Loch Ness

The world's most famous loch — monster optional, scenery guaranteed.

Getting There

Loch Ness is about 1.5 hours from Glen Coe via Fort William and the A82 north through the Great Glen. The road follows the Caledonian Canal and the shores of Loch Lochy and Loch Oich — beautiful driving.

Highlights

Urquhart Castle

Dramatic ruined castle on a promontory jutting into the loch. One of Scotland's most visited castles. Excellent visitor centre. Entry fee applies (Historic Scotland).

Loch Ness Centre

In Drumnadrochit. The serious, research-based exhibition about Nessie and the loch's natural history. More interesting than you'd expect.

Fort Augustus

Pretty village at the southern end of the loch where the Caledonian Canal meets Loch Ness via a flight of locks. Good cafés and boat trips.

Boat Trips

Several operators run cruises on the loch — from quick monster-spotting trips to longer voyages. Jacobite Cruises and Loch Ness by Jacobite are the main operators.

Falls of Foyers

Spectacular waterfall on the quieter south side of the loch. Short walk through forest to the viewpoint. Best after rain (which is most of the time).

The Monster

We're not going to tell you Nessie is real. We're also not going to tell you she isn't. The first recorded sighting was by St Columba in 565 AD. The most famous photo (the "Surgeon's Photo" of 1934) was a hoax. But the loch is 230m deep, very dark, and 37km long. Who knows what's down there?

Keep your camera ready. You never know.