Scottish Loch in Autumn Scottish Landscape at Sunset

Visiting Lovely Loch Ness On Scotland Vacations

Loch Ness Is More Than Its Mysterious Monster

By Hayley Simpson | Published on February 9, 2024

When cruising to the British Isles, one of the most popular year-round day trips is from Inverness to Loch Ness. While the mysterious monster lurking within the loch is the main draw here, surrounding Loch Ness you'll find historic sites, charming villages, a breathtaking natural landscape, and various outdoor activities worth exploring. Here's everything you need to know about Loch Ness when visiting on Scotland vacations, including its history, things to do in and around Inverness, how to get there and what really lies beneath.

Lovely Loch Ness.

Loch Ness And Its Mysterious Monster

Located in the scenic Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is a lake that holds the United Kingdom's largest volume of fresh water. In fact, it has more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. At 23 miles long and deeper than the North Sea, its outlet is the River Ness, flowing into Inverness' Moray Firth. Loch Ness is one of four lochs located on the Great Glen, a glacier-carved valley created during the last Ice Age. Underneath is the 400-million-year-old Great Glen Fault, which can be seen from space. Loch Ness is known for being dark and deep — perfect conditions for a mysterious monster.

Autumn at Loch Ness.

The Loch Ness Monster, nicknamed Nessie, is a mysterious water creature that, according to Scottish folklore, has inhabited Loch Ness since ancient times. The first written account of Nessie's activities dates back to 565 A.D. in St. Columba's biography. St. Columba wrote that a monster bit a swimmer, and he ordered it to "go back."

In 1934, English physician Robert Kenneth Wilson captured the alleged monster in an iconic image titled the "Surgeon's Photograph," which shows its small head and neck protruding from the water. It became an international phenomenon when printed in the Daily Mail. Based on the photographic evidence, many believed it was a plesiosaur, a marine reptile made extinct over 65 million years ago. For decades, the photo fed into the legend of the Loch Ness Monster. However, in 1994 it was revealed the photograph was a hoax created using a dinosaur head and a toy submarine.

In 2018, a DNA survey of Loch Ness revealed the presence of numerous eels but no other large animals. So, it's possible that the "real" monster is just an oversized eel. Still, the story of the Loch Ness Monster continues to draw curious visitors from around the world. In the early 2000s, Loch Ness tourism contributed nearly $80 million to the Scottish economy.

Loch Ness is known for being dark and deep — perfect conditions for a mysterious monster.

Pick Your Perfect Loch Ness Adventure

So, you want to go hunting for the mysterious Loch Ness Monster yourself? Well, you can do that and so much more when visiting Loch Ness on Scotland vacations. Loch Ness is one of those rare destinations that has something for everyone. Children will be enchanted with stories of Nessie, photographers will have a field day capturing the stunning scenery and history buffs will love learning about the loch's rich history.

Inverness / Loch Ness, Scotland, Yellow flowers blooming on shore — Yellow flowers blooming on the shore of Loch Ness in Scotland

Cruising through a calm Loch Ness.

Lochan Tor an Tuill at Farigaig Forest in the Highlands of Scotland.

A smaller loch inside Farigaig Forest.

When visiting Scotland, a Loch Ness cruise is one of the most popular water activities, where you can soak in the scenery while listening to legendary tales. If that's not enough and you want to get a little closer to Nessie, hop in a kayak and glide across the lake, keeping your eyes peeled. Loch Ness is a part of the Great Glen Canoe Trail, an ancient route through iconic Highland scenery that runs from Fort William to Inverness, offering stunning views. You can also fish in the Oich, Moriston, and Ness rivers. While Nessie might not nibble on your line, you may catch a large spring salmon instead. The bravest of travelers may choose to swim with Nessie in the 41-degree water. The loch remains at this temperature year-round and refuses to freeze. Head to either Loch Ness or Lochend Beach for easy access.

If you'd prefer to stick to the shoreline, enjoy the Loch Ness 360° Trail, an amazing trail looping the loch that connects to the Great Glen Way and the South Loch Ness Trail. Don't miss Suidhe Viewpoint, one of the trail's highest viewpoints with unspoiled vistas. Another cross-country route for walkers and mountain bikers alike is the Affric Kintail Way. For a more peaceful stroll, try the Three Lochs Circuit through south Loch Ness' tranquil countryside. Or, hike up Meall Fuar-mhonaidh for the highest point near Loch Ness at 2,293 feet high.

While visiting Loch Ness, become one with nature and step away from the water and into the trees. Farigaig Forest is known for its vibrant wildflowers, smaller lochs (known as lochans), ancient fort remains and an amazing viewpoint. Meanwhile, meander along one of Abriachan Forest's many trails and keep an eye out for points of interest like a Bronze Age hut and treehouse. Wide-eyed wanderers will enjoy feeling small walking along the mile-long Tall Trees Trail in Reelig Glen.

The Fall of Foyers in Highland (Scotland, United Kingdom). Waterfall on the River Foyers in forest. Nice place near lake Loch Ness and city Inverness.

