exploring Fort Augustus Abbey, the apartments, grounds, facilities and everything that makes The Highland Club such a unique place to stay.
Words & photography by Pete Rudd
Reading time 8-9 minutes
The Highland Club Loch Ness review — staying in the Scottish Highlands in autumn is something I never get tired of. The landscape comes alive with golden trees, crisp mornings and dramatic skies, and Loch Ness seems to take on a completely different character as the seasons change.
For this trip, we wanted somewhere that felt a little different from a traditional hotel. The Highland Club, set within the historic Fort Augustus Abbey on the southern shores of Loch Ness, offered exactly that.
Rather than a conventional hotel, The Highland Club is a collection of luxury self-catering apartments set within a beautifully restored historic estate. With its atmospheric cloisters, original architecture, peaceful grounds and easy access to Loch Ness, it felt like somewhere we could settle into rather than simply stay for a night.
In this review, I’ll take you through our experience at The Highland Club, from the apartment and historic setting to the facilities, location and some of the best places to explore nearby.
First impressions
We arrived at The Highland Club after dark, so our first experience of Fort Augustus Abbey was somewhat atmospheric.
Walking through the entrance and into the Abbey, the scale of the building immediately became apparent. Stone walls, Gothic architecture, high ceilings and the original character of the former monastery create an arrival experience that’s very different from checking into a conventional hotel.
We made our way through the historic cloisters towards our apartment, taking in the details as we went.
After settling in, we had time to properly appreciate the apartment and the setting around us. There was something quite special about knowing that we weren’t simply staying in a new-build hotel, but inside a building with a history stretching back centuries.
The following morning, with daylight finally revealing the grounds and the surrounding landscape, we could see just how impressive the location really was.
The history of Fort Augustus Abbey
One of the biggest reasons The Highland Club feels so different from a typical place to stay is the building itself.
The story of Fort Augustus goes back to the early 18th century, when the Hanoverian government established a military presence in the area following the Jacobite Rising of 1715. A substantial fort was built by General Wade in 1729, positioned strategically at the southern end of Loch Ness.
The military history eventually gave way to something very different.
In 1876, Simon Fraser, 13th Lord Lovat, passed the site and surrounding land to the Benedictine Fathers, who wanted to establish a monastery in Scotland. The monastic buildings were begun shortly afterwards, with architects including Peter Paul Pugin involved in the development of the complex.
A large church was subsequently begun in 1890, while the site also became home to Fort Augustus Abbey School, which eventually operated until 1993.
Following years of decline, the historic buildings were purchased by the Santon Group in 2003. A major restoration and conversion project followed, eventually transforming the former Abbey into The Highland Club, which was completed in 2012.
Walking around the property today, you can still see reminders of all these different chapters. Military architecture, Gothic details, cloisters, stained glass and historic stonework sit alongside modern apartments and leisure facilities.
If you’re interested in the story behind the building, the history of Fort Augustus Abbey on The Highland Club’s official website goes into considerably more detail.
For me, that’s what makes staying here so interesting. The history isn’t confined to a plaque in reception — it’s literally built into the walls around you.
The apartment
Our apartment was spacious, comfortable and very different from the typical hotel room.
The biggest advantage was having separate living space and a fully equipped kitchen. After spending the day exploring Loch Ness and the surrounding Highlands, it was nice to be able to come back, make a drink and properly relax rather than being confined to a bedroom.
The apartment also had plenty of character, with the historic surroundings giving the accommodation a sense of place that you simply don’t get from a modern chain hotel.
We were welcomed with a selection of food and essentials, which was a nice touch after travelling and meant we didn’t immediately have to head back out to find supplies.
The self-catering setup also gives you plenty of flexibility. You can cook in the apartment, head into Fort Augustus for food or make use of nearby options such as The Boathouse Restaurant, which sits within the estate overlooking Loch Ness. The Highland Club’s official accommodation information also shows the different apartment configurations and some of the properties available with Loch Ness views.
For a longer stay in the Highlands, having that extra space would be particularly useful. It’s much easier to settle into an apartment for several nights than it is to live out of a hotel room.
Exploring the grounds
The following morning was when we really started to appreciate the scale of The Highland Club.
The estate covers around 20 acres, with the historic Abbey buildings surrounded by landscaped grounds and views towards Loch Ness.
Walking through the cloisters and around the grounds, there’s a constant contrast between the old architecture and the natural landscape surrounding it.
Autumn was a particularly good time to visit. The changing colours of the trees added another layer to the stone buildings, while the softer Highland light made the whole estate feel incredibly atmospheric.
As a photographer, this was probably one of my favourite parts of the stay.
There are obvious compositions everywhere — the Gothic architecture, arches, windows and stonework — but it’s the smaller details that I enjoyed photographing most. Light falling across the cloisters, leaves covering the paths and glimpses of the surrounding landscape all gave me plenty to work with.
Eventually, the paths lead you towards the edge of the estate and Loch Ness itself.
It’s easy to lose an hour simply wandering around with a camera.
Facilities at The Highland Club
One of the biggest surprises during our stay was just how much there is to do without leaving the estate.
The Highland Club has an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam room, along with a gym and a long list of activities including tennis, croquet, football, cricket, badminton, table tennis and giant chess.
The swimming pool
The indoor pool is housed within the former chapel complex, making it another example of how the property has combined its historic architecture with modern facilities.
After a day exploring the Highlands, having somewhere to swim and unwind was a welcome addition.
