Loch Ness
Loch Ness
4.5
About
Many people believe that this brooding lake in Northern Scotland, 21 square miles in size at an average depth of 800 feet, could certainly hide a large dinosaur-like "monster," the lake's long-time and elusive resident.
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4 within 3 miles
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16 within 6 miles
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- J-from-MarysvilleMarysville, Ohio1,006 contributionsIt's beautifulI recommend you enjoy the Loch. Even if you don't find Nessie, it's nice to enjoy by boat or the pull offs along the road to the north of the Loch. We did both. We did the 2 hour Jacobite cruise at noon. It was a gorgeous day when we went. I hope you have a gorgeous day tooVisited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 18, 2023
- ndw78Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom2,928 contributionsAmazing place, must see whichever way on land or by boatWe were staying in fort Augustus so literally 2 mins away in the car. Whichever way you want to view the loch it will not disappoint. We visited during my sons half term holiday and was brilliant will definitely come back this time of year again. We went on a cruise and drove the whole way round. So many viewing points. You can’t be disappointedVisited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 30, 2023
- HelenWanderlustSingapore, Singapore2,274 contributionsLovely Loch Ness to try and catch a glimpse of NessieLovely Loch Ness is very scenic and world-famous iconic Scottish site for us to go and try and get a glimpse of Nessie. We also had gorgeous sunny and at times cloudy weather to enjoy sensational Scottish scenery. Recommended if you are driving through the Gorgeous Glencoe region in Spectacular Scotland.Visited April 2024Traveled soloWritten April 28, 2024
- Thomas&TammyHammond, Louisiana112 contributionsOccupied childhood thoughts....Was happy to have seen this Loch that occupied much of my childhood thoughts. Incidentally, the little restaurant served some awesome fish and chips there. Also, we loaded up on several tshirts which seemed to be in short supply, since it is generally hot where we come from.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 13, 2024
- Crazymoo2804Burntwood, United Kingdom179 contributionsGreat to experienceGreat stop off on our visit to Scotland. Atmosphere of the place was great, the little gift shops and cafes were great and really enjoyed our time stoppes off here. Also got to see some boats going through the locks up the Caledonian CanalVisited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 17, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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AvrilsTravels
Inverness, UK39 contributions
Jul 2021
I was dismayed to read another traveller had come along way and not managed to see the infamous Loch Ness Monster. I took a groups of guests out there the other week with great success!
Loch Ness may be 23 miles long and over 800 ft deep, holds more water than all the lakes in England & Wales combined and is the result of tectonic plates bashing into each other over 400 million years ago AND get's tremors on occasion ........but all of my guests managed to not only see the monster, some even got to FEED her!! Granted we had hit a lot of distilleries before reaching the Loch and it was late at night but I totally believe them when they say they saw her.
Not sure how anyone could fault this beautiful Loch and it's most famous resident but if they struggle finding Nessie might I suggest a trip to the Fairy Glen instead.
Loch Ness may be 23 miles long and over 800 ft deep, holds more water than all the lakes in England & Wales combined and is the result of tectonic plates bashing into each other over 400 million years ago AND get's tremors on occasion ........but all of my guests managed to not only see the monster, some even got to FEED her!! Granted we had hit a lot of distilleries before reaching the Loch and it was late at night but I totally believe them when they say they saw her.
Not sure how anyone could fault this beautiful Loch and it's most famous resident but if they struggle finding Nessie might I suggest a trip to the Fairy Glen instead.
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shoeb Arif
Dubai, United Arab Emirates575 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
5point Review
Views from out of this world. What else? Lets dive in.
1. Thumbs up : The views are stunning. I am informed this is the largest lake by water volume. Although it is quite narrow but it is long and we drove around it to see the spectacular scenery. The day we visited it was rainy so the lush green hilltops with low hanging cloud looked straight out of some movie scene. We visited the Dores beach which was well maintained.
2. Thumbs down : The location of Loch Ness on google map took us to the middle of nothing. It just abruptly ended when we were driving around a lake. No beach or boating or nothing (Google maps, do you hear that. You can certainly do better than that). Then we drove around and found this beach which was good, but apart from beach and a small cafe there qas nothing else. Boats, cruises etc are scattered on other side of the lake and are hard to locate if you are self driving. Water was obviously too cold to swim so basically we took a few pics, sat on the beach and then returned. After a 3.5 hours drive from Glasgow we spent less than an hour here and it looked like waste of time because there were hundreds of other things to do in Highlands.
