Loch Ness

The magnificent Loch Ness is located in the Scottish Highlands along the Great Glen Fault which forms the Great Glen. The glen is home to Loch Lochy, Loch Oich and Loch Ness, forming part of the Caledonian Canal, and linking the Moray Firth and the North Sea to Loch Linnhe on the west coast of Scotland. 

Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes of England and Wales combined, making it the most voluminous lake in the UK. Stretching for approximately 37 km (23 m) and its deepest point reaching 754 ft (229.8 metres), it is the second deepest loch in Scotland, after Loch Morar. 

The loch has been a talking point for centuries. Does a monster lurk in the deep? Is there any evidence or substance to the hundreds of claimed sightings? See for yourself on boat trips and Nessie cruises from Inverness, Fort Augustus, and Drumnadrochit.  

Drumnadrochit

This historic village is the ideal location to base yourself for a spot of Nessie hunting. Drumnadrochit is home to the Loch Ness Centre and Urquhart Castle where you can dive into the lore and legend of the Loch Ness Monster whilst uncovering the detailed, and often turbulent, history of the area too. Head off along the surrounding scenic trails on foot or on bike to explore further and feel the ancient, mysterious, and lurking atmosphere of this famed loch. 

Fort Augustus

At the very southern shores of Loch Ness, just as you reach the Caledonian Canal, you can find Fort Augustus. This is a great location if you’re looking to set off on a walking or cycling day out, with the canal’s waterways and locks offering a unique landscape to traverse. 

Foyers

Best known for its magnificent crashing Falls of Foyer, this quaint town is the spot to be if you want to slow down and relax on your trip. Reset, recharge, and unwind on the banks of Loch Ness with the tranquillity of nature spots, untouched scenery, and warming eateries nearby. 

Dores

Popular for its stretch of shingle beach, Dores is a small village to the southwest of Loch Ness and whose name derives from Gaelic, meaning ‘dark woods’. Dores is an ideal spot for calming woodland walks, sparkling views and for a peaceful stay if you’re looking for a quieter getaway. 

Discover more towns and communities in Loch Ness 

The Loch Ness Experience

Explore how the real stories of Loch Ness and its Monster phenomenon are more fascinating and engaging than any myth at The Loch Ness Experience. 

Urquhart Castle

Delve into more than 1,000 years of turbulent history and the legends and tales that surround Loch Ness in the ruins of Urquhart Castle. 

The Caledonian Canal

A world-class visitor hub, The Caledonian Canal Centre offers a variety of facilities, including local information, a gift shop with locally sourced goods, and a café serving homemade Scottish produce. 

Waterfalls

Around the mesmerising Loch Ness, you'll find numerous tumbling waterfalls that are a real sight to see! Plodda Falls is a hidden gem surrounded by towering trees in a curious woodland setting. In Drumnadrochit, head up Craig Monie for spectacular views over Loch Ness and then keep wandering to discover Divach Falls. With rushing rapids and scenic woodland walks nearby, Dog Falls is great for an afternoon exploring, while along the south side of Loch Ness, the Falls of Foyers feature a sheer 140ft drop into a gorge below - a spectacular photo opportunity! 

In Your Element

Step into your adventurous side with a day of watersports and activities, including thrilling canyoning, river sledging, river rafting, and canoeing - you can really test your mettle! 

Glen Affric

Located just a short trip west of Loch Ness, near Cannich, Glen Affric features a mix of native woodlands, sparkling lochs and lochans, towering Caledonian pine trees and plenty of trails that let you explore this enchanting area. 

Suidhe Viewpoint

Head to Suidhe Viewpoint on the south east corner of the loch where you can see for miles around, as well as the B862 road, also known as the General Wade's Military Road – part of the turbulent Jacobite history of the area.