Loch Ness & 'Nessie' The Loch Ness Monster


 In Scotland, the word "loch" is used to describe any large, enclosed expanse of water, including areas coming in from the sea (equivalent to the Norwegian "fjords"). The word comes from Gaelic (as does "lochan" meaning a small lake or pool).

The "ch" sound in Scots is often mis-pronounced as a "k" but the sound is equivalent to the German "ch" as in "achtung".
 

Loch Ness Urquhart Castle
 

Loch Ness is a large inland body of water in the beautiful Scottish Highlands and is one of the most visited lochs in Scotland. The loch is believed to be several miles deep and is approximately 23 miles long. The famous Urquhart Castle is located on the banks of Loch Ness.


 Loch Ness Monster
 

Loch Ness and the legend of 'Nessie', the famous Loch Ness monster has inspired the imagination of young and old for many generations.

The Loch Ness monster is a large aquatic creature believed to live in the loch. Many of the local people near the loch claim to have seen the monster, but several scientific expeditions have failed to find any evidence, although there have been many pictures taken of this mysterious creature.
 

Loch Ness Monster 2
 

Miles To Explore

 Loch Ness covers a large area, filled with many different points of interest. In fact, as you travel along the shoreline, you’ll notice the character of the landscape shifting – with every new horizon offering different things to see and explore.

The main A82 road links Fort William in the south to Inverness in the north and hugs the northern shoreline of Loch Ness along its length. At the southernmost tip of the loch you’ll find Fort Augustus, a picturesque village filled with warmth and character – and an ideal spot to view the boats navigating through the impressive lock system of the Caledonian Canal.

Eight miles further north, you’ll find Invermoriston where you may want to take a break from 'Nessie' spotting and stop off at Glen Rowan Licensed Restaurant & Coffee Shop for some refreshments. This attractive village is steeped in Jacobite history and has a splendid old Telford designed bridge. Venture further north and you’ll come across the impressive ruins of Urquhart Castle with its commanding views of the loch – and the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre at Drumnadrochit, which unlocks the cultural, historic and geological significance of Loch Ness (not to mention a word or two on a certain monster).

On the peaceful southern shore, you’ll find the famous 100ft waterfalls at Foyers, opportunities for spotting red deer and secluded guests houses – ideal for ‘getting away from it all’.

Travel a little further and you’ll find Inverness (the Capital of the Highlands), the Culloden battlefield and the Cairngorms Mountains.
 

Great Glen Way Loch Ness

How To Get To Loch Ness

By Road, the A82 on the north side links Loch Ness with Inverness (rail, air and national bus links) the capital of the Highlands.  Inverness links east to Aberdeen and north and west to Ullapool, Wester Ross, Caithness and Sutherland and points further afield. From the Loch Ness you can go west to the Isle of Skye and south from Ft Augustus to Ft William, Glasgow and Perth. The B862 on the south side links all the main villages between Ft Augustus and Inverness, linking to the A9 south to Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Regular local and national buses provide a service to all areas. Local Tour & Taxi operators can also offer organised and tailored tours.

By Air - for frequent direct flights to and from London Gatwick, Heathrow and Luton, Belfast, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester ,  Dublin, Southampton, Leeds,  Liverpool & East Midlands, Kirkwal, Stornoway, Benbecula, Sumburgh, Edinburgh and Glasgow use Inverness Airport some 7 miles east of Inverness / 21 miles from Loch Ness. 

By Rail you can reach Inverness or Ft William with regular journeys north, east to Aberdeen, west to Skye, and south to Glasgow, Edinburgh and London (including sleeper services).

By Foot: The Great Glen Way is 73 miles/117km in length. It runs from Fort William, in the west, to Inverness, in the east, with spectacular views and historical and natural heritage to be discovered all along the way. The route can be walked in 5-6 days, staying overnight in the various communities within the Glen and suits all levels of walker. For more information about the Great Glen Way click here.

There are also other routes which run along the South side of  Loch Ness- click here to find out about more or visit the website for South Loch Ness 

By Bike: The Great Glen Cycle Route (approx 80 miles) is a fully way-marked mountain biking route and runs from Fort William to Inverness. Find out more here. This is just one of the routes that can bring you to the Loch Ness Area.

By Boat: Opened in 1822, the Caledonian Canal is one of the most fascinating waterways in Europe. The sixty mile long Canal takes you through Loch Ness and the Great Glen. On the great stretches of open water you are never far from sheltered moorings, and the short canal stretches are full of variety with only 10 locks, all operated by keepers. There are piers, jetties and mooring places along Loch Ness. Most are free of charge. The hotels and pubs welcome boating visitors and there are well-stocked shops at villages plus the full services in the larger towns. Established cruises of various durations are available from a couple of hours to all day (and overnight!) many which includes a shuttle bus to and from Inverness city centre.


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 Licensed Restaurant & Coffee Shop
By Loch Ness, Invermoriston, IV63 7YA.

Tel: 01320 351352

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