Loch Ness and Great Glen
Few places capture the imagination like Loch Ness. Set within the Great Glen, this vast loch combines myth, history, and natural beauty, making it one of Scotland’s most famous destinations.
- Scotland Tours
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Loch Ness
Loch Ness is the second largest loch in Scotland by surface area but the deepest and by volume the largest, holding more water than all of England’s lakes combined. Stretching over 37 km (23 miles), it is surrounded by hills and forests, creating a dramatic setting.
The Loch Ness Monster
The loch is world-famous for the legend of Nessie, the Loch Ness Monster. Sightings have been reported for centuries, and while science remains skeptical, the mystery continues to draw curious visitors.
Urquhart Castle
On the western shore stand the ruins of Urquhart Castle, a medieval fortress that played a central role in the Wars of Independence. Today, it offers some of the best panoramic views of the loch.
The Great Glen
The Great Glen is a geological fault line stretching from Fort William in the southwest to Inverness in the northeast. It links a chain of lochs, including Loch Lochy, Loch Oich, and Loch Ness, connected by the Caledonian Canal.
Caledonian Canal
Built in the early 19th century, the Caledonian Canal runs through the Great Glen, allowing boats to travel coast to coast across Scotland. It’s popular for boating, kayaking, and walking along the towpaths.
Outdoor Activities
- Cruises on Loch Ness offer a chance to enjoy the scenery and maybe spot Nessie.
- Hiking and cycling along the Great Glen Way, a 79-mile route from Fort William to Inverness.
- Fishing and wildlife watching, with opportunities to spot otters, eagles, and red deer.
Why Visitors Should Explore Loch Ness and the Great Glen
The blend of myth, history, and natural grandeur makes this region unforgettable. Whether chasing legends, cruising along the canal, or hiking the glen, Loch Ness and the Great Glen capture the imagination like nowhere else in Scotland.