The majestic Falls of Foyers.

Looking for an adventure while on your Scotland vacation? Go chasing a number of waterfalls, including Divach Falls, the Falls of Foyers and Plodda Falls. The latter is the region's tallest waterfall at 151 feet and a hidden treasure (you heard it here first). Meanwhile, the Falls of Foyers is where the River Foyers drops 140 feet into a gorge that runs into Loch Ness, offering a different perspective of the lake. So follow the trail down to the falls and onto Loch Ness' shores.

Urquhart Castle sitting pretty on Loch Ness' shore.

Loch Ness' rich history is visible at Urquhart Castle, which has stood on its western shore in one form or another since the 13th century. It's undoubtedly the loch's second biggest attraction behind dear old Nessie. Throughout the years, Urquhart Castle withstood many attacks before being destroyed in 1692 so the Jacobites couldn't use it. One of the few remains of this historic era is the five-story Grant Tower. Head here for both a history lesson and unparalleled Loch Ness views.

Memorial Cairn at the battlefield of Culloden near Inverness

The Culloden Battlefield today.

From there, lovers of all things history will want to make a beeline for nearby Culloden Battlefield, where the Jacobite army stood for their final battle. If you're a fan of the television show Outlander, the region's real-life Fraser clan is primarily buried at Boleskine Burial Ground in Inverness. You can also channel your inner Claire Fraser and walk through an ancient circle of standing stones at Corrimony Chambered Cairn or Clava Cairns.

When it's time to refuel after a day of exploring the Scottish Highlands, cozy up by the wood-burning stove at Loch Ness Inn while indulging in modern fare made using local produce. Try Haggis meatballs, a Highland beef burger or Scottish salmon. Alternatively, enjoy the view from Cameron's Tea Rooms and Farm Shop or if you're a gin lover, the Great Glen Distillery is the place for you.

If traveling to Loch Ness with young children, Nessieland is a mini theme park with several Nessie-themed attractions suitable for young kids. However, adults may also enjoy getting a selfie or two with the giant Nessie statues.

What To Know Before You Go To Loch Ness

Water gateway in Fort Augustus and Loch Ness in Scotland, United Kingdom

Fort Augustus, where the loch meets the canal.

Since it stretches all the way from Fort Augustus to Inverness, a day trip to Loch Ness from Inverness is one of the most common ways to see the lovely loch. Wondering how to get to Loch Ness from Inverness? It's approximately a 15-minute drive, an 8-mile cycle, or a quick public bus ride to the neighboring towns of Dores, Inverfarigaig and Foyers — with stunning sights of the Scottish Highlands along the way. You can tick a lot off your list on your own in one day or if you join a guided tour. Alternatively, if you want to learn more about the history of this area, you can book a guided Loch Ness tour from either Glasgow or Edinburgh.

If you cruise to Scotland, it's easy to base yourself in Inverness, or in one of the many quaint towns on the shores of Loch Ness. On the western shore of Loch Ness, Drumnadrochit is a peaceful village lined with whitewashed cottages and home to the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Here, you can learn more about Nessie and the region's history through seven themed rooms. The staff will also happily answer any and all questions, and the gift shop is stocked with all of your Nessie souvenir needs.

Meanwhile, bustling Fort Augustus is home to charming pubs and five locks, which connect the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness. The 60-mile canal connects Inverness to Fort William and was constructed in the early 19th century by the Scottish engineer, Thomas Telford. Learn more about this engineering feat and local heritage at Fort Augustus' Caledonian Canal Center, where you can also pick up a handmade souvenir in the gift shop. Finally, Dores is a tiny village home to Dores Beach, the best place to watch the sunset over Loch Ness. While in town, enjoy a homecooked meal at Dores Inn for the ultimate Scotland experience.

Remember your layers on your Loch Ness cruise.

So, when should you visit Loch Ness on a cruise? Well, it's really up to you and the experience you want to have on your Scotland vacation. The driest months and thus the best time to visit Loch Ness are April and May, when the flowers begin to bloom, the leaves turn green, and there are fewer tourists. Summer brings warmer temperatures, a lot more visitors and bugs. Summer is midge season, so be prepared with layers and midge repellent. You'll also always want to pack warm clothes, no matter the time of year. That said, visiting Inverness, Scotland, in winter will make for a fantastic trip as well — it's beautiful blanketed in a layer of snow — if you're interested in spending a lot of time in pubs. When sailing to Loch Ness on a cruise, a waterproof outer layer is recommended, as it can get cold when the breeze blows in. Other than that, bring your camera and your sense of wonderment when you visit this amazing place.

Written By
HAYLEY SIMPSON

A Bachelor of Journalism graduate hailing from Australia, Hayley is an experienced travel writer and the award-winning travel blogger behind Hayley on Holiday. Her travel writing has featured on Lonely Planet, Matador Network, and The Culture Trip. As for her travel experience, Hayley is a big advocate for solo travel and working holidays and has visited over 40 countries.

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