Loch Ness Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Urquhart Castle featuring a ruin, heritage elements and a castle
Urquhart Castle showing a lake or waterhole and building ruins
Loch Ness
Loch Ness featuring a ferry and general coastal views as well as a small group of people
Loch Ness showing general coastal views, a marina and tranquil scenes

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 artifacts 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 £115 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
£115
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Inverness. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (343 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Loch Ness Drumnadrochit Hotel
The Inch Hotel

The Inch Hotel

3 out of 5
Fort Augustus, Fort Augustus, Scotland
The price is £176 per night from 18 Aug to 19 Aug
£176
18 Aug - 19 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fort Augustus. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their 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 15 Jul 2025

The Inch Hotel
Loch Ness Clansman Hotel

Loch Ness Clansman Hotel

3 out of 5
Brackla, Loch Ness-side, Inverness, Scotland
The price is £212 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£212
31 Jul - 1 Aug
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 26 Jul 2025

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 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 Wi-Fi, 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 20 Jul 2025

Loch Ness Cottages
Mor Carraig - Stunning Views Of Loch Ness - Perfect For Families And Couples

Mor Carraig - Stunning Views Of Loch Ness - Perfect For Families And Couples

Abriachan, SCT
Stay at this cottage in Inverness. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Urquhart Castle and Abriachan Forest ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (108 reviews)
Beautiful and Peaceful Scenery
"Loved staying here. It was the perfect ending to the day after venturing out to several different locations.Beautiful scenery and plenty of peace and quiet. If you are planning on staying near Inverness, I would highly recommend this place!"

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Mor Carraig - Stunning Views Of Loch Ness - Perfect For Families And Couples
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
"The property was larger than I expected, and it was close to everything we needed."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Loch Ness Gate House Apartments
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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Cities near Loch Ness