At Dores Beach, views across Loch Ness meet paths along the shore. The village also has a history that can be read in its churches, historic buildings and designated monuments. Dores therefore combines experiences in nature with a tangible insight into the village’s history.
Beach and views across Loch Ness
The bathing water at Dores lies on the northeastern shore of Loch Ness. The beach is made up of pebbles and sand and slopes down towards the water. From Dores Beach, the view stretches across the whole of Loch Ness. Swimming is possible at the beach. Those interested in the landscape by the water will find both sweeping views across the loch and a beach whose character is clearly described.
The views from the shore and the paths by the water offer different ways to experience Dores: you can linger at Dores Beach or plan a walk along the shore on the Dores Beach and Torr Point Walk. The main consideration when choosing is which route interests you. The available information describes different routes and destinations, but does not give walking times.
Walking and cycling routes
The Dores Beach and Torr Point Walk follows the shore to Torr Point and Aldourie, then returns to the village. Another route description concerns the Loch Ness 360: in Dores, it initially follows the pavement along the B862 main road towards Inverness. After about a mile, the route turns off beside Aldourie School. The shoreline loop and this section of the Loch Ness 360 therefore differ both in their described routes and in the destinations mentioned.
A section of the South Loch Ness Trail is also located here: the path descends from Drumashie Moor to Dores and ends at the Dores Inn. The village is also a reference point for the Caledonia Way, also known as National Cycle Network (NCN) 78. A route update dated 27 May 2025 describes the route from the Dores roundabout along a shared-use path beside the Southern Distributor Road. The route may change; check the latest route information before setting out.
When planning a route, it is helpful not to combine these details into a single route: the loop follows the shore back to the village, the Loch Ness 360 initially follows the pavement along the B862, and the Caledonia Way is associated with a shared-use path beside the Southern Distributor Road. This makes it easier to choose the route whose described course best suits your interests.
Churches and historic sites
Dores Parish Church, including the Sunday schoolroom, the former watch house, the burial ground and the entrance to the war memorial, is listed as Listed Building (C) 537. An 1829 entry concerning Dores Parish Church relates to the cost of building the New Church. These historical references offer different insights: the 1829 entry concerns the construction of the church, while the Listed Building designation covers the named parts of the site.
The history of the Church of Dores goes back further: before the Reformation, it belonged to the Abbey of Pluscarden. The Kirk Session of the Church of Dores belongs to the Presbytery of Inverness; its records of pastoral service date from 1567, initially under Sir James Duff. The buildings of the former Dores Free Church and manse date from 1847. Drumashie Lodge in Dores is also designated a Category C Listed Building.
Nearby, within the parish of Dores, is the Red Cottage pit circle, designated as a Scheduled Monument. A monument at the entrance to Dores churchyard was completely renovated for the 100th anniversary of the First World War. Together with the churches and buildings, these sites offer another perspective on local history, without conflating excursions along the shore with visits to historic sites.
Plan your stay in Dores
If you are considering Dores as a place to stay overnight, note the time-limited status update for the Dores Inn: as of 1 September 2026, it was closed for redevelopment; its status may change. Check the latest information before making plans. When choosing a hotel in Dores, you can use the waterfront location, the described paths and the historic sites as a guide to what interests you.
Discover more destinations: Alness, Kinbrace, Kyle Of Lochalsh, Altandhu, Tarskavaig, Thurso, Fearn, Aird Of Sleat.
For the main travel overview: Highland.
