Loch Ness

This deep, dark and mysterious Highland lake is the stuff of legends.

Loch Ness and tales of its famous monster resident have captivated visitors to Scotland for centuries.

Everything about Loch Ness is epic. Created by volcanic activity, it stretches about 36 kilometres (22 miles) through the Great Glen.
Its murky waters plunge to 230 metres at their deepest. It is said Loch Ness contains as much water as the lakes of England and Wales combined.

Stretching from Fort Augustus to Inverness this expanse of deep and dark water is legendary. Mount your own “Nessie” spotting adventure by enjoying a cruise on the loch or savour the panoramic views from the ramparts of ruined Urquhart Castle. You can also learn more about the search for “Nessie” at the popular Loch Ness Exhibition.

No one has more ways to enjoy Loch Ness than Scottish Tours

Boleskine House on the shores of Loch Ness was once owned by Jimmy Page, lead guitarist of the rock band Led Zeppelin. The house was made famous by the psychic experiments of Aleister Crowley in the late 19th century.
Cherry Island near Fort Augustus, about l00m from the shore, is the only island on Loch Ness.
The tumbing Falls of Foyer inspired Robert Burns to write his poem "The Fall Of Fyers ".
Loch Ness holds over 2 cubic miles of water.
Loch Ness has an average temperature of 5°C and never freezes.

Things to see...

Keep your camera close at hand just in case you spot the fabled inhabitant of Loch Ness.

For centuries it was a military stronghold. Today it offers the best vantage point of Loch Ness. The iconic ruins dominate the loch-side landscape. No visit to the Highlands is complete without seeing this impressive castle.

Enjoy a different perspective of the loch. Have a close encounter with this mysterious body of water on a short cruise.

Calling all Nessie hunters! Start your search for the world’s most famous monster at this beautiful Highland village. Flanked by two gorgeous glens, this charming hamlet nestles proudly beside the waters of Urquhart Bay. Your quest begins at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, where you can discover the many secrets of the elusive creature said to lurk beneath the loch’s chilly depths.

Alive with history and heritage, this bustling village is the perfect place to explore Scotland’s fascinating past. Discover how it was named after a fortress built to keep Highland rebels at bay – and its role in the bloody battle of Culloden. Away from the drama, enjoy a relaxing stroll beside the Caledonian Canal and admire the five locks linking it to Loch Ness.

Enjoy peace, tranquillity and the most spectacular views of Scotland’s most celebrated loch at this picturesque village. The only sound you’ll hear is pebbles crunching underfoot as you stroll down to the waterfront on the beautiful shingle beach. Gazing south-westwards across the icy ripples, breathe in 22 miles of uninterrupted views and admire the delights of the distant Great Glen.

Perched on the loch’s eastern shores, previous visitors to this pretty village include Robert Burns, who was moved by its unspoilt beauty. Follow his footsteps through the forest until you reach the dramatic 90ft Falls of Foyers. Cascading spectacularly through a deep gorge, you’ll soon see why Scotland’s national bard was inspired to pen his famous work, The Falls of the Foyers.

Built by Thomas Telford, and stretching from Inverness in the north to Fort William in the south, the Caledonian Canal has been delighting visitors for nearly 200 years. Dotted with welcoming villages and glens, explore its 60 miles at your leisure and stop to admire its many stunning viewpoints. The captivating Beauly Forth, Dochgarroch and Muirtown are among the many delights.

No visit to Loch Ness is complete without a visit to the celebrated Telford Bridge. Built by the famous Scottish engineer in 1813, it stands proudly across the River Moriston as the rushing waters tumble spectacularly into the loch beneath. Afterwards, take a stroll above the village to Sròn Na Muic – ‘the nose of the pig’ – and admire the finest views of the Great Glen.