The pool, sauna and steam room operate through a booking system, so it’s worth checking the current arrangements before you arrive. You can find the latest information on The Highland Club’s facilities and activities.
The Club Lounge
The Club Lounge is another particularly atmospheric space.
The room was formerly the monks’ refectory and still contains historic details including timber panelling, Gothic stained-glass windows and the original character of the building.
It’s the sort of room where you could quite happily spend an evening playing pool, reading or simply taking in the surroundings.
More than just a place to sleep
With tennis, croquet, football, cricket, table tennis, giant chess and various other activities available, the facilities make The Highland Club feel more like a small private estate than a collection of holiday apartments.
The full list of things to do at The Highland Club is worth checking if you’re travelling with family or planning a longer stay.
Exploring Fort Augustus and Loch Ness
Of course, one of the biggest reasons to stay at The Highland Club is the location.
Fort Augustus sits at the southern end of Loch Ness, making it an excellent base for exploring the wider Scottish Highlands.
The village itself is small enough to explore on foot, with cafés, pubs, shops and the Caledonian Canal all nearby. From the canal locks, you can watch boats make their way between Loch Ness and the Great Glen.
The loch itself is obviously the main attraction.
Whether you’re interested in the legend of Nessie, walking, photography or simply driving through some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery, there’s plenty to explore around Loch Ness.
The Highland Club also has a useful guide to things to do around Fort Augustus, which is worth looking at if you’re planning a longer stay.
For me, though, one of the biggest attractions was simply being able to step outside with a camera and immediately have the Highlands around me.
Urquhart Castle
No trip to Loch Ness would feel complete without visiting Urquhart Castle.
Set on the western shore of Loch Ness, the ruins occupy an incredible position overlooking the water and have more than 1,000 years of history behind them.
The castle is around 2 miles from Drumnadrochit and is easily incorporated into a wider Loch Ness road trip.
From a photography perspective, the location is difficult to beat. The ruined castle, surrounding hills and enormous expanse of Loch Ness create plenty of opportunities, particularly when the weather starts doing what Scottish weather does best.
If you’re planning a visit, I’d recommend checking the official Urquhart Castle visitor information before travelling, particularly for current opening times and ticket information.
A photographer’s perspective
As a photographer, The Highland Club gave me something I always look for when travelling: variety.
There was plenty of natural scenery outside, but the Abbey itself provided just as many opportunities.
The cloisters, stone walls, Gothic windows, timber details and changing light created endless combinations to photograph. Then, step outside and you’re surrounded by Highland landscape and Loch Ness.
I particularly enjoyed photographing the property early in the morning, when the light was softer and there were fewer people around.
My advice would be not to rush.
Take your time walking around the Abbey and grounds and look beyond the obvious postcard views. The details — an archway, a window, a shadow across the stone floor or autumn leaves against the old walls — are often what make the strongest photographs.
If you’re interested in the equipment I use when travelling, you can also take a look at my Travel Photography Kit 2026, which covers the cameras, lenses and other gear I currently take on trips like this.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Incredible historic setting
- Beautiful location on Loch Ness
- Spacious self-catering apartments
- Extensive on-site facilities
- Excellent base for exploring the Highlands
- Plenty of photography opportunities
- Peaceful grounds and lots of character
Cons
- It’s not a traditional hotel
- Apartment layouts and views vary
- Some facilities need to be booked in advance
- A car is useful for exploring the wider Highlands
For us, the character, space and location made the compromises of apartment-style accommodation easy to overlook.
Final thoughts
Our stay at The Highland Club was one of those trips where the accommodation became part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.
Staying inside a former monastery and abbey, surrounded by historic architecture and landscaped grounds, is something you don’t get from a conventional hotel.
Add Loch Ness to the doorstep, the surrounding Highlands and the range of facilities available on the estate, and The Highland Club makes a particularly interesting base for exploring this part of Scotland.
For me, though, the biggest highlight was simply having time to wander around with a camera.
The combination of Gothic architecture, stonework, autumn colours and changing Highland light made the property incredibly photogenic, while the surrounding landscape provided plenty more to explore once we left the estate.
If you’re planning a trip to Loch Ness and want somewhere with character, space and a genuine sense of history, The Highland Club is well worth considering.
It isn’t trying to be a traditional luxury hotel — and I think that’s part of its appeal.
Instead, it’s somewhere you can settle into for a few days, explore the Highlands during the day and return to a historic building that feels like a destination in its own right.
More Scottish travel guides
Planning a wider trip around Scotland? You might also enjoy some of my other Scottish travel stories and guides.
If you’re heading further north, take a look at The 5 Best Things to Do on the Isle of Skye, where I share some of my favourite places and experiences on one of Scotland’s most spectacular islands.
For something a little more personal, Solo Road Trip Around the UK | Finding Inner Peace follows my 3,300-mile solo road trip around the UK, including some of the landscapes and places that made the journey so memorable.
And if you’re travelling with a camera, my Travel Photography Kit 2026 covers the camera bodies, lenses, drone and editing equipment I currently use when working and travelling around the world.
Work With Pete
I create natural, story-led photography and video for luxury hotels, resorts, tourism brands and lifestyle businesses.
Having worked with hospitality and lifestyle brands including Four Seasons, I create imagery that captures not just how a property looks, but how it feels to experience it.
From hotel interiors and architecture to food, lifestyle, landscapes and destination content, I create visual stories that can be used across websites, social media, campaigns and marketing.
View my Hospitality Photography portfolio or get in touch if you’d like to discuss a project.
