Located in Fort Augustus, this apartment is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Loch Ness and Allt na Criche reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Clog and Craft Shop and Invergarry & Fort Augustus Railway Museum. Discover the area's water adventures with waterskiing and water tubing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and mountain biking.
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition - 43 min drive - 40.2 km
Getting around
Roybridge Tulloch Station - 39 min drive
Inverness (INV) - 81 min drive
Restaurants
Monster Fish & Chips LochNess Co. - 8 min walk
The Bothy - 6 min walk
Cobb's Café - 6 min walk
Ripples - 7 min walk
The Boathouse - 10 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Does Best views of Loch Ness - Historic Abbey - Short-break and Last Minute Discounts have a pool?
Yes, this property has an indoor pool. Pool types include heated pools.
How much does it cost to stay at Best views of Loch Ness - Historic Abbey - Short-break and Last Minute Discounts?
As of 26 Oct, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Best views of Loch Ness - Historic Abbey - Short-break and Last Minute Discounts on 25 Apr, 2027 start from S$1,764, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
Is Best views of Loch Ness - Historic Abbey - Short-break and Last Minute Discounts pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Best views of Loch Ness - Historic Abbey - Short-break and Last Minute Discounts?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Best views of Loch Ness - Historic Abbey - Short-break and Last Minute Discounts?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Best views of Loch Ness - Historic Abbey - Short-break and Last Minute Discounts?
Checkout is at 10:30 AM.
Where is Best views of Loch Ness - Historic Abbey - Short-break and Last Minute Discounts located?
This family-friendly Fort Augustus apartment building is located on the waterfront, within a 10-minute walk of Loch Ness, Clansman Centre and Fort Augustus Locks. Allt na Criche is 1.8 mi (2.9 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Beautiful place to stay! Excellent communication with the host. The property has a lot of included amenities and is within easy walking distance to restaurants and the river. We would definitely stay here again!
We had a delightful stay at The Abbey, the apartment was lovely and spacious and within walking distance of everything we wanted to do. The staff were quick to respond with questions and we truly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2023
Verified review
10/10 Excellent
Tiffany
14 Aug, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Absolutely loved our stay at Fort Augustus. Our apartment was a perfect place to relax and unwind after sight seeing. Fort Augustus is a sleepy town, most restaurants stop seating after 8, planning ahead is a must. We'll be back!
We were excited about the place from the pictures, and the reality was even more amazing. We loved the location, the views, and the unit itself had everything we could’ve asked for. Parking was super easy, everything was very secure, clean and welcoming. Thank you Jonathan for such a great experience and we will definitely be back!
Great location and property. We enjoyed the views from the family room. The bedrooms were comfortable and clean. The only complaint was that when we checked in the rooms smelled musty but once we aired them by opening the windows, it was fine in a few hours.
We had the most memorable time at the Gruinyards! It is the most beautiful and magical place we have ever stayed. Everything in the flat and on the monastery grounds was perfection. Nothing can beat the view of Loch Ness from the massive windows. It was pure poetry. Thank you, Jonathan!!
Great position and views, nice little town with locks and loch, good walks. Property well furnished, attentive owner, friendly staff. Good facilities (pool etc) in the complex, all well kept. Bedrooms very different sizes - tough decision if you're using both.
It was a unique experience. Nothing like staying in what feels like a castle. The small town there was hopping on the weekend. We prepared meals and did laundry. Walked some of the trails on the grounds. A nice home base to visit the Highlands.
The floors of the outer structure
History, beauty, comfort, and friendliness. Plus the rabbits in the gardens everywhere. We didn't even miss an elevator.
Thank you for everything and regards to Nessie
Spectacular property in an ideal location. The Abbey felt magical - my daughter said she felt like she was staying at Hogwarts. The amenities were perfect for a family vacation. The apartment was well stocked with everything we could have needed to make our stay comfortable and fun. The view of Loch Ness and the surrounding hills was unbeatable. All shops and restaurants were within easy walking distance and the location was a great central one to see lots in the highlands. We easily did a day trip to the Isle of Skye. Highly recommend for a family trip!
Alright my mother is 74 and aunt 68 and in good shape but hauling our luggage 6 flights of stairs was a challenge. Just be prepared to pack an overnight bag and you'll be happier. You have to make reservations for the pool but the view was amazing.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Sept, 2024
Leslie, I'm very sorry your mother and aunt had problems with the stairs. It's true that the apartment is on the fourth floor and there are 75 steps with no lift but the listing does make this clear. Perhaps we could make it more prominent but I'm glad you enjoyed the view once you got there.
Great location!! Accommodations were nice. Could have used a few more towels for the stay. Pool and sauna were very nice. A bit disappointed with the sign up process. We signed up for a specific time. Thought we would be the only family there based upon the information when signing up. There were 14 other people in the room. Not as relaxing would like to been. Everyone in town was quite charming.
