About the Port
Set amid the rolling moorland of the Scottish Highlands, this inland route links some of the region's most evocative sites. Culloden Moor marks the site of the 1746 battle that ended the Jacobite rising, its windswept field marked by memorial cairns and clan grave markers. Nearby, the Clava Cairns preserve a Bronze Age complex of burial cairns and standing stones, quietly impressive in their rural setting. Loch Ness stretches beyond, its deep waters flanked by forested hills and tied forever to tales of a elusive creature.
Fort Augustus sits at the loch's southern end, where a flight of locks on the Caledonian Canal draws visitors to watch boats rise and fall between Loch Ness and the sea. Most visits to this inland region depart from Invergordon, the gateway port for excursions into the Highlands. The combination of history, prehistory, and scenery makes for a full and memorable day inland.
Pavlus Recommendations
How our planners would spend a day in Culloden / Clava Cairns / Loch Ness / Fort Augustus.
Walk Culloden Battlefield
Follow the marked paths past clan graves and the memorial cairn on the moor where the 1746 battle sealed the Jacobite defeat. The visitor center's exhibits add context worth an extra 30 minutes before or after the walk.
Explore the Clava Cairns
Wander among these Bronze Age burial cairns and standing stones, still aligned to the midwinter sun, set in a quiet grove just minutes from Culloden. Little foot traffic makes for an atmospheric, unhurried stop.
Watch the Fort Augustus Locks
Linger by the Caledonian Canal's staircase of locks to see boats raised and lowered between Loch Ness and the sea, then stroll the loch's edge for classic Highland views. Allow 20-30 minutes to see a full cycle.
Cruise Lines That Call Here
Cruises That Visit Culloden / Clava Cairns / Loch Ness / Fort Augustus
| Departs | Cruise Line | Ship | Itinerary | Nights | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 10, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | Lord of the Glens | 7 | $9,728 | |
| Aug 24, 2026 | Lindblad Expeditions | Lord of the Glens | 7 | $7,866 | |
| Jun 7, 2027 | Lindblad Expeditions | Lord of the Glens | 7 | $12,000 | |
| Aug 2, 2027 | Lindblad Expeditions | Lord of the Glens | 7 | $11,500 | |
| Aug 16, 2027 | Lindblad Expeditions | Lord of the Glens | 7 | $12,000 |