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.

Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel

Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel

3 out of 5
Drumnadrochit, Inverness, Scotland
The price is P6,372 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P6,372
P7,646 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Inverness. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (347 reviews)
"Loved our stay at the Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel. Very easy check-in & parking. Very convenient to things around Loch Ness--and not too bad a drive into Inverness. GREAT pizza at their cafe/bistro!"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel
Loch Ness Clansman Hotel

Loch Ness Clansman Hotel

3 out of 5
Brackla, Loch Ness-side, Inverness, Scotland
The price is P19,244 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P19,244
P23,093 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
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! (674 reviews)
Great Scottish hotel
"Very good for a 3 star hotel, we had loch view rooms with an unbeatable view. Breakfast was also excellent, with large buffet selection, plus cooked to order hot breakfast or pancakes. And fab coffee. Staff were all welcoming, helpful and friendly. A great stay."

Reviewed on Jul 26, 2025

Loch Ness Clansman Hotel
The Inch Hotel

The Inch Hotel

3 out of 5
Fort Augustus, Fort Augustus, Scotland
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fort Augustus. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (463 reviews)
Very comfortable and welcoming.
"Very comfortable and welcoming. Easy to park and ideally situated to visit the local area."

Reviewed on Jul 15, 2025

The Inch 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 Cottages

Loch Ness Cottages

3.5 out of 5
Brachla, Loch Ness-side, Inverness, Scotland
Stay at this 3.5-star cottage in Inverness. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Urquhart Castle and Abriachan Forest ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (31 reviews)
"Amazing cottage for a family vacation stop at Loch Ness. Lots of space, clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2025

Loch Ness Cottages
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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"It is a great property but don’t arrive late because there is not much communication until you arrive at the property. We arrived 3pm and you pick up keys at the coffee shop that closes arround 5:30. As long you get there early you won’t have a problem. Otherwise, the property is great! Very clean ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Loch Ness Gate House Apartments
Bridgend House B & B

Bridgend House B & B

3.5 out of 5
Inverness
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Inverness. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Urquhart Castle and Drum Farm Gallery ...
10/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
"Welcomed by Keith who talked us through everything in relation to breakfast, our room etc. Everything was perfect. Hubby was happy as coffee machine in our room! Spacious, large en-suite with good shower. Loved the ‘hair straightener’ slate on the dressing table to ensure no burn marks left - I used ..."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Bridgend House B & B
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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