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Loch Ness
FAQ
Where is the Loch Ness?
Loch Ness is located in the Scottish Highlands. The northern end of the loch is around 7 miles south of Inverness. The River Ness flows through Inverness and into Loch Ness at its northern tip.
What size is Loch Ness?
Loch Ness is 22.5 miles long at it’s longest point. It stretches up to 1.7 miles wide. It’s the second largest Scottish loch by surface area, after Loch Lomond.
How deep is Loch Ness?
It has an average depth of 433ft but can be up to 744ft deep in places. It’s the second deepest loch in Scotland (the deepest is Loch Morar) but due to it’s size it has the largest volume of water. It’s said to contain more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
Are there villages by Loch Ness?
Yes, there are a number of small villages by the shores of the loch. Fort Augustus is right at the southern tip, Drumnadrochit is on the west coast and both Foyers and Dores are on the east coast of the loch.
Will I see the Loch Ness Monster?
Monster hunters can certainly keep their eyes peeled. There have been 4 official sightings in 2021 so far. You can learn more about the history of the Loch Ness monster below.
Did you know?
In 2005, 100 athletes were insured against monster bites while taking part in a triathlon at Loch Ness.
What is the history of the Loch Ness Monster?
It’s written that in the 6th century, Irish Missionary St Columba shouted at the Loch Ness monster. That was the start of the recorded sightings but it wasn’t until the 20th century that Nessie became a popular phenomenon. In the 1930’s the local press shared there were several accounts of Nessie. George Spicer and his wife claimed to have seen the monster in 1933 which sparked interest in the public.
In 1934 a motorcyclist claimed he almost hit Nessie and drew a picture of the ‘monster’. This was likely to have been either a seal or an otter. Later the same year a man from London submitted, the first photograph of Nessie known as the ‘Surgeon’s Photograph’ to the Daily Mail. Many now believe this to be a hoax but there are some who are still sure a monster exists.
In 2018, a DNA survey of loch water samples showed no evidence of Nessie was to be found.
Can I visit a castle near Loch Ness?
Yes, the ruins of Urquhart Castle sit on the banks of Loch Ness. It’s the 3rd most visited castle in Scotland.
Founded in the 13th century the castle played an important part in Scottish History, particularly in the Wars of Independence. Throughout the wars the castle was under both Scottish and English control. Government soldiers fighting in the Jacobite risings set explosives in the castle on their exit, leaving behind the famous ruins we see today.
Visitors can walk through the ruins and imagine what life was like in medieval Scotland. There are also information boards around the site too. Inside there’s a short film about the castle to enjoy alongside a well stocked gift shop.
Would you like to visit Loch Ness on tour?
We have 1 day tours to Loch Ness, as well as Multi-Day tours to the Isle of Skye which visit the Loch too. You can find all of our tours to the area on our Loch Ness Destination page.
Loch Ness, Haunting Glencoe & The Highlands
Our Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands tour is one of our most popular day tours. The journey covers a lot of the Scottish Highlands in a single day. Spectacular Glencoe will take your breath away and you’ll have the chance to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster with a cruise on Loch Ness.
Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands
Our Loch Ness, Glencoe & the Highlands tour is one of our most popular day tours. The journey from Edinburgh covers a lot of the Scottish Highlands in one day. Stunning Glencoe is simply breathtaking and you’ll have the opportunity to spot the mythical Loch Ness Monster with a cruise on Loch Ness.
Isles of Mull, Iona & Skye Island Hopping
Explore the islands of Mull, Iona, Ulva, Staffa & Skye. Enjoy the wildlife on the Isle of Mull and the peace and serenity on the tiny sacred island of Iona. Get off the beaten track on the small community island of Ulva and the uninhabited island of Staffa before visiting the spectacular Isle of Skye.
Isles of Mull, Iona & Skye Island Hopping
Explore the islands of Mull, Iona, Ulva, Staffa & Skye. Enjoy the wildlife on the Isle of Mull and the peace and serenity on the tiny sacred island of Iona. Get off the beaten track on the small community island of Ulva and the uninhabited island of Staffa before visiting the spectacular Isle of Skye.
Isle of Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness
An island of faerie folklore, single track mountain passes, secret glens, craggy rock formations, crystal clear pools and waterfalls. Rich in history with a vast array of wildlife and spectacular scenery, it’s little wonder the Isle of Skye is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland.
Isle of Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness
An island of faerie folklore, single track mountain passes, secret glens, craggy rock formations, crystal clear pools and waterfalls. Rich in history with a vast array of wildlife and spectacular scenery, it’s little wonder the Isle of Skye is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scotland.
Isle of Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness
Sit back and fully absorb the ever-changing colours and textures of the isle of Skye on this four day tour. Get up close to the curious geology of the Trotternish Peninsula and feel the magic at Fairy Glen. You’ll see why romantic Skye was voted the world’s 4th best island destination by National Geographic.
Isle of Skye, The Highlands & Loch Ness
Sit back and relax as this four day tour weaves through the Highlands to idyllic Skye. Capture photos of the Quiraing, Kilt Rock and the Old Man of Storr and feel like you’re on the edge of the world at Neist Point lighthouse. Skye always lives up to its reputation as the world’s 4th best island destination.