3. Wow factor : The scenery is truly spectacular and the drive up to Inverness is beautiful as well. It is worth it if you are into nature exploration.
4. Money Matters : There is no fees (apart from the fuel charges from where you are driving). So if you are nearby do visit this place.
5. 5point Experience : If you really want to go there do a good research on what activities you will do there ( and where to find them) or else you will feel lost. If you are far from this lake give it a miss as Highlands have many more lakes and you will surely find one with more fun near you.
And Google please update your location suggestions, ending in middle of nowhere is no fun.
My ratings : Worth a visit if nearby or else worth giving it a miss. Decision is yours
Follow me and check my profile for more 5point Reviews. Dont worry, they are free :)
Views from out of this world. What else? Lets dive in.
1. Thumbs up : The views are stunning. I am informed this is the largest lake by water volume. Although it is quite narrow but it is long and we drove around it to see the spectacular scenery. The day we visited it was rainy so the lush green hilltops with low hanging cloud looked straight out of some movie scene. We visited the Dores beach which was well maintained.
2. Thumbs down : The location of Loch Ness on google map took us to the middle of nothing. It just abruptly ended when we were driving around a lake. No beach or boating or nothing (Google maps, do you hear that. You can certainly do better than that). Then we drove around and found this beach which was good, but apart from beach and a small cafe there qas nothing else. Boats, cruises etc are scattered on other side of the lake and are hard to locate if you are self driving. Water was obviously too cold to swim so basically we took a few pics, sat on the beach and then returned. After a 3.5 hours drive from Glasgow we spent less than an hour here and it looked like waste of time because there were hundreds of other things to do in Highlands.
3. Wow factor : The scenery is truly spectacular and the drive up to Inverness is beautiful as well. It is worth it if you are into nature exploration.
4. Money Matters : There is no fees (apart from the fuel charges from where you are driving). So if you are nearby do visit this place.
5. 5point Experience : If you really want to go there do a good research on what activities you will do there ( and where to find them) or else you will feel lost. If you are far from this lake give it a miss as Highlands have many more lakes and you will surely find one with more fun near you.
And Google please update your location suggestions, ending in middle of nowhere is no fun.
My ratings : Worth a visit if nearby or else worth giving it a miss. Decision is yours
Follow me and check my profile for more 5point Reviews. Dont worry, they are free :)
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Midlife Adventure
Dursley, UK2,768 contributions
Aug 2021
With an afternoon to spare at the end of our NC500 trip we decided to drive over from Dingwall for the afternoon last Sunday.
As other reviewers have suggested I would do some research in advance as many of the attractions are currently closed including the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. The road around the west side of the loch has a few pull ins but its a busy road so not the easiest place to stop.
The views along and across the loch are worthy of a few photos but having covered the Western Highlands as part of our road trip we have seen a lot more picturesque expanses of water
As other reviewers have suggested I would do some research in advance as many of the attractions are currently closed including the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition. The road around the west side of the loch has a few pull ins but its a busy road so not the easiest place to stop.
The views along and across the loch are worthy of a few photos but having covered the Western Highlands as part of our road trip we have seen a lot more picturesque expanses of water
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adrienne Toumayan
Washington DC, DC444 contributions
Sep 2021
I loved visiting Loch Ness! I stayed in Inverness for about a week and saw lots of different sides of it. I took the bus down to Urquhart Castle and enjoyed walking around the site and taking in the views of Loch Ness from the castle site. I also did a boat cruise from Fort Augustus up to the castle and back on the water - that was super fun! I loved seeing the views from the water instead of along the roads. There's also a lovely walk from Inverness to see the River Ness Islands. I definitely recommend visiting in one way or another to soak up the views and see if you can spot Nessie ;)
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jessimo
Stoke-on-Trent, UK846 contributions
Sep 2021
We took a boat trip on the Loch and also stopped off at different locations while on our coach tour of Scotland. Fort Augustus is the gateway to Loch Ness and truly is beautiful. While on the boat we got close to Urquhart Castle, which was worth the trip in the wind and rain. Even on a rainy day the whole area is stunning you need to experience Loch ness on a boat its the only way to travel.