I took my partner and kids 7 and 9 and our friend. The drive to Gruinyards from Glasgow was perfect. Stunning scenery. The monastery itself is a beautiful building. The apartment in question is a good few minutes walk from the car park, up 70+ stairs. I know this is mentioned in the ad, but if like us you’re taking shopping up it is hard work!
The apartment is sizeable and there’s plenty to keep you occupied. The place was clean and airy. The views are unbelievable, particularly the Loch. In walking distance is a small village with everything you’ll need. Would definitely recommend!!!
We loved our stay in the historic hideaway on Lochness. It was lovely to sit high above in the gorgeous abbey and view the lake and hills around. The town was very close and easy to get basic necessities from groceries to Chinese takeaway. Hiking the trail on the hill across the lake was a real highlight of my time with its rolling hills and sheep. The roads around the area were hair raising as an American driver and the isle of Skye had the craziest single lane two way roads so it made day trips longer then expected but in general it was a great launching location for many highland sights! Check in was fine but more complex then expected since serval companies rent out spaces with different representatives so you have to find the specific person with your apartment. Overall we loved this peaceful hideaway and the apartment was relaxing and well equipped and more spacious then pictured!
Two adult friends, my teen daughter, and I had a short but delightful stay in Gruinyards. The apartment was comfortable, clean, and well-outfitted with a gorgeous view, and the Abbey was a serene, beautiful, and interesting place to explore. (Our only regret is that we had just a single night there.)
We ate a delicious dinner at the Boathouse overlooking Loch Ness. (Make sure to secure a reservation. We didn't have one and were lucky they were able to squeeze us in!)
Jonathan was very responsive and a superb resource for some of my questions about pre- and post-stay travel times and routes. We also appreciated the very detailed information he included about the property and Fort Augustus. If we're ever able to return to Scotland, we'll definitely stay here again (and for longer).
This property starts out a bit mysterious and then becomes a place you will never want to leave.The beauty of the Abbey itself is otherworldly. If you've ever wanted the experience of staying in a castle, you might just get your wish if you stay here. While the apartment was modern and full of all the comforts of home (including super cozy beds), you will feel like you're in another time altogether when you look out those incredible windows or walk the hallways to access the pool or play chess in the courtyard. This place is special. Our family didn't want to leave after our 3 days spent here. The stairs will make you rethink running back up to the apartment for that jacket you forgot to grab. But they were so worth it! Lots of restaurants and activities in walking distance.
I have just returned from a week staying at Gruinyards with my 18 yr old son and his mate. We all had an amazing time. The apartment has the most stunning view of the loch and I could just have sat in the lounge and looked at the view all week. The apartment was spotlessly clean and incredibly well equipped and the en-suite bathroom is superb.
We visit the Highland Club every year and so know the area and enjoyed walking as usual, hired bikes in Fort
William ( so disappointed can no longer hire bikes in the local hardware store) and clay pigeon shooting at Rothiemurchus. The boathouse restaurant was closed for refurb unfortunately but we ate in The Bothy across the road despite the poor reviews but we had an excellent meal.
Can’t wait for our next trip and hope Gruinyards is available as it is the nicest apartment we have stayed in at the Club.
Visiting Scotland with my wife and three children (14, 12, 10). We spent the first 1/3 of our trip at the Abbey and we were not disappointed.
The rental was clean, comfortable, and well appointed. But more than that, it was very unique… can’t say I’ve ever stayed anywhere that was so steeped in history.
The view from the 4th story windows of the loch, mountains, and abbey grounds were truly beautiful. We enjoyed exploring the building and grounds so much that the kids were disappointed if I kept them off-property too late - they were huge fans of the oversized chess game in the courtyard. We found ourselves regretting our departure after only 4 nights.
Location-wise, we planned activities between Fort William and Inverness for this leg of the journey and enjoyed the drive to each. We even picked up a few unplanned stops along the way as we drove along Loch Ness. Locally, it was an easy walk from the abbey to Fort Augustus. We were able to find dinner, groceries, and shopping within a very short stroll.
We would definitely book again. This was one of my personal favorite rentals I have ever secured through VRBO.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Pam L.
26 Aug, 2016
Fabulous!
The apartment was spacious, modern, nicely decorated and clean. All communication was clear and check in was easy. Upon arrival, the manager showed us around the property and the apartment and answered all of our questions. There were cookies, coffee, and tea in the cupboard and milk in the fridge. There were books, DVDs, local guide books, board games, etc as well. It felt like we were at home. Best of all, because it is located on the fourth floor of the Abbey, the apartment has spectacular views of Loch Ness and the surrounding property. We were beside Loch Ness and the canal. It was a very short walk to the pretty village of Fort Augustus and its local pubs, restaurants and shops. We would recommend the nearby Boathouse Lochside restaurant, the Lovat Brasserie and the Loch Inn. Fort Augustus is very centrally located for exploring the Highlands. Essentially, everything was exactly as outlined in the description and photos. Except it was better. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jun, 2023
Pam,
Thank you very much for your very kind and informative review, it is much appreciated. I’m really pleased you had a great holiday and would be delighted if you did decide to stay again.
