Dores is 8.5 miles (13.7 km) south-west from the centre of Inverness. It is situated where the lochside B852 branches off from the higher level B862 Inverness – Fort Augustus road where it reaches the north-east corner of Loch Ness. The B852 is a scenic road with good views over Loch Ness down to Fort Augustus.
How to get here and away.
You can reach the village (and Loch Ness) in a number of ways which are described below:
- Bus. A regular bus service runs Inverness to Dores and then on to Foyers. The service is No. 16.
- Click here for the bus timetable.
- Car. Take the B862 Inverness – Dores road to drive to the village. The road continues as the B852 along the shore of Loch Ness to Foyers and Fort Augustus. Parking is possible at the Dores Inn for visitors wishing to walk on Dores Beach. Obviously, if driving from Fort Augustus, you would use the instructions above but in reverse. Note the B852 is often a single-width road with passing places, and you should plan on the Dores – Fort Augustus journey taking longer than you might expect.
- Cycling. We strongly recommend against cycling along the entire length of the B862 Inverness – Dores road. There are a number of dangerous corners. From the centre of Inverness, take the Inverness – Essich road, branching off from this road at the turning to Torbreck. This road eventually rejoins the B862. Ride into Scaniport and take the left turn just before the telephone box. Follow the road to Darris, and rejoin the B862 for the ride into Dores. From Aldourie to Dores, there is a cycle path on the left-hand side of the B862. After visiting Dores, you can continue down the B852. Again, if cycling from Fort Augustus, reverse the above advice.
- Taxi. Taxis can be hired from taxi ranks in Inverness. The ranks where taxis are most likely to be waiting are just outside the main door of Inverness Railway Station, a short distance further away on Academy Street (turn left out of the railway station), and even further away on Queens Street (turn right out of the railway station, walk down Academy Street, take the next left).
- On Foot. We strongly recommend that you do not walk along the entire length of the B862 Inverness – Dores road. The road’s verges are very narrow in all the wrong places, and as some road users drive too fast, walking on the road to Dores is quite dangerous. In any case, there are few good views until you are almost in Dores. We recommend a footpath running along the bank of the River Ness. There that good views of the river, Dochgarroch Weir, Loch Dochfour, and finally Loch Ness. Finally, please note that the round trip from Inverness to Dores and back to Inverness is 17 miles (27.4 km). The weather in Scotland is very changeable. Wearing appropriate clothing, and good footwear is essential. You may wish to combine your walk with a return bus journey. See above for details of bus services. Alternatively you may wish to stay in Dores.
- Air Link. There is no scheduled air service to Dores! Nor is there ever likely to be. You can however fly to Inverness from many other cities. The link below takes you to the Inverness Airport website, where you will find details of air flights and also information on getting into Inverness. Inverness AIrport
- Railways. The nearest railway station is in Inverness. The link below gives a lot of information concerning the station.
- National Railways – Inverness