Loch Ness – Experience Scotland’s Most Famous Lake
Loch Ness – Experience Scotland’s Most Famous Lake
The Loch Ness Monster – is it real or just a legend? We don’t know for sure... but does it even really matter? The mighty lake is definitely worth a day trip anyway. Just a ten minute drive from the hotel and you reach Loch Ness’ north bank. From there you have countless options to explore the water, the surrounding area and the legend.
Why not start off with a drive down the western lakeside road? After 20 minutes of beautiful scenery, you will reach the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. Here you can discover the history of the region, the origin of the Loch Ness legend and the explorational endeavours that it gave rise to.
A bit further down the road, on a small promontory on the shore of the lake, await the ruins of Urquhart Castle. The original fortification dates back over 800 years, while the castle itself was modified by different rulers until about the 16th century. Its remains, which reflect the region’s busy history, can still be seen there today.
Another 20 minutes’ drive down along the western lakeside you can park your car in the free carpark and take a short but charming walk through the forest to Invermoriston Falls. Take a few pictures, find a smooth rock and sit and enjoy the soothing sound of the falls.
Your next stop is just a further 10 minutes down on the south-western lakeshore. At Fort Augustus, you can marvel at the picturesque view back over Loch Ness and grab a bite at one of the inns or restaurants along the Caledonian Canal.
Your trip back to Inverness along the east of Loch Ness will take you through mountainous terrain. For the first 15 miles you won’t see the lake, but the scenic hillside road more than makes up for it. At Falls of Foyers you can spot the water again. If you any another stop, there is a path that leads you to a viewpoint over the falls. And for a great view of Loch Ness from the eastern shore, Foyers Pier is the perfect spot.
From there we recommend you take the small road closest to the lakeshore. After around 15 minutes you will arrive at Dores Beach. When the weather is right (or you’re feeling brave) you can take a dip or at least stick your toes in the water.
After that, the road once again wends away from the shoreline, with just a glimpse of the Loch reappearing every now and then in the distance. It rejoins for the last stretch of road and you finish the day heading back along the river Ness into Inverness.
P.S. for those of you who’d rather explore Loch Ness without a car, we recommend you try the 360° trail. Bikers, hikers and runners all absolutely love this epic circuit around the Loch.
