Loch Ness

Travel Guide

Urquhart Castle showing a ruin, chateau or palace and a lake or waterhole
Urquhart Castle featuring a lake or waterhole and building ruins
Loch Ness
Loch Ness showing a ferry and general coastal views 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 kilometres) long and more than 700 feet (215 metres) 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-kilometre) 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-kilometre) 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 centre 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 artefacts recovered from the castle and watch a movie about its history in the video theatre.

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 RM418 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
RM418
RM502 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (401 reviews)
"The room was beautiful and clean, the bathroom seemed brand-new and in perfect shape. Liquid soaps and shampoo all from local Soap Company, high quality and very eco-friendly! Only downside was it's poorly soundproofed; you hear your neighbours talk (normal voice level) and their bathroom extractor ..."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel
Loch Ness Clansman Hotel

Loch Ness Clansman Hotel

3 out of 5
Brackla, Loch Ness-side, Inverness, Scotland
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! (704 reviews)
"Lovely place"

Reviewed on 6 Oct 2025

Loch Ness Clansman Hotel
Loch Ness Lodge

Loch Ness Lodge

5 out of 5
Brachla, Inverness, Scotland
Stay at this 5-star luxury lodge in Inverness. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (154 reviews)
"We needed a place to stay last minute due to the power outage from storm Amy…..happened into this place and it was great. Very welcoming staff, very clean room with great view of the loch. Easy walk down the drive to grab dinner which was tasty! Would highly recommend"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Loch Ness Lodge
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! (38 reviews)
Fabulous!
"It has all the amenities, including washer, dryer, refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher. It sits up high over the hill looking over Loch Ness. I wish we could’ve stayed longer!"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (9 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 28 Jul 2025

Loch Ness Gate House Apartments
Highland Apartments By Mansley

Highland Apartments By Mansley

4 out of 5
Living by the Bridge, 20-23 Bridge St, Inverness, Scotland
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Inverness. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Inverness Castle and Inverness ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (510 reviews)
"We like the clean room and most of items are functioning."

Reviewed on 5 Oct 2025

Highland Apartments By Mansley
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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