Urquhart Castle on the banks of Loch Ness
Loch Ness
Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined, making it the most voluminous lake in the UK. Where is Loch Ness? This beautiful loch is located in the Scottish Highlands and is shrouded in mystery. Does a monster lurk in the deep? See for yourself on boat trips and Nessie cruises from Inverness, Fort Augustus and Drumnadrochit.
Great things to do around Loch Ness
From watersports to walking, check out these things you can do when you visit Loch Ness.
Wellbeing escapes
Discover why a visit to Inverness & Loch Ness is perfect to rest, relax and re-charge your mind, body and soul.
The Loch Ness Monster - is Nessie real?
More information on the monster's background and potential whereabouts.
Explore Highland wildlife
See where to catch a glimpse of a variety of Scottish species including majestic red deer, black grouse, golden eagles, osprey and ptarmigan.
Inverness
The capital of the Scottish Highlands sits on Scotland’s north east coast, where the River Ness meets the Moray Firth.
Top days out ideas
Whether you're monster-hunting or not, the area around Loch Ness is a beautiful place for a day out.
Tours of Loch Ness
Find a tour of Loch Ness and see if you can spot the monster!
Drumnadrochit
Located at the head of Urquhart Bay on the northern shore of Loch Ness, the lovely village of Drumnadrochit is popular with Loch Ness monster hunters!
The Loch Ness Centre
Explore how the real stories of Loch Ness and its Monster phenomenon are more fascinating and engaging than any myth...
The Caledonian Canal
Explore the majestic 60-mile Caledonian Canal, cutting through the spectacular Great Glen.
Urquhart Castle
Delve into more than 1,000 years of turbulent history and the myths and tales that surround Loch Ness.
Falls of Foyer
Along the south side of Loch Ness in the small village of Foyers you will find the popular natural beauty spot of the Falls of Foyers.
Fort Augustus
A quaint village where Loch Ness meets the Caledonian Canal.
Dores Beach
Enjoy this circular walk with fantastic views of Loch Ness.
Inspiring routes, trails & itineraries
Travel on foot, by bike or even by kayak and enjoy a great escape to this beautiful part of Scotland.
Plodda Falls, Glen Affric
Follow a route
There are some incredible scenic routes around Loch Ness.
See what's on in Loch Ness
Find a toe-tapping local event around Loch Ness!
Cycling at Suidhe Viewpoint, Loch Ness
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
Map of Loch Ness
How to travel to & around Loch Ness
Loch Ness runs from the south of Inverness down to the town of Fort Augustus.
Getting to Loch Ness
Train
You can travel from within Scotland to Inverness with ScotRail, or directly to Inverness with LNER from dozens of stations along the east coast line like London King’s Cross, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh taking in some of the best scenery the country has to offer along the way. Sit back and relax and enjoy the comfort of the environmentally-friendly Azuma fleet in First Class or Standard alongside the offer of fine food and drink from a range of local suppliers from across the UK.
Or journey overnight in your own room with a bed. A relaxing and time-saving way to reach the Highlands, the Caledonian Sleeper travels between London and Scotland.
Bus and coach
Driving
Flying
Getting around Loch Ness
Walking
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?
If you like to discover an area by foot you will not be short of places to wander. You can also choose to be guided on a walking tour with companies such as Cath's Inverness Tours and Walking Tours Inverness offering guided walks daily from the city centre.
Cycling
Bus and coach
Driving
Taxi
Tours

Hobbit homes overlooking Loch Ness at the Loch Ness Holiday Park
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Places to stay in Loch Ness
Choose from self-catering lodges, welcoming B&Bs and charming loch-side cottages where you can wake up to stunning views of Loch Ness.
Or try hostels, scenic camping, caravan sites and glamping accommodation for an affordable yet unforgettable experience.
MacGregors Bar, Inverness
Places to eat around Loch Ness
Find lots of places to eat and drink from fine dining to street food.
There are options for all tastes and budgets and often something new to try!
