Who hasn’t heard of Nessie, the elusive creature that dwells beneath the still waters of Loch Ness, a legend whispered through the ages? From the moment I first heard her tale, I felt a pull to the misty shores of that ancient loch, to seek out the shadowy depths where the monster might be hiding, waiting to reveal herself.

Loch Ness, the second-largest loch in Scotland by surface area, spans 56 km², yet it holds the title of the largest in the British Isles by volume, thanks to its remarkable depth. At its deepest point, Loch Ness plunges an astonishing 230 meters, deeper than the surrounding sea around the United Kingdom.

Though Loch Ness is often overshadowed by the legend of Nessie, the cryptozoological monster said to inhabit its waters, this mystical place is much more than just a creature hunt. Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands, it is surrounded by mountains that create an enchanting, serene atmosphere. Sadly, many visitors come only in search of Nessie, missing out on the loch’s natural beauty. The area offers plenty of picturesque spots, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.

During our stay, we were based in Drumnadrochit, a quaint village just a short distance from Loch Ness. It was the perfect home base for exploring the loch’s mysteries and surrounding landscapes, offering the perfect balance of charm, convenience, and access to this magical part of Scotland.

Loch Cruise

Although Loch Ness is heavily visited by tourists, I couldn’t resist the allure of a Loch Cruise. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the magic of the loch while hunting for the elusive Nessie. I must admit, I felt a surge of excitement as we set off on the waters, eyes peeled for any sign of the famous monster. Sadly, Nessie remained hidden, but the experience itself was absolutely mesmerizing.

The loch is so vast that you can’t see its edges from either side; it’s as if the water stretches on endlessly, bordered only by the towering mountains that embrace it. The sense of isolation and awe was simply stunning. We were fortunate with the weather, enjoying calm waters with minimal swell. However, even though the sun shone brightly, it was incredibly windy on the boat. So, a jacket and a cap are essential to stay comfortable while you take in the beautiful views. It was a fantastic adventure, and one that I will always cherish.

We booked our Loch Cruise at the VisitScotland Drumnadrochit iCentre and I can highly recommend it. You can also booked your tour at the Loch Ness Centre and Exhibition, which offers convenient parking and a souvenir shop. If you have time, I suggest visiting the exhibition as well; it provides fascinating insights into the entire Loch Ness legend, from the origins of the monster stories to the ongoing searches..

Even if you’re a skeptic when it comes to the Nessie tales, there’s something undeniably thrilling about boarding the boat. You can’t help but feel a twinge of excitement as you set off, wondering what might stir beneath the surface. After all, you never know what might be lurking in the depths of Loch Ness.

Urquhart Castle

Beside the famous Nessie, Loch Ness is also home to the impressive remains of Urquhart Castle, one of the largest castles in Scotland. The ruins you see today date back to the 13th and 16th centuries, though the site itself has a much older history, being built on the foundations of an earlier medieval fortification. Urquhart Castle played a crucial role in the Wars of Scottish Independence, standing as a symbol of Scotland’s resistance against English forces. The name Urquhart itself is believed to originate from the 7th century, combining Gaelic and Old Welsh influences.

Vitrified stones found at the southwest corner of the castle hint at an even older fort that once stood there, dating back to between the 5th and 11th centuries. These findings give the castle a deep historical significance, making it even more intriguing to visit.

When you approach Urquhart Castle, it might seem like you can simply wander into the ruins for free, but in reality, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket and head down to the castle through the visitor center. The journey to the castle adds a bit of adventure, making the experience of exploring this historic site even more worthwhile.

Urquhart Castle is undoubtedly one of the most visited castles in Scotland, and I completely understand why. From the moment you step foot in the castle, you are left speechless. It’s easy to imagine how magnificent it must have been in its prime. The castle’s expansive grounds offer a wealth of places to explore, each corner unveiling a new layer of history.

Upon entering the castle, you have several paths to take. To the left, a slightly elevated path leads you to the higher part of the castle, where you’re treated to an incredible view of the lower ruins and the vast Loch Ness stretching out below. The breathtaking panorama really highlights the castle’s strategic location, overlooking the waters.

As you wander through the castle, you’ll find informative signs detailing the history of the different areas, enriching your visit with fascinating insights into the past. For a truly unique experience, you can even walk down to the water’s edge of Loch Ness itself. Standing there, with your feet in the very waters that are home to the legendary Nessie, is a surreal moment that truly connects you to the myth and mystery of this iconic location.

Finally, no visit to Urquhart Castle would be complete without exploring its iconic tower and the surrounding area. Climbing the tower offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire castle and the majestic Loch Ness stretching far into the distance. The view is absolutely breathtaking, providing a unique perspective of the castle’s vast grounds and the serene waters below.

However, be prepared for the wind when you reach the top. It can be so fierce that it almost feels like it’s pushing you back from the wall, making it difficult to fully take in the scenery. I’d highly recommend wearing warm, windproof clothing, as it can get quite chilly at the top, especially on windy days. But despite the cold, the incredible views are more than worth the climb, offering a memorable experience at one of Scotland’s most legendary landmarks.

Although Loch Ness is really touristy and super crowded in the high season, it is absolutely worth a visit, even if you don’t believe in the Loch Ness Monster. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit it during the off-season.

Read next: The ultimate Scotland Guide