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Loch Ness Attractions & Landmarks Guide
Where is Loch Ness
This 23 miles long and 788 feet deep beautiful lake is located in the Highland council area of Scotland, about 37 km southwest of Inverness. Lying in the Glen Mor, this lake is the largest body of freshwater in Great Britain, according to its volume, and second-largest Scottish loch according to the surface area. To its southern end, the loch connects to the River Oich, and at the northern end to Bona Narrows.
Getting to Loch Ness
Inverness is the nearest town of Loch Ness at a distance of about eight miles and various amenities for the tourists. Therefore, it makes an ideal base to visit the Glen Mos and Loch Ness. There are several ways to approach the lake from Inverness. If you have a car, then this is just a fifteen-minute drive on a calm but single road.
From Inverness, you can take the B862 towards Dores that gives a close, clear, and spectacular view of the lake. The village also has the best Loch Ness beach and the Dores Inn for traveler convenience.
The 16 number bus leaves Inverness bus station every 2 hours towards Foyers, Dores, and Inverfarigaig. Check the timings before traveling and don't miss the last bus back to Inverness, or you'll have to walk 8 miles back to your lodge.
Many people love to get to the lake on a bike that can be hired from Inverness. On a lovely day, a smooth, pleasant ride to the lake could be a memorable experience. Just keep water and snacks with you because you will not find any shops on the way or at Dores, except the Dores Inn.
Why is Loch Ness unique?
The most famous thing about the loch is undoubtedly the famous myths about Nessie. Many people claimed to have witnessed a huge water monster rising from the waters of the lake. Though no solid evidence has come up to the surface till now, people strongly believe in the presence of some huge animals, hiding in the deep water.
However, the stunning view of Loch Ness is a reality and admired by everyone visiting here. Not only the lake but its surrounding region is worth visiting, and your trip to Scotland is incomplete if you have not visited the breathtaking views of these calm waters.
Including its beauty and crazy myths, various things make this lake unique among all others. Let us have a look at some facts about the Loch Ness that you might be unaware of:
1. Loch Ness is neither the deepest lake nor the largest by volume of Scotland, but it is the largest by volume in the U.K. This large water body has more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined.
2. One amazing thing about lake water is that it maintains a constant temperature around the year, i.e., 6°C. Neither the water gets hotter nor does it ever freeze even in the harsh Scottish winter. Even on freezing days, there is steam rising from the water surface, indicating that the water is hotter than its surroundings.
3. The lake water has a deep dark color because of the peat particles that wash down from the hills and mix in the water.
4. More than forty small streams, rivers, waterways, and burns run into the Loch Ness while the lake itself connects to the River Ness and Caledonian Canal, going for the Moray Firth, the triangular inlet of the North Sea.
Top Loch Ness activities
The stunning water lake is a famous tourist spot not only due to the famous monster tale but also its magnificent beauty. Let us see the various opportunities you have to enjoy your trip to the lake.
1. Loch Ness Trail
The 58km south Loch Ness trail starts from Torbreck near Inverness, ending at Fort Augustus, is a mixture of small roads, purpose-built tracks, and forest tracks. The spectacular views and the quiet, peaceful atmosphere will take you to some other world with its breathtaking beauty. Explore the historical points on the way to know more about the region.
2. Boat Trip
Various tourist companies offer to cruise around the lake. To explore the lake while floating on the waters is a unique experience that you cannot have from the shore. Explore the sites closely, know about the history and witness the unique and diverse wildlife of the region.
3. Loch Ness 360° Trail
Another best way to witness the beauty of the region is to whizz around on a bike. The 80 miles long Loch Ness 360° Trail connects the Great Glen Way to the South Loch Ness Trail, where you can have an experience of your lifetime. The natural beauty with its twists and turns, ancient history and beautiful views with mysteries and legends is what every cyclist can wish for.
4. Fish Loch Ness
Soak up the ambiance of the iconic water stretch while having an ultimately aquatic experience of fishing in the lake. The fishing season is from Easter to mid-September only. Located at a distance of 10 miles from the beautiful Drumnadrochit villages and about 4 miles from Inverness, this is the best point to have fishing experience in the Loch Ness. Be careful about your outfits as the weather is subject to change at any moment in this region, so you should be properly equipped.
Nearby attractions to Loch Ness
The stunning lake has various important points around that is a must-visit during your trip. Let us have a look at the nearby attraction points.
1. Urquhart Castle
This ancient castle from the 12th century is the center of various myths of Scotland. Located at the edge of the Loch Ness, originally, the castle was a motte and bailey fortification. What once was one of the largest castles of Scotland is now a popular historical ruin with a tower that provides stunning views of the Great Glen. For a long time, it served a major role in the Scottish Independence wars and remained the royal residence years after that.
2. The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
Located in the village of Drumnadrochit, this exhibit center displays the evolutionary history of the region, as well as the famous water monster. Through the audio-visual techniques, you will get to know everything about the area.
These are updated on the latest developments about the monster search and things like newspaper headlines and the underwater photos taken by the people. There was a display of the 1987 Operation Deepscan when various sonar readings from the lake confirmed the chance of having something deep down the lake.
