The Falls of Foyers, paths along Loch Ness and an old reservoir circuit give a trip to Foyers several distinct highlights. When planning, it is especially helpful to distinguish between groups of waterfalls, flat paths along the north shore of Foyers Bay, and sections that are steep or potentially boggy. This lets you decide whether waterfalls, loch views or the old reservoir should shape your outing.
The Falls of Foyers: nature and tourism history
The Falls of Foyers consist of two groups of waterfalls on the River Foyers, which plunges through a dramatic gorge towards Loch Ness. Their Gaelic name is Eas na Smùide, translated as “Falls of Smoke”. The upper falls form three cascades about 14 metres high; the lower falls are about 30 metres high. This gives the two groups different shapes and heights, without limiting the description to a single drop. The place’s history is also part of its character: in the 19th century, the Falls of Foyers played a prominent role as a visitor attraction and in the development of tourism in Scotland.
Circular walks with different route profiles
The Foyers Bay Circular North starts at the old aluminium factory in Lower Foyers. This very easy, flat circular walk follows roads and a rough path along the north shore of Foyers Bay. It passes a small pebble beach with impressive views across the loch. If you prefer a route described as flat, with views of the bay, this walk offers a clear contrast with the steeper sections of other circuits.
The Foyers Circular including Upper Falls has a different focus: from the Jane Fraser Memorial, a narrow path leads down to the shore of Loch Ness. The circular walk takes in both the upper and lower Falls of Foyers, as well as the shore. It therefore combines waterfalls and the lochside in the same circuit; the narrow path down is a specific part of the route description that you can take into account when planning.
The Reservoir Walk, Foyers is a short circular walk to the old reservoir behind Foyers. One steep section leads through trees, and another section may be boggy. This clearly distinguishes it from the flat Foyers Bay Circular North: one description emphasises an easy, level profile, while the other notes a slope and potentially boggy ground. These details help you choose walks by their route characteristics, rather than solely by their destination.
Views, a trail section and other excursions
The route from Inverfarigaig to Foyers also has its own landmarks. These include a viewpoint overlooking Loch Ness and a short detour with views across Foyers Bay. The route also follows a short section of the South Loch Ness Trail. The options therefore differ: one circuit stays by the Falls or the reservoir, while the route from Inverfarigaig to Foyers adds further views and a section of the named trail.
An alternative to walking is the Loch Ness RIB Tour from Foyers. It visits remote stretches of shore and the Ruined Urquhart Castle. So, alongside circular walks, there is also a trip on the loch and a visit to the castle ruins as different ways to explore the area.
Getting there and practical information
On 11 June 2025, the Highland Council announced that bus service 302 runs as far as Foyers. From there, passengers can visit the Falls of Foyers and walk along the hillside path beside Loch Ness. Check the current timetable before travelling. A public toilet block and a disposal point for motorhomes were officially opened at the Falls of Foyers car park on 16 June 2023. If these facilities are important for your visit, check their current availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Invergordon, Aultbea, Shieldaig, Ardvasar, Portskerra, Lochinver, Rhiconich, Duntulm.
Back to the regional travel overview: Highland.
