Trains to Loch Ness

About Loch Ness

It's hard to talk about Loch Ness without acknowledging the elephant - or rather the monster - in the room. But we'll leave Nessie to one side for now, because this iconic Highland loch has much more to offer. Some 23 miles long and only around one mile wide, it connects with the River Ness in the north, and with the Caledonian Canal and the Rivers Oich and Tarff in the south, forming a spectacular ribbon of water fringed by forested hills and ruined castles. It's pure Highland romance, perfect for long walks or cycle rides.

To start your visit, head to Fort Augustus at the south end of the loch, or to Drumnadrochit, midway down the western shore. Both are home to a wide range of boat tour operators who'll take you out on pleasure cruises or fishing trips. Drumnadrochit is also home to the dramatic ruins of Urquhart Castle. If you do fancy a spot of monster-hunting, The Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition - also in Drumnadrochit - is packed with stories and images from the search for the famous beastie, and charts the history of the surrounding area too. Displays include Robert Wilson's 1934 hoax images, and sonar readings from Operation Deepscan in 1987.