It's probably more well known than it really should be. The real monster here is the marketing symbol it has become for this area of Scotland. It's lovely, but so is the entire region, there's nothing particularly awe inspiring. Urquhart Castle on the shore is certainly worth a look, whether from water or land; Fort Augustus at the southern end is a nice village that's touristy without being unpleasant. read more

No, we didn't spot Nessie. The loch is about 24-miles long and up to 755-foot-deep. It is also UK's largest freshwater body by volume. The location near Urquhart Castle provided scenic views. Boat tours are possible, but it was too cold for that. read more

Loch Ness - Local Flavor Near Me

The Scottish lake, Loch Ness, is a large, freshwater loch and the second largest loch in Scotland, after Loch Lomond, based on surface area, covering an impressive 56 Km. At its longest point, its waters stretch 36km (about 23 miles), and it has a maximum width of 2.7km (about 1.7 miles wide). We had 2 hours in our hands to explore Fort August. first we explored the Lock (a series of bridges and a loch that let you pass the canal to lochness), then we roamed around the city, and finally we spent some quiet time here. no public, no one, it was a very serene feeling to sit here and stare at this big lake and question your life's mistake ... hahaha But jokes apart, the views of the legendary Loch Ness are stunning and serene. It's a perfect spot for taking photos and enjoying the natural beauty. The atmosphere is peaceful And yes, we did not see Nessie (that famous Loch Ness monster), of course i did not even expect it ;) read more

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We did a stop here on our Rabbies Isle of skye tour and glad we did. I know it's a tourist thing but hey I'm a tourist and it's one of the famous stops. We took a quick look at the lake and they walked about the town and to the dam. I did't see the bridge raise for the bigger boats but wish we had. Our Rabbies tour info listed this as a might happen stop but so glad we did. other used ai to take people out of pics and to even put nessie in the lake ... need to learn to master these skills. read more

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I like cryptids and one of the most famous ones is the Loch Ness Monster. You won't be able to see the Monster but you are guaranteed to see a long 23 mile lake, black water, and a cute town with Loch Ness Monster souvenirs and theming. We were here 10 years ago and enjoyed it enough to come back. If you go on a cruise the windows of the cruise ship have a tiny Loch Ness Monster sticker so every picture you take will have the cryptid! Unfortunately, they were sold out this time and we were not able to get onto the ships. Caledonian Canal: Connects this Loch with others. We got really lucky this trip and were able to see the Canal in action, with waters lowering and doorways opening for 2 boats going to Loch Ness. This is located in the town area of Loch Ness. Loch Ness: From the canals walk straight down on the left side. There are no public bathroom at the end but there is a sign you can take pictures at that says "Loch Ness". If you are not on a boat ride the walk is short and the area at the end is small but its worth it to take a picture at the sign and get a close up view of the lake. The spring is gorgeous with vibrant yellow Gorse flowers blooming, it brightens up the gloom a bit and gives the landscape some special of color. read more

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Well, if you're in Scotland and anywhere near Inverness, you might as well come here and say you saw the most famous loch (ie, lake) in Scotland. And so our tour group did. It was interesting to physically see this loch which is straight as an arrow and 23 miles x 1 mile across (roughly). It's straight because it sits along a major fault line, the Great Glen Fault. Of course, the hype about the Loch Ness Monster, which started in earnest with a 1933 publication, has brought a huge amount of tourism to this area over the decades. Locals apparently have claimed to have seen some sort of creature here as long as a thousand years ago. There's also now a chain of gimmicky and tacky hotels for all the tourists towards the southwest end of the loch. Oh well, I have this Loch Ness feather in my cap now. read more

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Loch Ness is a freshwater loch or lake located in the Scottish Highlands. It is one of the most famous lochs in Scotland, primarily due to the legendary Loch Ness Monster, often referred to as "Nessie." Loch Ness is 23 miles and 755 feet deep. Loch Ness is picturesque and looks like a gigantic mirror. There is a scenic walk on both sides of the lake from Fort Augustus, the small town on the South Tip of the Lake. You'll see the Fort Augustus Abbey on your walk. At Fort Augustus, Inverness-shire, Scotland, was a Benedictine monastery, from late in the nineteenth century to 1998. Amazing to see! Stunning! read more

Gorgeous, placid and serene lake, filled with more freshwater than all other lakes in the UK combined. Signed up for a local boat tour (unfortunately, I cannot remember which one; there are several competing companies), and sailed up to and around the Urquhart Castle area (about 45 minutes in total, I believe). I was surprised to learn that, even among the locals, the jury is still out on whether Nessie is fact or fiction. Several locals claim to have spotted her, and the tour boat operator claimed (with sincerity) to be unsure himself; while he had never spotted her, several of his close friends (and one competing boat operator) claimed to have encountered the purported Plesiosaur, as recently as a month before my own tour of the lake. Believe what you will about Nessie (and I stand in a purely *hopeful*, faith-based position on this one...haha!), there's nothing quite like a lazy boat cruise on the Loch, on a freakishly warm, clear and sunny 70 degree day in mid-April, cryptid sighting or not. (Seriously, it snowed both the week before and the week after I left. I seem to bring good weather wherever I roam!) read more

