The so-called ‘Loch Ness Monster’ or ‘Nessie’ attracts thousands of visitors each year. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have heard the rumours of an elusive monster living in the depths of Loch Ness.
As well as mythical creatures, this beautiful part of the world is also home to some of Scotland’s finest countryside and historical landmarks.
So, it’s time to pack your walking boots, grab a camera and hit the water with a trip to the heart of the Scottish Highlands.
Join us as we explore some weird Loch Ness Monster facts and offer top tips to plan a trip to remember.
Where is Loch Ness?
Before we discuss our old friend Nessie, let’s take a look at the loch itself.
Loch Ness lies in a natural geographical fault in the breathtaking Scottish Highlands.
Have you ever looked at a map of the UK and noticed a strange line of water running between Inverness and Fort William? Known as the Great Glen, it looks like a giant canal running across the entire width of Scotland.
Seven different rivers feed into Loch Ness which occupies a 37km stretch of gloomy water between Inverness and Fort Augustus.
Staggeringly, the vast expanse contains more freshwater than all the lakes in England and Wales combined.
Are the Loch Ness Monster Sightings Real or a Hoax?
While the sheer beauty of the Great Glen is enough of a reason to visit the loch, most people visit for a much more unusual reason.
Stories of a mystical beast who lurks beneath the surface have been the subject of debate for decades.
Curious travellers have searched for good old Nessie ever since rumours first began in the sixth century.
Despite many believing the Loch Ness Monster is nothing more than an old wives tale, there have been various unusual sightings that have sparked interest over the years.
While there’s no hard evidence to prove Nessie’s existence, eyebrows were raised when an unsuspecting tourist captured a bizarre photograph over 80 years ago.
Was the Loch Ness Monster Pictured in 1934?
The so-called ‘surgeon's photograph’ is the first photograph claiming to capture Nessie emerging from the loch in 1934.
Robert Kenneth Wilson, a surgeon from London, was visiting the Great Glen when he suddenly spotted a strange creature in the corner of his eye. He scrambled for his camera and captured what many believe to be the first formal evidence of Nessie’s existence.
While many experts claim the photo is all part of an elaborate hoax, the spooky photo continues to stir rumours surrounding Scotland’s mysterious monster.
Since then there have been numerous attempts to capture the perfect snap of Nessie. The Official Loch Ness Monster Sightings Register claims 1157 sightings to date.
Loch Ness Monster Boat Tours
Are you curious to search for Nessie yourself?
Why not jump aboard a Loch Ness boat cruise to experience the mystery of the loch for yourself?
Keep your eyes peeled as you search for the elusive creature and soak in your breathtaking surroundings.
There’s no better way to enjoy The Great Glen’s unique landscape than on a relaxing boat cruise.
Enjoy front-row seats of some of Scotland’s most historic sites as you journey through the legendary valley of Glen Coe. Admire the soaring peak of Ben Nevis before snapping a selfie with Nessie.
Nessie Hot Spots
If you’re serious about finding Nessie and seeing the best Loch Ness has to offer, there are a few pit stops you need to include in your tour.
Here are some of our favourites:
- Drumnadrochit. Stopping off at the beautiful Highland village of Drumnadrochit is an absolute must. This traditional Scottish hamlet nestles between the water of Urquhart Bay and is home to the famous Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Discover everything there is to know about Nessie and learn about the unique history of this magical place.
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- Invermoriston. You can’t visit the Great Glen without paying a visit to the famous Telford Bridge. The impressive 1813 design stretches across the River Moriston which flows into Loch Ness below. Enjoy an idyllic walk to the village of Sròn Na Muic to enjoy some of the best views across the Glen.
- Urquhart Castle. Home to over a thousand years of history, Urquhart Castle was a military stronghold for centuries. Soak up the ancient remains as you enjoy an incredible vantage point of the loch below.
Are you ready to begin your search for Nessie?
Discover the Best of Loch Ness with Scottish Tours
With Scottish Tours, all the hard work is done for you. We plan unforgettable trips and make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Discover the best of Loch Ness and the Great Glen with our epic Loch Ness tours. Whether you’re cruising the loch by boat, walking the beautiful hills of Glencoe, or touring the area on a luxury bus tour, Scottish Tours has you covered.
Take a short one day trip to Loch Ness from Edinburgh or spend several days exploring the region. Whatever you choose, Scottish Tours offers you some of the best Loch Ness tours available.
Browse available tours and book online today.