The Loch Ness Monster
© VisitScotland/Tessa Minshull
What does Nessie look like?
Loch Ness Monster is said to be long, green, and mysterious, with dark humps and a snake-like head gliding through the waters of Loch Ness before vanishing beneath the waves. You'll instantly know that you’ve seen her when you spot perfect circles of disturbed water left in her wake as she swiftly disappears again to the depths of the loch.
How old is Nessie?
Stories of Nessie date back over 1,500 years, with the first recorded sighting by St Columba in 565 AD. In 1933, a Mr George Spicer reported seeing a large creature in the loch when on holiday with his wife: “I am a temperate man, but I am willing to take any oath that we saw this Loch Ness beast. I am certain that this creature was of a prehistoric species.”
Since then, there have been many sightings, and some famous hoaxes too. In the 1970s a photograph by Dr Robert Rhines gained worldwide attention. Unfortunately, it was later revealed that this was an ingenious hoax.
A Nessie hunter looking through binoculars
© VisitScotland/Tessa Minshull
Operation Deepscan
In 1987, a major sonar search known as Operation Deepscan explored Loch Ness for signs of Nessie. While mysterious underwater objects were detected, no monster was ever confirmed.
In fact, there are all kinds of boating experiences around Loch Ness. If sonar exploration isn’t your thing, have you considered a boating holiday along the Caledonian Canal? It’s the perfect way to unwind at a gentle pace.
Where can I see Nessie?
Loch Ness, near Inverness, is famous for its deep waters, dramatic Highland scenery, and boat cruises where visitors can try spotting Nessie for themselves – camera at the ready!
Around the loch, don’t miss the atmospheric ruins of Urquhart Castle with its 1,000 years of history and sweeping views, the village of Drumnadrochit at a gateway to the Highlands, the spectacular hidden waterfall at Plodda Falls, and the epic Loch Ness 360 Trail, a full loop around the loch that can be joined anywhere or completed from Inverness.
