Loch Ness

Loch Ness | Highlands

This iconic Scottish tourist destination attracts millions of visitors every year and it is one of the largest and most famous lochs in the world. If you want to have a go at spotting the legendary loch monster “Nessie”, start planning your trip with My Voyage Scotland’s ‘Complete Guide to Loch Ness’ where we look at the top things to do in Loch Ness.


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Things to do in Loch Ness

Loch Ness is a must-see tourist attraction in Scotland.

If you are travelling to this part of Scotland then you must embrace this famous stretch of water which is 23 miles long and over 700 ft deep – this makes Scotland’s biggest loch in terms of volume.

The loch runs from Loch Dochfour to Fort Augustus. If you plan on traveling across this route you will be greeted by small charming villages such as Dores and Foyers.

There are a few great little places to stop off at when visiting Loch Ness. We have chosen our top things to do in Loch Ness below.

Urquhart Castle

Loch Ness | Urquhart Castle

One of the best things to do in Loch Ness is visiting Urquhart Castle.

Scotland is home to some of the UK’s most dramatic castles and on the western shore of Loch Ness, there is Urquhart Castle.

Now a ruin, this former royal castle has seen some of the most iconic battles in Scottish history.

Visitors to the site can see the cells and towers where all the medieval and Jacobite action happened.

There are also fantastic opportunities to learn more about the Wars of Independence and the Jacobite at Urquhart Castle’s visitor centre.

Find Nessie

This enchanting country is known for its rich myths and legends. One of the most famous myth is that of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’.

Over the years there have been tons of sightings of a strange creature in the waters of Loch Ness, with claims dating back to 1933!

If you believe in ‘Nessie’ then trying to spot her is one of the best things to do in Loch Ness.

You can try to spot her during your visit and learn more about this mystery water monster at the Loch Ness Centre & Exhibition Experience and Nessieland.

Both visitor centres are located in Drumnadrochit near Urquhart Castle.

Hiking

Meall Fuar-mhonaidh

Get your hiking boots ready as Loch Ness is the perfect destination for long hill walks and hikes.

One of the highest hills around the loch is Meall Fuar-mhonaidh Ness sitting at 699 m high.

This landmark is a popular hiking spot due to the excellent views it offers these who climb it.

On a clear summer’s day, climbers get first-class views of Loch Ness, and you may catch sightings of Ben Nevis, Fort William and Inverness.

Visit Inverness advises that “it is about a 3-hour walk to the summit and back. Just one word of warning, the route does get very boggy after heavy rain!”

Baxters Loch Ness Marathon

If you are looking for a challenge, Baxters Loch Ness Marathon is hosted here every year.

In recent years the route has been voted in the top 10 UK marathons by Runner’s World readers.

While you take on this spectacular run and memorable, you will be up close to beautiful Scottish scenery that lies across the route.

Ness Islands

If extreme sports are not for you, take it easy with a gentle walk around the Ness Islands.

This Highland gem is adored by locals can tourists and it is a short distance away from Inverness city centre.

This natural pack is tucked away in the middle of the River Ness and are connected by suspension bridges that date back to the Victorian times.

This three-mile walk is suitable for those of all exercise levels and takes visitors about one hour to complete.

ou can also stop to enjoy a picnic in Ness Island’s picturesque surroundings.

Fishing

The catch of the day awaits you in the Loch Ness waters.

This part of Scotland is incredibly popular with tourists that are traveling to Scotland to fish. Residents of the loch include salmon, pike, trout – making it a lucrative spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Fish Loch Ness provides guided fishing tours in the area. This tour is operated by experts with great knowledge of this area. Tours run from the Easter break to mid-September, this is the best time to visit if you want to reap the rewards of the Loch.

Take a tour

Caledonian Canal at Fort Augustus

What better way to enjoy the beauty of Loch Ness than on a bus or boat tour. Many providers that offer this kind of experience and while they take the wheel you can learn more about this famous part of Scotland while you enjoy the stunning landscapes that surround this area.

If you are planning on setting sail along Loch Ness boat trips depart regularly from Inverness, Drumnadrochit and Fort Augustus. Twilight cruises are available if you want to catch the sun setting on the loch’s unforgettable waters.

Spa Breaks Loch Ness

If you are looking for relaxing things to do in Loch Ness then a Scottish spa trip should deffinately be on your agenda.

After all of that activity, you will need some time to relax during your Scottish break.

Loch Ness Lodge offers its guests luxurious spa treatments and pampering at its venue which is a stone throw away from the loch’s banks.

The Lodge has a spa and therapy suite, so once you have enjoyed the indoor hot tub and sauna, you can book in for a massage, facial and other spa treatments.

Day trip to Inverness

If you want to get back to city life for a day or two while you are traveling the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is just a short distance from Inverness.

Known as the Capital of the Highlands Inverness sits at the mouth of the River Ness. The most northern city offers its guests a variety of tourist attractions events and festivals to choose from.

Inverness is a popular base for couples on a city break. This is due to its rich selection of hotels, great range of shops and a thriving riverside area.

There are many hotels, restaurants and cafes to choose from.

In the Old Town of Inverness, there is also Victorian Market – if you fancy taking a step back in time.

Loch Ness is a 30-minute drive away from the centre of Inverness and there are several transport links to and from the city.

More Things to do in The Highlands

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