highlight • Pub
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Kilfinnan Burn
Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site
Tip by
Invergarry Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Carn an t-Suidhe Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint
Tip by
Caledonian Canal
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
Wade's Road – Hike-a-Bike Section of Corrieyairack Pass
Highlight (Segment) • Historical Site
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around the Oich.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Oich
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
GBDURO 2021 — Gravel racing Land's End to John O'Groats
Caledonia Way – Cycling Coast to Coast through the Scottish wilds
The Faultline Trail — Scotland tip to tip
The Badger Divide — Lochs, bothies & the heart of the highlands
Great North Trail — From the Pennine Hills to the tip of Scotland
Great Glen Way: An epic coast-to-coast across the Highlands
21 family-friendly bike rides in the UK
Vast lochs, quaint canals, forest glades — Cycling the Great Glen Way
Hiking the 282 munro mountains of Scotland in 95 routes
Other adventures around the Oich
Tips from the Community
The ruins are closed but still a beautiful photo opportunity
1
0
Anyone who can actually ride their bike up this deserves my admiration. Very much hike-a-bike for me.
0
0
A not so heavily visited castle
1
1
The Carn an t-Suidhe climb from Fort Augustus is a stunning Highland ascent, averaging 6% with steeper sections peaking around 12%. The road climbs steadily out of the village, revealing sweeping views of Loch Ness and the surrounding glens as you gain height. The tarmac is generally smooth, but exposed sections can be windy, so pace yourself and stay seated on the steeper ramps. Cresting the top feels like entering another world—quiet, remote, and beautifully wild.
0
0
The castle ruins are fenced off and cannot be entered. Behind the castle, a small stone staircase leads to the lake, where you can see a wreck that has run aground.
1
0
The Great Glen Way is not accessible between North Laggan and Aberchalder (June 8, 2024). A large area west of the Caledonian Canal is strictly closed and sealed off by heavy gates. A severe winter storm has made extensive forestry work necessary. A diversion via Invergarry is well signposted. The additional effort is a good 2.5 miles and about 300 meters in altitude.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around the Oich?
The Oich area is rich in history. You can visit the atmospheric ruins of Invergarry Castle Ruins overlooking Loch Oich, or discover the disused Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway Tunnel, part of an old railway line following the Great Glen. Don't miss the historic Oich Bridge, a unique cantilever pedestrian bridge designed by James Dredge.
What natural features and viewpoints are there to see near the Oich?
The region offers stunning natural beauty. You can enjoy picturesque views of Loch Ness from Fort Augustus Locks, where the Caledonian Canal meets the loch. The area around Loch Oich itself provides beautiful scenery, especially from locations like Invergarry Castle. For a more remote experience, the Corrieyairack Pass offers challenging mountain views.
Are there family-friendly attractions around the Oich?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Fort Augustus Locks is a great spot to watch boats navigate the Caledonian Canal and enjoy views of Loch Ness. The Oich Bridge is an interesting historical pedestrian bridge for a short walk. The Laggan Locks also offer a fascinating glimpse into the canal system.
What outdoor activities can I do near these attractions?
The Oich area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. For hiking, consider routes like "A loop of Loch Oich on the Great Glen Way" or "Bench With View of Loch Ness – Enchanted Forest loop." Cyclists can explore routes such as "Loch Oich loop from Bridge of Oich" or "Fort Augustus Locks – Oich Bridge loop." Find more details on these activities on the hiking and cycling guide pages.
Are there any challenging outdoor adventures in the Oich area?
Absolutely. The Corrieyairack Pass is a legendary and challenging mountain pass, climbing to 770 meters and forming part of an 18th-century military road. It's a demanding route for mountain biking or hiking. Another challenging option for hikers is "The Loch Lochy Munros" route. You can find more challenging routes on the hiking guide and gravel biking guide pages.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around the Oich?
Visitors frequently praise the scenic beauty and historical significance of the area. Many enjoy the impressive set of locks at Fort Augustus Locks and the wonderful views of Loch Ness. The unique design of the Oich Bridge and the atmospheric Invergarry Castle Ruins are also highly appreciated for their historical charm.
Can I find easy walking routes near Oich?
Yes, there are several easy walking options. The area around Fort Augustus Locks offers pleasant strolls along the canal. For a short, scenic walk, consider the "Bench With View of Loch Ness – Enchanted Forest loop from Cherry Island," which is just under 4 km. You can explore more easy routes on the hiking guide page.
Are there dog-friendly trails in the Oich region?
Many of the trails and outdoor areas around Oich are dog-friendly, especially those along the Great Glen Way and around Loch Oich. Always ensure your dog is under control, especially near livestock, and check for any specific local restrictions. The natural trails are generally welcoming for well-behaved dogs.
Where can I find food and drink options near the attractions?
Fort Augustus, near the Fort Augustus Locks, offers various dining and drinking options. You can also find the unique Eagle Barge Inn, a pub located on a barge, providing a distinctive experience near the canal.
Are there any unique or 'hidden' historical sites to discover?
Beyond the main attractions, you can explore Kilfinnan Burn, which features an ancient burial ground linked to the MacDonells of Glengarry and the Jacobite Rising of 1745. This site offers open scenery and historical context along the Great Glen Way. The disused Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway Tunnel is also a fascinating, less-trafficked historical point.
What cycling opportunities are there around the Oich?
The Oich area provides excellent cycling opportunities, including touring, gravel, and mountain biking. You can cycle the "Loch Oich loop from Bridge of Oich" for an easy ride or tackle more challenging routes like "South Loch Ness and Loch Mhor Loop." The Great Glen Way also offers extensive cycling paths. For more routes, check the cycling guide and gravel biking guide pages.
What is the best time to visit the Oich area for outdoor activities?
The best time to visit the Oich area for outdoor activities is typically during the spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is milder, and the midges are less prevalent than in summer. Summer (June-August) offers longer daylight hours but can be busier and have more insects. Winter can be beautiful for walks but requires appropriate gear for colder, potentially icy conditions.
Most popular routes around the Oich
Most popular attractions around the Oich
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
