This is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands. It is lying in the Highland council area of Scotland and it is located in the southwest of Inverness. It is 16 meters above the sea level. It is the second largest Scottish loch after Loch Lomond with a surface area of 56km2 and it has the largest volume of fresh water in Great Britain 230m deep into the ocean. Loch Ness is widely known for the alleged sightings of the cryptozoological Loch Ness Monster also known as the “Nessie”. Loch Ness watershed covers over 700 square miles and consist of several rivers which includes the Oich and the Enrick.
How To Get To Loch Ness
If you are planning to go to Loch Ness, you need to head to Inverness as this is the closest station to the Loch as it is eight miles away. If you are coming by train from the south it’s kind of a long journey but you can get direct trains from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London. If you want to reach, there by road it’s fifteen minutes’ drive on a traffic free road from Inverness. The best driving route to have a spectacular view of the Loch is by taking the B862 from Inverness to Dores and the road is straight forward once you are on the B862 as it leads straight to the Loch. You can also take a bus from Inverness and the bus station (Farraline Park) is just a couple yards from the train station in the center of the town. The bus leaving for Dores (number 16 bus) leaves the station approximately every two hours. The bus operates from 9 am to 17.50 in the evening from Inverness – Dores, You can also hire bikes if you are one of those that want to burn some calories and also have more fun while on the way to the Loch
What To Do At Loch Ness
- Visit Urquhart Castle
You will get to see the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle which is located not far from Drumnadrochit and it is set against the backdrop of lake and mountain. The castle was once among Scotland’s largest fortifications and it also at the center of many ancient myths which is a spectacular place for thrill seekers to explore. There is also on site facilities for your use like a café, gift shop and you get to have a stunning view of the loch.
- Explore the village of Drumnadrochit
This is a great place to start the exploration of the lake. You will have a nice place to stay here as well as many places to go for sightseeing. You can take a boat cruise to some monster spotting, or you go fishing in the lake and you can decide to enjoy the loch’s beautiful scenery as it is a nice spot to take pictures. You and your family can decide to ride a horse as it is a popular spot for horse riding.
- Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition
If you are the academics type and you want something to be occupied with you can go to this Nessie-themed attraction as you weigh the evidence you see yourself. You will be provided with exhibits like the original equipment used in different monster hunts and the original photographs and film footage of sightings then you discover the hoaxes and the optical illusions yourself and you also learn about the ecology of the Lake in the process.
- Have a boat cruise along the Caledonian Canal?
This canal was used for transport since it was built. The canal extends 60 miles as it passes through 29 locks, while the stunning locks are the eight locks of Neptune’s Staircase. You can rent a boat or canoe and enjoy the magnificent scenery along the waterway
- Have a lovely time with Family at Nessieland
You can take your kids to this miniature theme park to have a fun filled day while they get to buy Loch Ness monster souvenirs to take home.
Where To Stay In Loch Ness
- Drumnadrochit Hotel
Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition, Drumnadrochit IV63 6TU, Scotland
- White bridge Hotel:
White bridge | Strat Herrick, Near Inverness, Whitebridge IV2 6UN, Scotland
- Glen Moriston Arms Hotel:
Main Street, Inver Moriston IV63 7YA, Scotland
- Loch Ness Lodge Hotel
Off A831, Drumnadrochit IV63 6TU, Scotland