Written January 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann H
York, UK2,571 contributions
Jun 2021
Wherever you go along the shores of this you cannot be anything but mesmerised by the sheer expanse of the water. We were at the little beach where the caravan selling the models of Nessie are situated and it was very quiet. We didn't stay long but it is such a peaceful place it is a must visit if you are anywhere near.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waddler
York, UK12,548 contributions
Apr 2022
Loch ness is big and deep, and of course has the castle ruin. It is (ruin aside), however a relatively unremarkable loch scenery-wise compared to many other lochs in Scotland, and is also of course much busier than most with tourists.
Of course its the legend of nessie that brings the folks here rather than the scenery.
Of course its the legend of nessie that brings the folks here rather than the scenery.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
western87
London, UK196 contributions
Sep 2021
we stay in Drumnadrochit village, it is good location to discover loch ness and easy reach nearby attractions around loch ness. Loch ness is beautiful and history story to tell. worth to visit.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vanetafloyd2015
Capital Federal District, Argentina155 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Unmissable place. I took an excursion from Edinburgh, the whole walk is very nice. But I would recommend reserving a few days in the highlands to enjoy and explore the different points of the lake. To go at least once in your life. I hope to be able to return.
Written February 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph I
Sydney, Australia29 contributions
May 2019 • Couples
We drove the length of Lochness from our stay in Mingary Castle to Inverness.
What a spectacle. Picked up a jaguar rental from Edinburgh airport.
The Loch is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes I’ve seen. As is Scotland. I wish I’d gotten more photos of the drive but it was so beautiful I just took it all in with my eyes...
What a spectacle. Picked up a jaguar rental from Edinburgh airport.
The Loch is one of the most beautiful natural landscapes I’ve seen. As is Scotland. I wish I’d gotten more photos of the drive but it was so beautiful I just took it all in with my eyes...
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are dogs welcome to walk around here?
Written August 10, 2020
Hello. Does anyone know where I can see the loch ness signs. One is a blue sign with black writing and the other is a stone sign with mental lettering.
Wouldn't want to miss them.
Written February 3, 2020
The blue sign is located at fort Augustus, the south-west end of Loch Ness. If you care to stop in the Loch Ness museum and gift shop the gentleman there gave me directions to everything I wanted to see.
Written February 3, 2020
Подскажите пожалуйста, а у какой компании в эдинбурге брали этот тур?
Written October 22, 2019
Hey!
What company would to recommend? We dont need the tickets for Urquhart castle included ; just the water ride.
Thanks
Written August 17, 2019
Although we didn’t take a cruise, they start around £15-£20 per person
Written August 25, 2019
Hello,
I am driving from Isle of skye to Inverness to stay over. Please advise where should I stop at Loch Ness to see Nessie monster?
Written May 27, 2019
I would recommend you to look into B&B's around that area, Not only it is less expensive but also you can get to enjoy the lovely Scottish hospitality.
Written July 8, 2019
Bonjour
Je fais un road trip av mon mari et mon fils de 10 ans pour son anniversaire
Je voulais savoir s’il y avait des balade sur le loch ness plus accès pour les enfants avec recherche du monstre par exemple ?
Merci à tous 😉
Axelle
Written February 28, 2019
Lo siento, a éste viaje fui solo.
No averigüé ningún paquete para niños!
Pero seguramente hay!
Busca en la web:
The pigeon pair and me
Ahí seguramente encuentres muchas cosas para niños!
Saludos
Written March 6, 2019
Yes, plenty of places to stop and eat. If you drive up the loch on either side there are plenty of places to stop
Written August 2, 2018
How much are the boat tour for kids and when are they ranked as adults
Written July 22, 2018
Suggest you check out Jacobite
Has prices for 0 to 4 and 5 to 16
Hope this helps.
Written July 23, 2018
Somebody helps me how can I go to Loch Ness by myself from Edinburgh? Would be easier get a tour by bus?
Written June 23, 2018
Hello,
The easiest would be to rent a car and drive all the way up. Or you could book a tour that takes you Loch Ness among other places.
There are some great tours you can book.
Written June 24, 2018
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