We stayed at the Loch Ness Abbey for 4 nights and this will rate as one of the best, most historic VRBO’s we’ve stayed at. It was a bit difficult to find but our host showed up at the abbey and gave us a tour and then showed us to our room. Luis G was an outstanding host for us.
We stayed on the fourth floor of the old bell tower and we looked directly out over Loch Ness. Nothing better that this view! The apartment had everything we needed and was supplied with some nice coffee’s and tea’s when we arrived.
If there is a downside it would be the amount of stairs to get to our apartment but that was made very clear to us prior to arrival and so we had no issues at all.
The game room was a wonderful place to just sit and relax and play a game of pool.
if you love living in history and overlooking a beautiful loch, then this place is for you. I would recommend to anyone staying in Loch Ness and the Fort Augustus area.
One other thing to mention is the grocery store and all of the canal businesses are just a few minutes walk. That would include the Loch Ness boat tour ticket building!
10/10 for our family!
The apartment was spacious for the 5 of us & was clean & well stocked. There were dvds, games, books, paddles & racquets, balls, etc. The beds were very comfortable & I had the best sleeps of our vacation. The bathrooms were spacious & the master bedroom was lovely though unfortunately we had to give it up to our son & his family. :(
The service from the Highland Club was very quick & efficient. We wanted extra towels for swimming & they were delivered right away. We also asked for a deep frying pan, as the one supplied was quite grotty, and it was also delivered right away. As for the atmosphere of staying in an old abbey, it was awesome, especially walking the cloisters. We used the swimming pool every day and had a few rousing games of table tennis & pool. Walking the area was easy and scenic & we even managed to find a sheep farm with plenty of young lambs running about. We were also fortunate enough to catch a cricket game on the lawn of the club. There are a couple of things to be aware of though. The hot water in the apartment is extremely hot & can scald quickly so you have to be very careful. It might be an idea to reduce the temperature setting, especially if children are using the space. Also, the floor tiles in the swimming pool change area are treacherous when wet. Other than those 2 issues we had a wonderful time & would highly recommend The Gruinyards.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Katherine H.
7 Oct, 2016
Comfortable apartment in stunning setting
This apartment is roomy, modern, and fully equipped, in a unique setting. The Highlands Club is renovated apartments in an old abbey on the banks of Loch Ness. The grounds are spacious with plenty of room for lawn games as well as strolling. The interior approach to the apartment is also beautiful, with much of the old architecture preserved, including the enclosed cloisters and central courtyard. There is a swimming pool and exercise room, although we did not use them, preferring to get our exercise hill walking and biking. There is also a lounge area with snooker and plenty of seating for quiet reading. In addition to the loch, the abbey is adjacent to the Caledonian Canal and the lower locks at Fort Augustus. There is plenty of parking available on the grounds.
There is a surprisingly well stocked grocery located in the gas station about a block away. We had bought groceries on the way, but if we had not, we would have been able to get almost everything we needed here. There are also a large number of restaurants within walking distance, from pub food to more upscale dining.
The apartment itself has a master suite and a smaller bedroom, although even the small bedroom is lovely. The views from the apartment are superb - we were able to watch boats on the loch and plenty of wildlife. Both bathrooms are generously sized. There is a soaker tub in the master and a tub/shower combo in the hall bath. The kitchen really is fully equipped and there was tea, coffee, biscuits and milk waiting for us. There were salt, pepper, sugar and vinegar in the apartment, but any other spices you may want will need to be purchased or brought from home. The refrigerator is full sized with a large freezer beneath. There is both a dishwasher and a washer/dryer combo. Note to Americans - the dryer will not get your clothes bone-dry. There are drying racks in both baths which will finish the process for you. I have found that this is common in European units. It was immaculately clean.
The owner was very helpful with lots of advance information. The manager who showed us the apartment was also very thorough and informative.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Jun, 2023
Katherine,
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to report in such detail on your time at Gruinyards and I’m sure your comments will be useful for other travellers. I’m delighted that you had a wonderful stay and found the apartment comfortable and well equipped, we certainly try to make it that way and are always looking forward to our next visit there.
Verified review
8/10 Good
Caroline K.
3 Aug, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy
Prachtige locatie
Superfijn appartement met prachtig uitzicht over meer. Voorzien van alle gemakken. Genoeg vertier op in de Abbey zelf, het terrein er omheen en de omgeving.