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Did some hitchhiking & camping with the most iridescent, wonderful friend - not a bad place to feel detached from the world and yet utterly independent! Would recommend taking a good look at a map before going inside the woods- make sure you are an experienced camper before venturing into these woods. It's important you have access to iodine pills or other water-cleaning substances since the weather is hit-or-miss and the streams do not look all too promising in their cleanliness. Biodegradable products are widely available- please help keep this landmark pristine! A pro-tip is to go in the spring (we went in May) for that glorious challenge of 11:30pm sunsets and flip-flopping weather (sun and rain) within minutes of each other! read more

Loch Ness - Local Flavor Near Me

Holy Moly! This is my second visit to check out the legendary Nessie, so cant believe that haven't written a previous review - rectifying that mistake now :-) Loch Ness is a massively deep freshwater lake and it's actually fairly narrow, as we drove along one side of the loch and could easily see the opposite bank. Our guide pointed out that one side bisects with the Caledonian Canal, and so it's possible to take in a cruise that combines checking out both bodies of water. Also to give an idea of how long it is, this loch extends from the city of Inverness in the north to Fort William in the south. The scenery surrounding this Loch is utterly magnificent and absolutely recommend stopping by to do a bit of monster spotting!! Yelp 75/ 2019 read more

Loch Ness - Loch Ness - Local Flavor Near Me

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I wouldn't say that Loch Ness is the ~best lake ever,~ but it is pretty cool to see, if only to match a lake to a legend. It's also a top tourist destination in Scotland -- so expect a good crowd no matter the month. I visited in November and it took me so long to review it because I didn't have cell service at all that far north. It really does feel like you're in the middle of nowhere as you approach Fort Augustus. The town is really more like one long line of small buildings/eateries...and then the big ole lake. It looks like a lake. Dark water. Sign that says "Loch Ness." Perhaps Nessie, but no monsters popped out to chat with me, so I can't confirm or deny. Others on my tour did the "official" boat hunt -- but I opted to eat lunch on dry land instead. If you're in Scotland, I'd say it's worth it to take a tour here. You'll view a good part of the gorgeous highlands en route, if nothing else. read more

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Loch Ness has haunted me since I was a beanling. Stories of Nessie and the Loch Ness Monster were the bread and butter of my youth (Along with UFO's, Big Foot, and anything paranormal. WHAT? I lived for shows like "That's incredible" and "Unsolved Mysteries... But that's not what we're talking about is it?) I never thought I'd see the day that I'd ACTUALLY Get to see the Great LOCH NESS. Nor did I ever think I'd get to see Nessie! (Spoiler alert, I found her!) The drive was absolutely stunning, it may have been a winter's day, but let me tell you, taking photos, experiencing something close to your first snowfall without a coat on, and being that close to a childhood dream? Nothing compares to it! A serious dream come true. No vacation is complete without a visit to the Loch. read more

Loch Ness - The loch itself.. Cold March day. Yes it was snowing. - Local Flavor Near Me

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Beautiful area to explore. Drive around the lake, take a hike, listen to the sheep in the fields, and of course hunt for Nessie. We did them all and we we're successful except for finding Nessie. It was probably too sunny for her that day and didn't want to burn. We had fun anyway, enjoyed the scenery. Wish we could've spent more time there but alas Glasgow was calling. read more

Loch Ness - The "beach" at Loch Ness - Local Flavor Near Me

Twenty three miles long. Second deepest freshwater loch in Scotland. Fabled home of the mysterious Loch Ness Monster aka "Nessie". I've been here numerous times and never seen the monster. What a disappointment. :( On the plus side, the views are inspirational and the local people are friendly. On the negative side, the drive up the A82 can be soul destroying in the summer when you're caught behind tour busses and camper vans. read more

Loch Ness - Local Flavor Near Me

How can one come to Scotland and not visit here?! Absolutely stunning scenery and yes, the weather will mostly likely be dreary but it just adds to the beauty. It was actually hot today: "summer is the nicest day of the year" as the locals say. You most likely won't catch a glimpse of Nessie but you'll stop enjoy every second of just being here. Highly recommended if visiting the highlands. read more

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Everyone has heard about the Loch Ness monster, so if you're visiting Scotland, it really is a must-see experience. It doesn't even have to cost you money to check out, since it spreads throughout Inverness and the surrounding area. We were pretty surprised to find that it ran right next to the neighborhood where our Airbnb was in downtown Inverness, and when we went to Urquhart Castle, we were finally able to dip our hands into the water. Initially, we were going to do a boat tour, but ended up not being able to show up for it in time so we missed out on that experience. We were unable to book another day, since they didn't do one the next day. But the evening we were coming back from dinner, as we were driving past Urquhart Castle, we saw a rainbow dipping into the lake. And because we had a car, we were able to make an impromptu stop to check it out. It really was very beautiful. We were able to see where the rainbow ended and began; I can't even remember the last time that happened to me. So that was our magical Loch Ness moment. The sky was blue, large white clouds mixing with ominous gray clouds, half of the other bank across from Urquhart castle dappled with shadow, but the rainbow stretching out of the castle (as it looked), and into the water. I would absolutely go back, as Scotland was my favorite part of my two week trip. Next time, I'll definitely opt for the cruise. read more