These are also a small hotel, cafe, and gift shop, and you can also have a boat trip in the Deepscan research vessel to explore more about the monster while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. This famous exhibition has been fascinating visitors for about 30 years now and consists of 6 themed rooms that tell the story of the beautiful Loch Ness from ancient times. Enjoy the combination of history and mystery on this fascinating trip.
3. Fort Augustus
Another picturesque point near Loch Ness is located at the south of the lake, on the Caledonian Canal. Built-in 1715, this fort became the English General Wade headquarter in 1729. The place took its name from the castle, which is one of the best free things to do around here. After its major demolishing in 1876, the castle was rebuilt by the Benedictine monks, and the school has also been established on the site.
4. The Caledonian Canal
Stretch between the Fort William and eastern Inverness, this canal allowed the ships to avoid the northern route if Pentland and pass through here. Completed by Thomas Telford in 1849, only one-third part of the canal is man-made.
The major part consists of small lochs like Loch Lochy, Loch Linnhe, and the famous Loch Ness. Today it is famous from a leisure point of view as any tourists enjoy boating and canoeing along the waterway while enjoying the beautiful scenery.
5. Spean Bridge
The small village in the south of Loch Ness offers splendid views of the surrounding. Spean Bridge is the ideal walk base to have a Glen Roy National Nature reserve tour, as its terraces rub long the slopes. You will also find the Commando Memorial, the monument which was dedicated to the British Commando Forces that were trained at the Achnacarry Castle located nearby.
6. Fort George
This 18th-century fort was built to protect Inverness from the naval attacks. You can also experience the local wildlife from the castle, like Minke whales, dolphins, killer whales, and seals. The fort is in its original form till today and displays the history of different time periods. It is also used as a military barrack of Scotland's Royal Regiment.
7. Merkinch Local Nature Reserve
This 54.7 hectares beautiful spot is full of local wildlife with owls, roe deer, herons, cormorants, weasels, etc. Enjoy the local nature reserve having infinite charm, lush lawns, towering trees, and colorful flowers. The lush green nature reserve is a famous picnic point for tourists. The beautiful nature reserve is a perfect point of nature lovers to explore and get mesmerized by the natural beauty.
8. Dores Inn
When you want to have some refreshments while enjoying the stunning views, then this pub garden is the perfect spot. This beautiful pub is furnished with local landscape paintings, old church seating, and colorful fresh flowers. The menu specializes in Scottish produces like haggis, tatties, neeps, haddock, scallops, steaks, and seafood. It also has a monster-spotting dedicated point for the visitors.
Can you drive around Loch Ness?
The best way to discover the beautiful region of Scottish Highland, especially around Loch Ness, is driving a car. A road trip allows you to make multiple stops along the way to visit the important points and stay for as long as you want.
Drive through the shimmering lochs, beautiful mountains, historical attractions, and cultural heritage of the region. The region around this famous lake has breathtaking beauty that is waiting to be explored by you.
Various historical points, short and comfortable walks, and the small villages together make this place one of the most stunning and essential regions of Scotland.
Many people prefer to drive around Loch Ness as it gives them plenty of time to discover and explore each and every point they want. It is easier to drive around the beautiful lake and then explores other beautiful and attractive destinations. The smooth and easy path with beautiful scenery around you makes this worth taking a chance.
If you stop by every lovely stop, be prepared to reach in double time than calculated by the map. Many travel companies offer travel tours that are more convenient as you don't need to drive all the way, but in those tours, you might miss some of the beautiful spots that otherwise you could have loved to explore.
What is the deal with the Loch Ness monster?
There is a general belief that a large monster inhabits the Loch Ness, often reported to be seen by visitors. Much of the evidence presented to support its existence has been discredited, making the concept a myth. Over the years, hundreds of ambiguous and inconclusive pictures, videos, and films have come into the attention, but no solid evidence could be found until now.
The monster sightings date back to 565 A.D., but the legend began to become famous around 1933. A couple reported having seen a huge animal that looked like a prehistoric monster or dragon and crossed their car's path before disappearing in the water. The incident was also reported in the local newspaper, and various sightings followed after that. But every evidence found in support of the sightings were always rejected due to alternate explanations.
Recently scientists from New Zealand have collected data from the lake to verify the existence of some unusual animal or monster. But there was no unusual DNA found. However, there is an abundance of eel DNA in the water that made scientists wonder the only explanation of this strange creature can be a giant eel.
Loch Ness Reviews & Ratings
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Len
Aug 2023
Written on
Walk the North West Highlands and Skye
Andy Tibbs is the best tour leader. Climbing Bruach Na Frithe was the highlight.
T
Trusted Customer
Jul 2023
Written on
Best of Scotland
Due to the time of year the itinerary seemed to be truncated and it would have been helpful to know that was going to happen in advance so I could pick another date ...
D
Debra Hughes
Dec 2022
Written on
Best of Scotland
The trip was great! I'd go back in a minute! just wish I could tel...
C
Christopher Gilman
Oct 2022
Written on
Best of Scotland
very smooth seamless experience
D
Diana Martinez
Oct 2022
Written on
Best of Scotland
Purchase through affordable tours worked well
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