Dores

Dores is a small village in the Scottish Highlands, situated on the south-east shore of Loch Ness, approximately fifteen kilometres south of Inverness. From its pebble beach, you have a clear view stretching the full length of the loch — one of its widest perspectives. The village appeals equally to those seeking peaceful landscapes and to hunters of the legendary monster, who scan the dark surface of the water from the shore.

Essential information at a glance

• Access: B862 road from Inverness, approximately 15 km south-west via the east shore of the loch.
• Admission: free access to the beach and loch shore.
• Recommended duration: half a day, combined with the east shore of Loch Ness.
• Wheelchair accessibility: the pebble beach is not well-suited for wheelchairs.

What you'll see

The pebble beach at Dores is the focal point of the village. It offers a rare perspective: Loch Ness stretches over 35 km before you, framed by wooded hills. The water, coloured brown by peat, remains dark even in fine weather. The local pub, the Dores Inn, sits directly on the shore.

History and context

Dores is mentioned in ancient accounts relating to Saint Columba, who is said to have crossed Loch Ness in the sixth century. The village remained a small farming and fishing hamlet for centuries. The B862 road, which follows the east shore of the loch, is one of the oldest routes in the Highlands, far less travelled than the opposite shore.

Highlights of your visit

The beach and loch views

From the shore, your gaze reaches toward Urquhart Castle, invisible to the naked eye but present at the far end of the loch. The silence, the colour of the water and the absence of crowds make this place a striking contrast with the tourist sites on the west shore.

The B862 road

The B862 hugs the east shore of the loch from Dores to Fort Augustus. Narrow and winding, it winds through moorland and forest landscapes with practically no traffic. It is one of the most authentic routes through the Highlands, linking Inverness to the Great Glen.

Photography tips

Early morning light, when mist rises from the loch, provides the best conditions. Position yourself on the pebble beach to capture the water in the foreground and hills beyond. At day's end, sunlight illuminates the west shore from Dores, creating interesting reflections on the dark water.

Location and access

Dores sits on the south-east shore of Loch Ness, approximately 15 km from Inverness via the B862. The road is accessible by car; there is no regular public transport link from Inverness to the village. The car park near the Dores Inn allows you to leave your vehicle before walking to the beach.

Nearby attractions

• Loch Ness — the loch itself, from which Dores offers one of the most tranquil viewpoints.
• Inverness — capital of the Highlands, approximately fifteen kilometres to the north, with museums, castle and market.
• Urquhart Castle — medieval ruins on the west shore of the loch, accessible via the A82.
• Fort Augustus — village at the southern end of the loch, with locks of the Caledonian Canal, connected to Dores by the B862.