Loch Ness

Where is Loch Ness? This beautiful loch located near Inverness is shrouded in mystery. Tales of a large monster living deep beneath the dark expanses of Loch Ness have circulated the world since the first photograph emerged in 1933. With over 1,000 eye-witness accounts, sightings and unexplained evidence, scientists continue to be baffled by the existence of Nessie. See for yourself on a boat trip and Nessie cruise from Inverness, Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit.

Did you know that Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined, making it the most voluminous lake in the UK? This corner of the Highlands is world-famous for its dramatic scenery, great adventure sports and nearby castles and solitary lighthouses dotting the landscape. So take a Loch Ness break and enjoy a monster holiday!

6 things to do in Loch Ness

If you can tear your eyes away from the beauty and wonder of Loch Ness for half an hour, there's some great things to do on and around this big, deep loch.

Don't miss the brand new Loch Ness 360 Trail, an epic walking, cycling, running and outdoor activity trail looping the entire circumference of Loch Ness.

See all things to do

Drumnadrochit

Loch Ness 360 Trail Opens a new window

Boat tours

Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition

Loch Ness Marathon

Urquhart Castle

Map of Loch Ness

Accommodation near Loch Ness

Strone Castle Cottage, Drumnadrochit

(c) Strone Castle Cottage

From stunning 5-star castles, country house hotels, cosy selt-catering cottages and welcoming B&Bs to budget-friendly hostels, great value campsites, glamourous glampsites or wigwams, there are plenty accommodation options for your Loch Ness holiday.

Find accommodation

Inverness

Head north to explore the Highland capital.

South Loch Ness Trail Opens a new window

Walk, cycle or ride along the South Loch Ness Trail, a 58.5 km long distance route that will take you through the beautiful scenery on the south side of Loch Ness.

VisitScotland iCentre

Why not drop into our friendly iCentre in Inverness to learn more about the area?

Nessie

More information on the monster's background and potential whereabouts.

Castles

There are lots of castles in this part of Scotland. Go back in time!

Highlands

Dramatic, beguiling and iconic - come and explore the Highlands.

Discover Loch Ness on video

Find the Best Places to Eat On Loch Ness0:31

Activities on the Loch Ness 360° Trail0:31

Loch Ness Travel Information

How to get to Loch Ness

Loch Ness runs from the south of Inverness down to the town of Fort Augustus. The A9 is the main road to Inverness from the cities of Perth, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

You can catch the train from Edinburgh or Glasgow Queen Street to Inverness which takes approximately 3.5 hours. From Inverness, you can easily reach other parts of Loch Ness by local buses. There is also Inverness Airport which is located within 7 miles of the city centre.

How to get around Loch Ness

You can easily drive around the famous Loch taking in the views, but for the more adventurous, why not walk, cycle or horse ride on the new Loch Ness 360 Trail, a 80 miles long scenic circular route taking in the route of the Great Glen Way on the north side and South Loch Ness Trail on the south side. With many boat trips and Nessie tours from Inverness, Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit, you can also cruise along the loch !

Find out more information on getting here and around.

Get to know Loch Ness

You can find out more about the best places to visit near Loch Ness, what events are are on, as well as plenty inspiration for your perfect Loch Ness break.

Find more on www.visitinvernesslochness.com

Loch Ness