Monday, 27 June 2022
Rachel Orchard is one of our Trees and Timber Apprentices working from our base in Durris, Aberdeenshire. As a newcomer to the forestry sector she has hit the ground running by win...
Change House
Change House
Where we are
Latest forest information
Open water
- This destination contains areas of open water which can be hazardous if you are not suitably prepared. Follow our water safety advice and take care.
About
Peaceful picnic spot on Loch Ness' south shore with views over Urquhart Castle
A great place to pause and soak up the panorama of Loch Ness and the Great Glen, enjoy a scenic picnic or stroll down to the stony loch shore. Feel the sweep of history as you take in the magnificent scenery – on the opposite shore there are the 500 year old ruins of a royal castle, and you’re close to the remains of a travellers’ rest visited by famous writers Dr Samuel Johnson and James Boswell in 1773.Take a look at our guide map to explore Change House and other forests in this stunning area.
Walking trails
WalkingChange House Trail
Wander through hazel woods along the shore of Loch Ness to the ruins of the Change House.
Mostly firm but sometimes uneven gravel path with a short steep slope.
½ miles / 0.8 km
Allow ½ hours
More information
On the trail you pass the atmospheric ruins of Change House, a staging post where travellers could rest and change their horses. Celebrated writers Dr Samuel Johnson and James Boswell stopped here during their ‘Highland Jaunt’ in 1773, recording that it was a simple place, its dark smoky interior heated with a peat fire. The owner, they wrote, was ‘an old woman, boiling goat’s flesh in a kettle’.
Activities
South Loch Ness Trail
The South Loch Ness Trail passes close to Change House. This 28 mile (45km) route links Loch Tarff near Fort Augustus with Torbreck on the edge of Inverness. Most of the trail is easily accessible for walking, cycling and horse-riding. Much of the route follows the line of the historic General Wade’s Military Road along the loch shore.
Facilities and access
There are public toilets, parking and places to eat and drink in nearby Inverfarigaig and Foyers.
Car parking information
There is no charge to park in this car park. Please park with care and consideration. In particular please park in designated parking areas only and do not block entrances or gates.
Getting here
Change House is on the south side of Loch Ness beside the B852.
From Inverness, take the B862 to Dores and then the B852 towards Inverfarigaig. The parking area is beside the road on your right after about 5 miles (8km).
From Fort Augustus, take the B862 to Whitebridge and then the B852 via Foyers to Inverfarigaig. The parking area is beside the road on your left after about 3 miles (5km).
Using SatNav?
IV2 6TX is the nearest postcode, but it’s about 3 miles (5km) north of the car park on the B852.
Public transport
There is an infrequent bus service between Inverness and Fort Augustus that travels along the south shore of Loch Ness. You’ll find details at Traveline Scotland.
Get in touch
Have a question or suggestion for improvement?
Phone
0300 067 6100 (option 1)
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