Coming here is one of the most anti-climactic things on vacation ever. But the thing is, it's Loch Ness. I'm pretty much just some guy from the United States and what else do I think of in Scotland other than whiskey? Loch Ness. I came on a £40 tour, got a few photos of me and the Loch Ness, then went back to Glasgow. They were pretty much photos of me and some unidentifiable body of water. I wasn't near any sign that said Loch Ness to prove it. You just have to believe the caption on the picture on my Facebook. On the ~8-hour tour I went on, we stopped at a bunch of non-memorable places. I really just wanted transport from and to Glasgow but had to bear the somewhat stupid stops at random places. For example, we stopped at a apparently haunted hotel (~300 years old) but it wasn't that interesting. It would be more fitting to just tell the story about it than actually stop. The whole thing was super anti-climactic, especially because Nessie didn't even show up at the lake. But (this the key word) again, it's Loch Ness, and no trip to Scotland is complete without telling people back home that you went to the lake to find the Loch Ness Monster for at least look for 1 second. If you have time to spare in Scotland, come check out Loch Ness! If you have more time, try to check out some distilleries in/around the Highlands to get some exclusive liquids to brag about to scotch/whiskey lovers. read more

Well, if you're actively looking for a monster then pretty much anything looks like a monster. The water moved over there, Nessie is swimming under the surface! The guys that came up with this hoax had a good run and managed to give the local economy a good boost. How many of you would actually be going to this lake if it wasn't for this swimming brontosaurus? Matt G, you are such a party pooper. Other countries in Europe claim to have their own lake monsters and some believe that Nessie swims through a tunnel underground and pops his head up throughout the continent. Others believe that the Easter bunny is real. Nonetheless a beautiful lake with peaceful surroundings. read more

Not sure I can add anything here that hasn't been said . . . I went with a MacBackpacker's tour, and so got to go to a private beach area to look for Nessie. We poured out a bit of whisky for her, and yet she didn't come! I did learn just how big this lake is, and that's about all I can truly say! A must-visit, of course, but not epic in any way. read more

A visit to Loch Ness is an absolute must if you are in Scotland. I learned about the Loch Ness monster as a child in grade school and it was quite the experience to actually be able to go to the place I learned about so long ago in school! I took a tour from Edinburgh and the drive up is quite long and a bit boring but you can sleep on the way as there is a lot to look forward to! Once you arrive at the lake, there is a small shop where you can buy souvenirs. I would recommend going on the cruise as there is nothing to see or do if you don't go on the boat. The boat cruise is quite relaxing and the lake is gorgeous. The boat ride is about an hour from what I can recall, and you go past a beautiful castle along the way. The drive back is spectacular. You go through the Scottish Highlands and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. It's a long day (12 hrs total) but the experience in hunting the Loch Ness monster is amazing. I really enjoyed it. read more

Loch Ness - Local Flavor Near Me

Despite the silly legends and lore about the Loch Ness Monster, Loch Ness is a big and beautiful lake in the Scottish highlands with a picture perfect countryside surrounding it. If you can swing it, the boat cruise is a must (Jacobite Cruises). The wife an I headed down to the Loch around dusk to see it when there wouldn't be many people and we were not disappointed. read more

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We were driving from Oban to Inverness and really enjoyed our time along driving along Loch Ness. It's a beautiful lake and there a many areas that make you want to stop and enjoy the great views. read more

We didn't see Nessie either. It was a beautiful drive and I hope that my ancestors (who actually lived north of the Loch) were able to appreciate the beauty of the highlands. I need to see the monster before I give this place five stars, but it's a solid 4.5 because it's such gorgeous terrain. read more

Loved it here, looking for Nessie! LOL no sightings yet... Enjoying the boat ride! Be prepared for the weather, I would suggest bringing a thick water resistant coat to keep warm and dry read more

It's a big hole in the ground full of water. No, seriously, though... it's absolutely gorgeous. It really is. Takes your breath away the sheer scale of it, and this was on a somewhat overcast day. On a blue skies, sunny day? I'd wager it's even better. If you're doing the whole touristy thing (like me) then this is an absolute MUST SEE. Wave to Nessie for me too. She's real, y'know. read more

I went on a private boat tour which was outstanding. Beautiful scenery, weather was perfect and the guides were knowledgeable. Only thug, we didn't get to see the Loch Ness monster. read more

The boat tour is a must! Our guide Sean needs to be hired by Disney. He was so energetic and funny even though the crowd was ho-hum. He made us funny videos of Nessie "sightings" and taught us all about the formation and history of the Loch. Loch Ness and the cruise were definitely highlights of our time in Scotland. read more

Great cruise. Lasts about an hour. You can get off where the castle in. Recording on board explaining to you the story of he Nessi

How can I not give a 5-star review? Even if I didn't see myself there. It's still beautiful. I recommend driving around it, and take turns at the wheel, you don't want to go off a cliff and be monster food. read more