
Dores Beach Inverness
A serene Highland gem on Loch Ness, offering breathtaking views, forest walks, and a touch of Nessie legend.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Dores Beach Inverness
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Highland gem on Loch Ness, offering breathtaking views, forest walks, and a touch of Nessie legend.
"Highlight of our trip, very serene and peaceful with nice woods and a great coffee van!"

π Car is King
While buses exist, a car offers flexibility. Enterprise is a common choice, but book ahead!
β Coffee & Cake Stop
Grab a delicious coffee and treat from the colorful van often parked near the beach.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Loch Ness Panorama
Dores Beach
Gaze across the vast expanse of Loch Ness, soaking in the legendary views and surrounding Highland scenery.

The 'Nessie Hunter's' Spot
Dores Beach
Visit the dedicated spot of a local Nessie hunter and learn about the myths surrounding the famous monster.
Forest Walks
Adjacent to Dores Beach
Explore the tranquil woodlands behind the beach, perfect for a peaceful stroll or even camping.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Loch Ness Legend
Weather-Ready Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
π Car is King
While buses exist, a car offers flexibility. Enterprise is a common choice, but book ahead!
β Coffee & Cake Stop
Grab a delicious coffee and treat from the colorful van often parked near the beach.
πΆββοΈ Forest Trails
Don't miss the lovely woods behind the beach for a serene walk or picnic.
πββοΈ Brave the Cold
For the adventurous, swimming in Loch Ness is an unforgettable (and chilly!) experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
π Car is King
While buses exist, a car offers flexibility. Enterprise is a common choice, but book ahead!
β Coffee & Cake Stop
Grab a delicious coffee and treat from the colorful van often parked near the beach.
πΆββοΈ Forest Trails
Don't miss the lovely woods behind the beach for a serene walk or picnic.
πββοΈ Brave the Cold
For the adventurous, swimming in Loch Ness is an unforgettable (and chilly!) experience.
π Souvenir Shopping
Check out @nessgiftslochness at Dores beach for unique local crafts and gifts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Dores Beach for its serene atmosphere, stunning views of Loch Ness, and the charming presence of a local Nessie hunter. The nearby forest walks and the convenient coffee van add to its appeal. However, some find it less impressive without the allure of the monster myth, and parking can be limited.
"This was highlight of our 2 weeks driving trip in Wales and Scotland. We got lucky with a great AirBnB right next to this beach and stayed here for 3 days. Very serene and peaceful. The vibes here are really very nice. There is also a very nice woods area behind this to walk. There is a nice colourful food van parked on the opposite side of the road and serves amazing coffee and ice creams!"
Kapil Sood
"Nice place for spotting the monster and having a great view of the lake. if Nessie isnt showing up, have a beer at the shore and enjoy the windy scene"
Jimmy Johnson
"Love the beach and especially the guy who decided to camp here in order to find a Lochness monster (he even has a board there where you can read about him and support him by buying some stuff he sells). The beach itself is beautiful and there are several places where you can park."
Silvia BΓ‘novskΓ‘
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ Getting There
While renting a car offers the most flexibility, public transport options are limited. Buses do run, but can involve waiting times. Planning your journey in advance is key to avoid getting stuck, especially in inclement weather.
Yes, Dores Beach is accessible by car and offers a few parking spots. It's a popular starting point for exploring Loch Ness clockwise from Inverness.
Many visitors opt for car rental for convenience and flexibility. Enterprise is a recommended rental company, though it might be a walk from the station.
Yes, there's a cycle path that leads to Dores Beach from Inverness, making it a scenic option for cyclists.
Absolutely! Dores is often the first point of contact with Loch Ness when heading clockwise from Inverness, offering a great introduction to the lake.
π« π« Tickets & Entry
No, Dores Beach is a public access area and does not require tickets for entry. You can enjoy the views and surroundings freely.
There are no entrance fees for Dores Beach. It's a free public amenity for visitors to enjoy.
Dores Beach is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor public space. However, facilities like the coffee van may have specific operating times.
Parking at Dores Beach is generally free, though it can be limited during peak times. Overnight parking is not permitted in the main lot.
While overnight parking is not allowed in the main beach lot, there are areas nearby, including the adjacent forest, suitable for camping. Remember to clean up after yourself.
π« ποΈ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the stunning views of Loch Ness, walk along the beach, explore the adjacent forest, and visit the local coffee van. Some brave souls even swim in the loch!
Yes, Dores Beach is family-friendly with a playpark nearby and plenty of space to run around. The forest walks are also enjoyable for children.
While Nessie is famously elusive, Dores Beach offers one of the best viewpoints to scan the loch. You can also visit the dedicated Nessie hunter's spot.
There's a popular coffee van offering drinks and snacks, and a playpark for children. Public restrooms may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Expect breathtaking panoramic views of Loch Ness, with rolling hills and mountains in the distance. It's a truly picturesque Highland scene.
π½οΈ β Food & Dining
The @thedoresinn is located near Dores Beach and offers meals and drinks, making it a convenient spot after your visit.
A colorful food van is often present at Dores Beach, serving excellent coffee, ice cream, and other treats.
Yes, Dores Beach is a great spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food or grab something from the nearby coffee van.
The Dores Inn is a local pub near the beach where you can enjoy a drink and relax.
The coffee van is known for serving amazing coffee and ice creams, perfect for a treat while enjoying the views.
πΈ πΈ Photography
Capture the expansive views of Loch Ness, the charming beach, the surrounding Highlands, and the iconic Nessie hunter's setup.
Absolutely! The wide-open vistas of Loch Ness and the dramatic Highland backdrop make it a prime location for landscape photographers.
Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer hues.
The beach itself, the view down the loch, and the quirky 'Nessie hunter's' camp are all distinctive photographic subjects.
Be prepared for wind, which can add a dynamic element to photos but also requires stable equipment. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
π¨βπ©βπ§ Families with Kids
πΆββοΈ Solo Travelers & Hikers
πΈ Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Loch Ness
Many visitors come with the hope of a glimpse, and Dores Beach offers a prime vantage point to scan the waters. The presence of a dedicated 'Nessie hunter' at the beach adds a unique, albeit quirky, dimension to the experience, providing a focal point for those fascinated by the legend. Even without a monster sighting, the peaceful atmosphere and the impressive natural scenery make Dores Beach a worthwhile stop.
Exploring the Dores Beach Area
For those seeking refreshments or a meal, The Dores Inn is conveniently located nearby, offering a place to relax and refuel. Additionally, a popular colorful food van is often found at the beach, serving up excellent coffee and ice cream β a perfect treat after a walk or while simply enjoying the view. The beach also features a playpark, making it an engaging spot for families with younger children.
Practicalities for Your Visit
Parking is available at Dores Beach, though it can be limited during busy periods. It's important to note that overnight parking is not permitted in the main beach lot, so if you plan to camp nearby, you'll need to arrange alternative street parking. Remember to leave no trace and clean up after yourself to help preserve the natural beauty of this special location.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit