Loch Ness

Travel Guide

Urquhart Castle featuring a lake or waterhole, building ruins and chateau or palace
Urquhart Castle showing a lake or waterhole and building ruins
Loch Ness
Loch Ness which includes general coastal views and a ferry as well as a small group of people
Loch Ness showing a marina, tranquil scenes and general coastal views
Scotland’s most legendary attraction, this mysterious loch is said to be home to a mythical monster.

Loch Ness is the largest lake in Scotland by volume. Surrounded by craggy mountains, woodlands and picturesque glens, the loch is hauntingly beautiful. Of course, its fame stems not from its natural scenery but from the infamous Loch Ness Monster, also known as Nessie. Walk along one of the many wonderful trails around the loch, take a boat tour on its waters and learn more about its fabled resident.

Numerous cruises cross the loch, which is 23 miles (37 kilometers) long and more than 700 feet (215 meters) deep. Tours depart from Fort Augustus and Inverness. Many boats include sonar equipment and underwater cameras, ready to catch a glimpse of Nessie.

Walk along the shore of the lake or follow one of the challenging surrounding trails. The 79-mile-long (127-kilometer) Great Glen Way stretches from Inverness to Fort William, passing some of the country’s loveliest scenery along the way. The South Loch Ness Trail traverses the loch’s less explored south shore. Hike or cycle along this 28-mile (45-kilometer) trail, while enjoying sweeping views of the loch.

You may not be able to glimpse the elusive Loch Ness Monster during your visit, but you can learn more about her at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Stop at the center for a general overview of the loch with a focus on the legend of its monster. Sightings of the monster from A.D. 565 to the present are documented through photos, audio and video.

Check out the views of the loch from the top of Urquhart Castle’s five-story tower house. The castle’s location on a promontory overlooking the loch makes it a popular Nessie-watching spot. Destroyed and rebuilt numerous times over the centuries, most of the ruins date back to the 16th century. See displays of medieval artifacts recovered from the castle and watch a movie about its history in the video theater.

To get here, take the bus from InvernessOpens in a new window to Fort William, which includes several stops along the shores of Loch Ness. No visit to Scotland is complete without a trip to this iconic loch.

Highland Bear Lodge & Luxury Bear Huts
Highland Bear Lodge & Luxury Bear Huts
4 out of 5
Camallt, Inverness, Scotland
The price is P6,093 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
P6,093
P7,312 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 10 - Mar 11
Stay at this 4-star B&B in Inverness. Enjoy free parking. Popular attractions Urquhart Castle and Corrimony Chambered Cairn are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (254 reviews)
"Absolute BEST accommodations I’ve experienced in 40 years! Gorgeous property, spacious and well appointed room. The attention to detail in the decor and accouterments was thoughtful and creative. Mark the host was genuine and accommodating. Started off my first trip to Scotland here and would happily ..."

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2025

Highland Bear Lodge & Luxury Bear Huts
The Loch Ness Inn
The Loch Ness Inn
3 out of 5
Lewiston, Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland
The price is P6,871 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
P6,871
P8,245 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 16 - Mar 17
Stay at this 3-star inn in Inverness. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (480 reviews)
"Best hotel I’ve stayed in for a long time"

Reviewed on Feb 26, 2025

The Loch Ness Inn
Loch Ness Clansman Hotel
Loch Ness Clansman Hotel
3 out of 5
Brackla, Loch Ness-side, Inverness, Scotland
The price is P6,738 per night from 10 Mar to 11 Mar
P6,738
P8,086 total
includes taxes & fees
Mar 10 - Mar 11
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Inverness. Enjoy free parking, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
7.8/10 Good! (638 reviews)
"The location was great, right on the Loch and an amazing view from our room."

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024

Loch Ness Clansman Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Loch Ness Gate House Apartments
Loch Ness Gate House Apartments
3 out of 5
Station Rd, Fort Augustus, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Fort Augustus. Enjoy free parking, laundry facilities, and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Clansman Centre and Allt ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
10-10
"Great little apartment with the perfect location to the loch & canals Can’t fault the place at all"

Reviewed on Oct 16, 2024

Loch Ness Gate House Apartments
Loch Ness Highland Cottages
Loch Ness Highland Cottages
4 out of 5
Invermoriston, Inverness, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Inverness. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Clog and Craft Shop and Suidhe Viewpoint are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (29 reviews)
"This is a beautiful gem. Spacious, clean, very quiet. Check in was quick and easy. Very well equipped kitchen. The hosts provided a lovely selection of basics upon our arrival. We absolutely loved it!!! Would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on Aug 31, 2023

Loch Ness Highland Cottages
Traditional Highland Cottage Near Loch Ness-sleeps 6
Traditional Highland Cottage Near Loch Ness-sleeps 6
3 out of 5
2 Lewiston Road, Inverness, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Inverness. Enjoy free parking, a garden, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Urquhart Castle and Nessieland Castle Monster ...
Traditional Highland Cottage Near Loch Ness-sleeps 6
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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